Hilton HHonors - No tips to maid = no HHonors points?

Being a European I must admit that I often forget to put tips to the maid when leaving a hotel room.

When we sat on the plane bac to Europe, we got to talk about that we should have left some tips for the maid... We stayed for 10 nights. But this is too late. I could call the hotel to charge me for tips, but I must admit I don't know where these money will go.

I checked out about 7days ago, and my points still havn't shown on my account. The eFolio already shows on my account.

Could it be, that the points hasn't been credited my account, because I didn't tip the maids? - I may be way out... Just want to hear your comments.

No way. You'll get points no matter whether you tipped the maid or not, trust me on this.

Just wait a few more days and if it's not posted, call the HH phone number.

JP

what logic equated miles/points to tipping (or lack there of) the maid?

As a side note, it is more considerate and better appreciated to leave a small daily tip for house keeping each day you are there. If you stayed for ten days, the same person did not clean your room each day. :cool:

Am sitting here folding my head in shame. :o

Looks like I missed out on some basic social education here. What would you consider to be a reasonable daily tip?

what logic equated miles/points to tipping (or lack there of) the maid?

It was just a thought I got... As I said, I may be way out... and it seems I am... sorry...

Thanks for all the input. The idea og daily tip has been noted :)

Am sitting here folding my head in shame. :o

Looks like I missed out on some basic social education here. What would you consider to be a reasonable daily tip?

At least here in the states, I think that the rule of thumb is USD 2.00/person/day, assuming, of course, that you received decent service from housekeeping.

Am sitting here folding my head in shame. :o

Looks like I missed out on some basic social education here. What would you consider to be a reasonable daily tip?

I think a buck a day is a good place to start, more if you've asked for extra towels, etc.

Here's how to do it: http://hotels.about.com/od/hotelsecrets/ht/tip_hotel_maid.htm

Funny I was thinking a similar thought about a recent stay at the Hilton Suites in Anaheim, CA. I was there for three nights at the end of January. I admit I don't leave housekeeping tips that often. A lot of my stays recently have been with HGVC properties, where there is no daily housekeeping. I actually prefer not to have anyone in my room. And most of the time I just don't think about it when I'm in a rush to check out (which I always am).

So, there is this little card that is on the desk with something like "hi I am (fill in the blank) and will be taking care of your housekeeping needs." To me this says, "Hi, I am ****, please tip me!". Well, I noticed that on the second day it was pushed out on to the edge of the desk, like in a blatantly obvious place. This just made me laugh. She also did one thing that really annoyed me; on the last morning before checkout at about 9am (check out is 11a), she bangs on the door, yells "housekeeping" and starts to come in. And this is with the "do not disturb" sign on the door! And I hate when they knock and start coming in in like the same action... without even waiting for an answer! What's up with that?

Anyway, I didn't leave a tip in the room. Well a couple days later, I notice on my credit card, immediately after the room charge (which matched the e-folio amount exactly), there was a $5.00 charge from the same hotel. I called up the hotel and spoke with the front desk. He told me it was a "mini bar" charge. I told him... there aren't even "mini-bars" in your hotel!? It's an all-suite hotel (like ES) and each room has a mini-fridge, but they're all empty!

Then he said "It's for the bottle of Fiji water that you drank." I said "There WAS no Fiji water in the room." (I didn't even see it there). Besides, I was given two bottles of water for my stay as a HHGold (there was a card included). I don't, and wouldn't have used any bottle of Fiji water. He said, ok.. I'll take care of it. He credited the $5 back to my Visa and my e-folio was also updated.

What immediately occured to me, however, is the fact that they would have gotten the info on the "missing water" from the housekeeper. It's totally conceivable to me that she was annoyed at no tip so she decided to report a mini-bar charge out of spite.

But I agree, there is no way housekeeping would have access to your HHonors activity.

to the OP, there is no connection between tipping and whether or not your points credited for your stay.

Regarding an appropriate tip, I think it depends on where you are. I ust returned from CDG where $5 USD would be laughable. A couple of months ago I stayed at the Embassy Suites Mexico City where a $5 USD tip got me more bottles of water in my hotel room every day, than I could actually drink/use.

