FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - FAQ: St Regis Butler Service : what do they do? how much do you tip?
Old Feb 4, 2015 | 8:43 pm
  #133  
lcpteck
10 Countries Visited
20 Countries Visited
30 Countries Visited
10 Years on Site
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: SIN
Programs: JL Global Club (Sapphire) | GHA Titanium | Marriott Gold (LT Silver) | Global Entry
Posts: 6,867
Originally Posted by Cathay Boy
I'm still a rook here, what does elite thank you cert do for them, and why would they appreciate that more?

I plan to stay at a St. Regis Chengdu soon. I plan the following strategy:

1) Off the bat give him $200 RMB to show him I'm a big tipper
2) Everyday give him/her $100 RMB for his services (if they are good)
3) I guess when I leave (and he/she performs), I plan to write him/her this elite thank you whatever it means....?

Good plan?

CB
Sometimes I leave a small tip or some chocolates I picked up from airport duty free for the housekeeping staff (butlers, front desk, and housekeeping are usually the same department). I do give out Thank You cards every year either in person or via online to a specific person (with the help from Lurkers).

CNY100/200 as a tip is really alot for anybody in Asia. And the more you tip, they would probably expect it as a standard in the future hence change their mindset going forward. There's already a service charge included in Asian properties hence you've already tipped as a whole whether you enjoy or not enjoy their services.

Bali is probably different since it attracts westerners alot and it's the one place you'll see more westerners than Asians and tipping seems to be the norm there.

Just my 2 cents.
lcpteck is offline