I tip the concierge who works the VIP lounge at hotels about $10 per stay. It usually pays for itself, as some of the honor bar charges "disappear."

Hotel staffs have always been included in the admittedly confusing American gratuity system. That being said, I find the system extremely cumbersome. Why does the railway conductor get a tip and the flight purser never does? As if it wasn't confusing enough, the appearance of "tip jars" or similar things in not-traditionally-tipped businesses (service businesses and small shops) has added a disorienting aspect to tipping in America.

In a nutshell: hotel, livery and porterage, beauty, and restaurant service people who perform any personal service for a customer should be tipped. And they should be tipped around 15% of the value of the transaction. And really that is about it. Other workers should generally not be tipped for work for which they are paid as a function of their employment: building contractors, check-out staff (even in restaurants), front desk employees do not receive gratuities.

Some would disagree, but I don't think car repairmen, house cleaners, the people at the laundry, etc. should get gratuities either. However, personal business vendors (like my cleaner) get an annual Christmas gift from me. But her rate alone reflects the weekly payment that I consider the price of her services - gratuity not expected.

[This message has been edited by fastflyer (edited 04-30-2001).]

[This message has been edited by fastflyer (edited 04-30-2001).]