I think it depends on the property. In some cases, the service charge is the tip; in others, there's a service charge (not always a %) plus a statement that gratuity is not included. I prefer when hotels spell it out for me & I don't have to guess! Yes it is or no it isn't. I was overseas last weekend & asked if the service charge was the gratuity & the delivery guy said it went to the hotel. I've heard about this before; supposedly the hotel gets the % & then splits the % between cook delivery guy cleaner etc. I've decided I'm going to start asking at the front desk when I check in - ie, if I happen to use your room service for a meal, can you tell me if the gratuity is included or not? or the guy when i'm placing the order. again, i really really like the hotels that spell it out for you in their room service menu or on the charge receipt so that i don't have to guess.