As a veteran of the hotel industry, allow me to add some insite. Without making any comments about what I think about tipping in general, it is part of the American travel culture. No one is forcing you to tip, but I think we all know that you will get better service if you do. (Whether this is right or wrong is up to you decide, I will decline comment).
To clear up some misconceptions:

1) Not all hotel bellhops pool their tips, in fact most do NOT.

2) It is common to tip only the person who delivers your bag, but it is nice to tip both people.

3) $1 or $2/bag is a minimum tip (especially for a nice hotel).

4) IMHO, If you can afford a $400 dinner, you can afford to give the guy in the bathroom a buck or two. He works in the BATHROOM for goodness sakes!!!! Give him a break. If you don't have small bills, get change from the bar.

Please keep in mind that bellhops, valets, waiters, bartenders, bathroom attendants, etc. make very little (if any) base wage. Tips are their livelihood.
For more information on tipping in hotels please see my thread:

http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...ML/007472.html

Feel free to ask any questions.

Edited because I posted the wrong link.

[This message has been edited by g_leyser (edited 09-12-2002).]