Just for the hotel managements who read this board, I can think of at least one major US hotel which I now avoid because the staff are allowed to indulge in this "how many tips can I get" frenzy. So that has driven their business away. I don't think I'm alone. It doesn't come over as making the guests feel welcome.

In addition to the bell boys, all drinks in the lounge are kept under constant surveillance there and snatched away when there is one mouthful still left with a brusque "same again??". There's a tip tab every time, not just at the end. All this has to be down to the (lack of) management.

It's not that we Brits are mean with our tips, we just know what's required. If you have an important business meal to host, £10 quietly/out of sight to the Head Waiter (Maitre d') right at the beginning works wonders over here.

(Edited for a typo)

[This message has been edited by WHBM (edited 09-10-2002).]