Domestic, I'd say $3/day is what I normally tip if I am satisfied with the service.

Am sitting here folding my head in shame. :o

Looks like I missed out on some basic social education here. What would you consider to be a reasonable daily tip?

Yeah, you and me both! I didn't realize there was some tipping involved here.

I ust returned from CDG where $5 USD would be laughable. Really?

I'm heading to Paris this Fall, and on my previous stays there (and elsewhere in Europe), I seldom tipped anyone because (well, according to FT, anyhow), tipping is not especially encouraged in Europe.

So --- what would be an appropriate tip in France (or is it Paris or just CDG in particular)?

tipping is not especially encouraged in Europe.


:p

You and I must be living in parallel universes...... In my universe, tipping is widely expected.

I'm an American, and travel a LOT. I do NOT tip ( unless I ask for something special like extra towels, etc.. or if I make a mess in the room).

Why should I tip housekeeping for doing their job? Tipping has gotten out of the control here in the US. :mad:

Most of the time, I'm in my room at 8 or 9PM. Sleep, then leave by 6 or 7am. I"m not there much, and don't leave a mess.

I'm an American, and travel a LOT. I do NOT tip ( unless I ask for something special like extra towels, etc.. or if I make a mess in the room).

Why should I tip housekeeping for doing their job? Tipping has gotten out of the control here in the US. :mad:

Most of the time, I'm in my room at 8 or 9PM. Sleep, then leave by 6 or 7am. I"m not there much, and don't leave a mess.

We're rapidly going down a well trodden path to make this like a lot of other tipping threads. Anecdotally, I think that post counts for threads on tipping are only slightly edged out by post counts for threads on fat airline pax...

That said, I agree with you 100%. Gratuities should be for when someone provides a special service -- not for something that is the basic/core/fundamental part of their job. Tipping is out of control in the US and everywhere that sees a ton of tip-happy US tourists.

peace,
~Ben~

Appropriate amount for a housekeeping tip at a Hilton property without any extra service: $0.

Appropriate amount to an individual who provides special services: $2-3, sometimes more if it's beyond the call of duty.

I'm an American, and travel a LOT. I do NOT tip ( unless I ask for something special like extra towels, etc.. or if I make a mess in the room).

Why should I tip housekeeping for doing their job? Tipping has gotten out of the control here in the US. :mad:

Then, out of fundamental fairness, you should be contacting your senators, representatives, and state legislators and demanding that they increase the minimum wage for so-called "tipped" positions if you do not tip.

Maids in hotels get an incredibly low minimum wage (which can be as low as $2.13 an hour) under the presumption that they are able to earn more on tips, and therefore the hotel should not have to pay them a reasonable living wage salary.

So, you don't want to tip them? Then support a change in the minimum wage for such workers.

(And I'm not a socialist, or even a Democrat, but a Republican.)

I'm an American, and travel a LOT. I do NOT tip ( unless I ask for something special like extra towels, etc.. or if I make a mess in the room).

Why should I tip housekeeping for doing their job? Tipping has gotten out of the control here in the US. :mad:

Most of the time, I'm in my room at 8 or 9PM. Sleep, then leave by 6 or 7am. I"m not there much, and don't leave a mess.

Absolutely. The only times we've ever tipped was if house keeping went out their way to be nice and accommodating... not just for doing their jobs. Indiscriminate tipping sets the wrong expectations.

That said - if the OP's points don't show up then they should just call the HHonors line... the lack of points is unrelated to tipping the maid, but you may wanna check your bill for an extra mini bar charge ;)

What immediately occured to me, however, is the fact that they would have gotten the info on the "missing water" from the housekeeper. It's totally conceivable to me that she was annoyed at no tip so she decided to report a mini-bar charge out of spite.



Every Hilton I have stayed at has a separate staff member that restocks the mini-bar, etc. and keeps track of what is consumed. I have never stayed at a Hilton where this was done by the housekeeper.

Also, unfortunately, plenty of people "forget" to tip the housekeeping staff and the hardworking employees know that is to be expected. Seems pretty far-fetched to think they are going to retailiate against all the non-tippers.

