Originally Posted by
BOShappyflyer
I came across this article and while I don't follow it to a T, it provides some benchmark.
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/trave...ing17_ST_N.htm
There are two
separate line items here:
- Transporting bags from car to lobby
- Delivering bags to guest room
I always tip for the 2nd service, but I am not familiar with the first (in that I've usually run into the situation where I carry my luggage to the front desk, and they do the rest and I tip for that). I think I will run into it in an upcoming travel where I'm sure they will help take the luggage at arrival (from the vehicle, and this service will be needed). I'm all for doing what's customary, but it does not make sense to me to tip twice for the same service simply because it changed hands.
The USA Today article tends toward the generous side, but I am glad to see the writer point out that double tipping is inappropriate (for example, tipping the valet at both drop-off and pick-up of the car -- it's only done once, upon pick-up). Likewise, tipping for bell service (porter) should only be done once, after the bags are delivered to the guest room. I don't care if they move the bags five times en route from the trunk of the car, it's customary to tip ($1 per bag) only once, upon their delivery to the room.
And for those of us who travel "light," no tipping is required.