Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
1. I don't like the system where luggage is taken from curb to lobby, you maybe have to watch to get a claim check, and then another person brings the luggage to your room, with both of them expecting tips. I prefer to roll my own bags and to keep them with me while I check in or check out. It's so much faster than waiting for bell staff.
Personally I find it awkward when foreign hotels have the system of front desk agents taking you and your luggage to the room. If it's a place like Japan where one doesn't tip, the issue is just that often it's a tny woman in heels struggling with the bags. Elsewhere, such as some small but elegant European properties, it seems strange to tip a front desk agent (especially if I suspect that the person is a manager or even the owner)
1. You can say when the luggage is being taken out of the cab/curb, "I've got it" & you won't get the double-tip situation (presuming it's carry-on & you really do have it). I've done that before because it's something so light I really don't need help, not out of a desire to avoid a tip. Obviously with checked bags/non-rollaboard you are in the single or double-tipping phase. I don't mind that as much; my only concern there is not tipping, but getting the luggage in a timely manner.
2. I've never been at a chain hotel where the front desk agent is the one bringing the luggage to the room; most have bellman. However, if you're able to roll the bags yourself there's no reason you can't say, "I've got it" or "I prefer to take care of my own bags". If you've got checked or non-carry on, then leaving it to the others might be the only thing you can do. But if you're feeling badly, then take the larger one yourself.
Cheers.