Maids in hotels get an incredibly low minimum wage (which can be as low as $2.13 an hour) under the presumption that they are able to earn more on tips, and therefore the hotel should not have to pay them a reasonable living wage salary.

So, you don't want to tip them? Then support a change in the minimum wage for such workers.

I support such a change... as far as I'm concerned, tipping was never meant to subsidize regular wages but was meant for exemplary service... somewhere it got twisted and became "de facto" for employers to tip nothing and expect customers to subsidize their employees.

Maids in hotels get an incredibly low minimum wage (which can be as low as $2.13 an hour) under the presumption that they are able to earn more on tips, and therefore the hotel should not have to pay them a reasonable living wage salary.

So, you don't want to tip them? Then support a change in the minimum wage for such workers.



Are you sure you're not confusing housekeepers with bartenders or waiters? :confused:

Are you sure you're not confusing housekeepers with bartenders or waiters? :confused:

Duh.

Yes, I am sure. The FLSA exception for tipped employees applies to all employees who "customarily and regularly" receive more than $30 per MONTH in tips.

If employees do not earn enough to bring them up to the minimum wage, employers though must make up the difference.

But don't think that these employees are getting tips on top of a living wage. They are not (except in a few very unionized hotels, such as some in NYC, where it is my understanding that the housekeeping staff gets better wages).

Duh.



Is that really necessary?

Duh.

Yes, I am sure. The FLSA exception for tipped employees applies to all employees who "customarily and regularly" receive more than $30 per MONTH in tips.

If employees do not earn enough to bring them up to the minimum wage, employers though must make up the difference.

But don't think that these employees are getting tips on top of a living wage. They are not (except in a few very unionized hotels, such as some in NYC, where it is my understanding that the housekeeping staff gets better wages).

I owned an interest in three Motels in Tennessee and Alabama, no unions involved.
The housekeeping staff received minimum wage (to start) plus meals and uniforms

Almost all Hilton hotel rate quotes include this phrase"

"Unless otherwise stated, all prices include tax and service charge"

Maybe we should ask Hilton what this service charge is for, if it is not for the service provided?

Are you sure you're not confusing housekeepers with bartenders or waiters? :confused: I have to agree as maids do not earn tips normally? They clean what 15- 20 rooms a day, and I am sure only one or two people a day leave them a tip. That is at most 5 bucks. Not enough to keep there wages up. Also Waiters and bartenders have to pay taxes on there tips which is a percentage of the sales they make that shift, hoiw would they do that for the maids?

Is that really necessary?

Well, if you are going to post replies on FT suggesting people are "confused" and don't know what they are talking about (apparently without any basis, or having done any research, or having looked at the FLSA or regulations), then .....

We're rapidly going down a well trodden path to make this like a lot of other tipping threads. Anecdotally, I think that post counts for threads on tipping are only slightly edged out by post counts for threads on fat airline pax...

That said, I agree with you 100%. Gratuities should be for when someone provides a special service -- not for something that is the basic/core/fundamental part of their job. Tipping is out of control in the US and everywhere that sees a ton of tip-happy US tourists.

peace,
~Ben~

If you ask me you seemed to have taken it a bit further... Why not just say "you stupid Americans has screwed it up for those so much smarter and consequently know better"? :rolleyes:

It always amazes me that some here will spend $400 a night to stay in a luxury hotel, $15 on a bottle of beer or a glass of wine and are too cheap to leave a measly $1 for the chambermaid.. must be because they cant get miles on the tip.

mike

If you ask me you seemed to have taken it a bit further... Why not just say "you stupid Americans has screwed it up for those so much smarter and consequently know better"? :rolleyes:

It always amazes me that some here will spend $400 a night to stay in a luxury hotel, $15 on a bottle of beer or a glass of wine and are too cheap to leave a measly $1 for the chambermaid.. must be because they cant get miles on the tip.

mike

I am an American. I do think tipping in situations where it isn't warranted is inappropriate. If they bring me the $15 whatever room service, I tip them for the special trip up. What I don't do is tip because there's an extra bottle in the trash can that is going to be emptied either way. If I leave a mess or put someone out, I tip. I'm generous when it's called for, but I don't hand money out for no reason.

