Originally Posted by
skywalkerLAX
I can't follow this argument.
First and foremost, Hyatt will not orient their Gold Passport strategy based on FT members.
Second, the issue here is clear: If a hotel has a club closed for example this is a situation where the guest has no other choice than going to the restaurant. That means at least a 5$ tip if you follow the scheme. In the club there is no tip involved, so that's money out of pocket I can not expense.
'Leaving some cash anyway'... While it's certainly your own business what you do with your money it essentially means the server get's up to 10$ for bringing you a coffee/juice. I do not find this proportionate to the service you receive.
This year I had 96 hotel nights so far. If only 60 out of these would have warranted an additional 5$ breakfast tip (not even talking about the number of nights I stayed with 2 people) that means 300$ missing. I have better things to do with my money. As always YMMV.
I quite agree with you - tip should be included in the free breakfast in places where you are expected to tip. Good that we don't leave tip in some countries in Europe. Yes, tip is included at PH Vendome ! In the U.S. I found the system outdated and the not very transparent. Tips often go into a common pot which is then distributed between the hotel and all the waiters. I really hate when tips are automatically added to the bill 'because you are a large party or because you are not from here' in a country where service is quite often amateur and in the hands of too many trainees. Why give a tip when you have to go yourself to a buffet where the food is quite often cold. Stop tip and give them instead a decent salary, train them properly and motivate them accordingly so they provide the level of service to be expected in top class hotel - worldwide. If tip is the only motivator, you usually get poor service, especially at breakfast. One more reason that the Club should remain open 7/7 with proper service (not someone editing his or her face book).