Originally Posted by wharvey

Not sure what you mean by the "done thing". Wouldn't you consider 17% tip enough? I would never leave more than that.

If they choose to automatically include a gratuity, then no reason to add more unless they did something extraordinary..... you may already be paying a premium to get the room service.

Originally Posted by Dole

If the hotel automatically charges 17%, and probably a fixed cost of another couple dollars in addition, I do not tip. If there are no gratuity charges automatically added, I give them a couple dollars for a tip.

Keep in mind that the fixed amount is usually straight to the hotel and a % is usually for the server.

Originally Posted by Sjoerd

On a visit to NYC last week, I noticed that some restaurants are trying another scam. It seems that they are trying to get some extra money out of foreigners who are not fluent in English.
When the bill comes, it will say (example):

Food and beverages $ 100
Gratuity 20% $ 20
Total $ 120

Followed by (in BIG BOLD LETTERS)

SUGGESTED TIP:
15% $ 18
18% $ 21.60
20% $ 24

Many foreigners will not know the word "gratuity" but will have heard about "tip" and the general practice in the US to add 15 - 20%. By presenting the bill in the way described above, they are basically trying to scam the innocent visitor for a double tip.