Originally Posted by
4aks
Do the service charges replace the expectation of tipping staff ? Or is it equivalent to a 'resort fee' , where US properties claim pay these for beach towels, etc
To be very honest I wouldn't consider it as either.
I tipped where ever I felt appropriate i.e. housekeeping, food servers etc. I am quite certain they do not see any part of the service charge.
I also wouldn't consider it as a resort fee either, as that is not a concept I have seen in Goa, or fact that matter anywhere else in India.
The "service fee" seems an Asia specific thing. Most hotels, even city centre ones, in thailand and Singapore for eg. charge such a fee. I just think of it as part of the total room rate, kind of like fuel surcharges for airlines!