On the FLSA front, there's some misconception in this thread. It isn't $2.13/hour plus nothing if nobody leaves a tip -- here's an abbreviated version of the rule for tipped employees:

Tipped employees are those who customarily and regularly receive more than $30 a month in tips. The employer may consider tips as part of wages, but the employer must pay at least $2.13 an hour in direct wages.

The employer who elects to use the tip credit provision, must inform the employee in advance and must be able to show that the employee receives at least the minimum wage when direct wages and the tip credit allowance are combined. If an employee's tips combined with the employer's direct wages of at least $2.13 an hour do not equal the minimum hourly wage, the employer must make up the difference. Also, employees must retain all of their tips, except to the extent that they participate in a valid tip pooling or sharing arrangement.

So, in short, the FLSA exemption is a way for employers to lower what they're obligated to pay employees, but it guarantees the employees a minimum wage regardless. I support a much higher minimum wage in this country. I'd rather the room cost more because maid's salaries are higher than have staying at a nice property be an a la carte experience.

peace,
~Ben~

On the FLSA front, there's some misconception in this thread. It isn't $2.13/hour plus nothing if nobody leaves a tip -- ~Ben~

Misconception? Or perhaps just not reading the whole thread Ben, such as where I already stated the following:

"If employees do not earn enough to bring them up to the minimum wage, employers though must make up the difference."

People don't really tip the hotel maid, you know. Not even Americans.

I love threads about tipping. As for my formal policy on maid tipping....................... I tip the maid about every 5 years usually if they spend 10-15 seconds giving me some extra towels and no tip if they forgot to give me sufficient towels in the first place. IMO the big and frequent tippers have too much guilt or too much money or both.

MisterNice

As for my formal policy on maid tipping....................... I tip the maid about every 5 years usually if they spend 10-15 seconds giving me some extra towels and no tip if they forgot to give me sufficient towels in the first place. MisterNice

And to think we wondered how you got the nickname MisterNice!

I love threads about tipping. As for my formal policy on maid tipping....................... I tip the maid about every 5 years usually if they spend 10-15 seconds giving me some extra towels and no tip if they forgot to give me sufficient towels in the first place.

I get my towels off the cart myself or out of the gym if need be

Then, out of fundamental fairness, you should be contacting your senators, representatives, and state legislators and demanding that they increase the minimum wage for so-called "tipped" positions if you do not tip.

why should I do this.. its their problem, they should be the ones doing this

to the OP, there is no connection between tipping and whether or not your points credited for your stay.

Regarding an appropriate tip, I think it depends on where you are. I ust returned from CDG where $5 USD would be laughable. A couple of months ago I stayed at the Embassy Suites Mexico City where a $5 USD tip got me more bottles of water in my hotel room every day, than I could actually drink/use.

Domestic, I'd say $3/day is what I normally tip if I am satisfied with the service.

I'd agree it has no bearing on points, but I honestly believe that all those subsequent four or five dollar water, mini bar etc charges that I call to get removed are annoyed maids saying I took/drank the stuff which just makes me never leave a tip as it is.. I shouldn't say never.. if my kids make a complete above and beyond normal mess in the room.. i'll leave a tip

I always try to tip if I can, depends on the service.

Man, this thread has OMNI written all over it!

I used to be a pretty bad maid-tipper. Then I signed up for Big Brothers in the DC area and my little brother's mom was a maid at a local Sheraton. She told me she counts on those tips (usually about $15-25 a day) to pay the rent. Without it, they'd pretty much be on the street.

Now, I'm as Republican as the rest of you ... but, man... that really got to me. Last time I forgot to leave a tip, I called the hotel, found the name of the maid, and send her a check.

It always amazes me that some here will spend $400 a night to stay in a luxury hotel, $15 on a bottle of beer or a glass of wine and are too cheap to leave a measly $1 for the chambermaid.. must be because they cant get miles on the tip.

mike

And it amazes me that a hotel that is paid $400 a night expects me to pay their housekeeping staff for cleaning my room.

