offerendum

Not so sure.If you are a frequent guest I have the feeling they really know you. May not be the norm, but it happens

MikeFromTokyo

Oh, of course they know and remember regulars.

A bit off topic, but staff at properties where I have been a regular guest have even become personal friends of mine. That is of course rare, but in my twenties I would stay at hotels for weeks or even a month at a time travelling solo, so I became very friendly with certain hotel staff members around my age.

offerendum

Especially if you stay on club-levels

MikeFromTokyo

Yes, that makes a difference. I almost always opt for club access at hotels where it is available.

At some properties where I really connect well with a handful of staff members, or even just one person who really takes excellent care of me, that type of service makes all the difference in the world.

scented

I agree, but you should see what Arnaud De Saint-Exupéry did with Andaz Tokyo, very impressive. Would have never thought I could get myself to like an Andaz, but easily in Tokyo's Top 10. Now if all of them would be like that...

pricesquire

Totally agree here. Remove the Andaz name and you'd swear you're in Tokyo's best. Which goes to show how much irrational brand-love we have on this forum...

MikeFromTokyo

^. I do consider Andaz Tokyo the best in many ways. Two of my other top choices, Ritz-Carlton (club level) and Shangri-La, are also from brands that don't always get much love. Mandarin Oriental is the only one of my top choices that is from a brand that is universally well regarded here.

Ozchinois

Yes. Usually it's something from the food section of the Mitsukoshi Dept store. It has to be very discreet.

From the article below:

"Tipping is allowed

That is, when it's truly merited—especially at full-service traditional Japanese inns and restaurants. But it's not for show, says Fautt, "it's done off where people don't see it." Take your server aside, compliment him, and hand over the money, folded several times, in one of the small envelopes that are sold in local stores. He may refuse once or twice, but keep insisting. If he refuses a third time, chances are he genuinely doesn't want it. This holds true even at places like the Hyatt. Rumors that tipping isn't allowed at big hotels aren't true—there's just no policy, and it should be done very discreetly."




http://www.cntraveler.com/stories/20...ette-101-japan

MSPeconomist

I agree. I'm thinking more of a R&C property with 10-15 rooms. Perhaps l'Hotel in Paris, but I think they have a real concierge.

Pausanias

I seriously cannot remember when I last tipped any member of staff at a western-style hotel - and by tipping I mean handing them cash rather than grudgingly accepting the service charge added on by various establishments. I do remember being at war with the tipping thing after staying at a particularly abysmal Sheraton at Los Angeles airport when it seemed every member of staff had their hands out like street beggars. It's a degrading culture and I refuse to play a part in it, especially so in the USA.

Aventine

Easily in the top 5. A very crowded 5!

relaxabit

Thanks, everyone. These particular managers remember my name, at least, as they've greeted me while I was walking around the property.

That the tip might look like a bribe is a good point. I've emailed the GM a long commendation for both. (I had done so earlier this year for a different staff member.)

Would they value a handwritten note too? I already wrote one up but, now that I've sent the GM email, am not sure if I should send it.

MacMyDay

I could tell as soon as I started reading this that you were going to be a fellow Brit. I say that as a compliment.

arlflyer

Everything you have described so far just sounds like staff at a luxury property doing their job...part of that job is providing a high level of customer engagement and personalized service. That is why they are working at a FS and not a Hampton. I think that you have probably covered your bases sufficiently...