Hi shawbridge,
Originally Posted by
shawbridge
Do non-Americans tip maids in Switzerland, Spain, Paris, etc.? If so, what's the norm? meester say no, except in Mexico.
(Yes, I know, I'm going to start the age-old philosophy debate)
Until I joined FT, I had never even considered tipping the maids in hotels. After all, you pay for a room including all services. Do you tip your mechanic after an oil change? It's the same principle, you pay for an all-inclusive service, whether it's a room, or clean oil for your car.
From a salary perspective as well, hotel stay in most countries are paying a "normal" wage, and do not depend on tips to complement their less-than-basic salary, which is the case with wait staff in the US. As such, no, I don't believe tipping is required at all, although it will always be appreciated I'm sure.
My rule is that if I ask for something extra (extra towels, shampoo, whatever), I'll tip. But not for the basic service of a clean room.
Cheers,
GenevaFlyer