I do not consider it my responsibility to know, learn, understand, or determine what a fair salary is between an employer and an employee… and make up any difference… just because I happen to stay, consume, purchase, ride in, listen to, or look at something.

With that said, there are tip expectations in the US that are so universal that I tip as a matter of course at restaurants, bars and for people moving my luggage 6 feet.

Man, this thread has OMNI written all over it!

About to be more so... :eek:;)

Now, I'm as Republican as the rest of you ...

:mad: Flyertalk TOS prohibit personal attacks! :p

peace,
~Ben~

I seldom tipped anyone because (well, according to FT, anyhow), tipping is not especially encouraged in Europe.

So --- what would be an appropriate tip in France (or is it Paris or just CDG in particular)?

You had it right all the time: the appropriate tip for housekeeping in CDG, Paris or Europe in general would be 0 €.

And as the other posters have said: plenty of threads on this subject already… :D

Funny I was thinking a similar thought about a recent stay at the Hilton Suites in Anaheim, CA. I was there for three nights at the end of January. I admit I don't leave housekeeping tips that often. A lot of my stays recently have been with HGVC properties, where there is no daily housekeeping. I actually prefer not to have anyone in my room. And most of the time I just don't think about it when I'm in a rush to check out (which I always am).

So, there is this little card that is on the desk with something like "hi I am (fill in the blank) and will be taking care of your housekeeping needs." To me this says, "Hi, I am ****, please tip me!". Well, I noticed that on the second day it was pushed out on to the edge of the desk, like in a blatantly obvious place. This just made me laugh. She also did one thing that really annoyed me; on the last morning before checkout at about 9am (check out is 11a), she bangs on the door, yells "housekeeping" and starts to come in. And this is with the "do not disturb" sign on the door! And I hate when they knock and start coming in in like the same action... without even waiting for an answer! What's up with that?

Anyway, I didn't leave a tip in the room. Well a couple days later, I notice on my credit card, immediately after the room charge (which matched the e-folio amount exactly), there was a $5.00 charge from the same hotel. I called up the hotel and spoke with the front desk. He told me it was a "mini bar" charge. I told him... there aren't even "mini-bars" in your hotel!? It's an all-suite hotel (like ES) and each room has a mini-fridge, but they're all empty!

Then he said "It's for the bottle of Fiji water that you drank." I said "There WAS no Fiji water in the room." (I didn't even see it there). Besides, I was given two bottles of water for my stay as a HHGold (there was a card included). I don't, and wouldn't have used any bottle of Fiji water. He said, ok.. I'll take care of it. He credited the $5 back to my Visa and my e-folio was also updated.

What immediately occured to me, however, is the fact that they would have gotten the info on the "missing water" from the housekeeper. It's totally conceivable to me that she was annoyed at no tip so she decided to report a mini-bar charge out of spite.

But I agree, there is no way housekeeping would have access to your HHonors activity.

Hrm... this makes sense. On two occassions on differnet stays at the Planet Hollywood Casino & Hotel in Vegas (actually once when it was alladin, and then once as PH), I was charged for bottle water. It's clear I didn't touch them - they sat their on their own the whole time. Flip side is, I did tip the maid every day. Perhaps this is some way they try to make some money. When I called up PH to complain about the US$12.95 charge or so, they were quick in refunding. I expressed my displeasure about this not being the first time.... perhaps the maids get a commission or expect no-one will complain or for such a small amount people will just forget about it... i wonder how many other folks have this happen to them..

After many years of traveling now, both business and personal, this is pretty much what I (we) do.

If I'm on the road for 3-4 nights, I RARELY get service and put my Do Not Disturb Sign on the door and get any additional towels/washclothes as necessary (which is rarely because there are always plenty). I bring my own coffee (business or pleasure) so I don't need replenished there either. So, at the end of the stay, I usually leave $3 on the bed.

Travel pleasure is very different. Just returning from the Cabo Hilton, my husband, as per usual, left $5 every day with a piece of See's Chocolate (he thinks EVERYONE loves these chocolates as much as he does).

So it is very different depending on whether I am traveling alone or with spouse.

Dawn

Travel pleasure is very different. Just returning from the Cabo Hilton, my husband, as per usual, left $5 every day with a piece of See's Chocolate (he thinks EVERYONE loves these chocolates as much as he does).

I'm with your hubby. Forget the $5, I'll clean your room just for the chocolate! :D

Mike

Now, I'm as Republican as the rest of you ...

Yikes. Speak for yourself. I don't know that there is necessarily any correlation between one's political leanings and his opinion on tipping hotel maids.

Do maids get the $2.13/hour tipped wage, or the standard minimum wage?

If the maid is making more than the minimum wage, then I see no need to tip. I try not to defraud the IRS so unless someone shows me that as a whole hotel maids report tips, I'll continue to not tip them.

If they are indeed not on a tip wage then they are doing the job they signed up for at the wage they signed up for.

If they are indeed on a tip wage and do have an organized method of reporting tips, then maybe I will rethink my policy. Until then I will not tip a maid.

Do maids get the $2.13/hour tipped wage, or the standard minimum wage?

If the maid is making more than the minimum wage, then I see no need to tip. I try not to defraud the IRS so unless someone shows me that as a whole hotel maids report tips, I'll continue to not tip them.

If they are indeed not on a tip wage then they are doing the job they signed up for at the wage they signed up for.

If they are indeed on a tip wage and do have an organized method of reporting tips, then maybe I will rethink my policy. Until then I will not tip a maid.

See? That's the kind of Republican thinking I'm talking about ... the whole pick-up by your bootstraps thing. :)

if this thread gets back on topic to Hilton tipping I'll leave it be - but if not...well you know...

thanks

squeakr
Hilton co-mod

See? That's the kind of Republican thinking I'm talking about ... the whole pick-up by your bootstraps thing. :)

I was asking an honest question though...do maids indeed earn the $2.13/hour tip wage? I've seen ads in the paper listing the jobs at $10/hour years ago...with no mention of that being "up to" or "around" like many of the waitress jobs would say.

I was asking an honest question though...do maids indeed earn the $2.13/hour tip wage? I've seen ads in the paper listing the jobs at $10/hour years ago...with no mention of that being "up to" or "around" like many of the waitress jobs would say.

I believe one of the problems here is that it is not consistent across all states and how on earth are we supposed to track exactly who makes minimum and who does not.

As far back as the early 90's when I used to wait tables, California has had laws to say that tipped employees must be paid minimum wage. That being said - waiters and bartenders are tracked on their sales and the govt assumes they make tips and force what they call 'social security wages' where you must pay income tax based upon your sales, regardless of whether you receive the tip. Fortunately, most respectful people will leave these folks a nice gratuity. 15% is pretty much expected if they feel they gave you proper service. 20% feels like a little pat on the back. 10% is insulting. 0% means it actually cost that person money to wait on you.

I see maidservice as completely different. They will at least make the minimum wage either way. I stay mostly in California and always on quick one nighter's. Just a slam, click, set the alarm, and blow out of the room. I rarely leave a tip in this situation. I ALWAYS leave a nice $5 each day when staying at a nice resort when I actually might have some interaction with the staff and have some special requests.

I am very sensitive to the situation of poor tipped employees. I used to be one for 7 years while going through school. That being said - I don't tip on the one nighters in California because I know they are already making minimum and they can't be tracked by way of 'sales' to chip away at that base earning.

Being a European I must admit that I often forget to put tips to the maid when leaving a hotel room.

When we sat on the plane bac to Europe, we got to talk about that we should have left some tips for the maid... We stayed for 10 nights. But this is too late. I could call the hotel to charge me for tips, but I must admit I don't know where these money will go.

I checked out about 7days ago, and my points still havn't shown on my account. The eFolio already shows on my account.

Could it be, that the points hasn't been credited my account, because I didn't tip the maids? - I may be way out... Just want to hear your comments.

You are correct. No tips to maids = no HHonors points. And if you forget to tip the bellhop, they garnish your wages. Don't even ask what happens if you fail to tip room service...nasty.