I tip the customary amounts for normal service, tip verey well for exemplary service and at places I know I will be returning to, and even pre tip something to assure goo service. For example when hosting a big meal at a restaurant I will tip the person in charge $100 and slip them my CC to make sure we receive tip top service with the promise of more to come if all goes well, and also to make sure that no one else will beat me to the bill. I excuse myself to go to the rest room while people are having coffee and amaros to sign the bill and retrieve my card. I just love the feeling I get being able to say , when we are ready to leave, of getting up and having people ask "What about the bill?", "It is all taken care of". My pet peeve is not the tipping but those who like to do accounting of what everyone had at the end of the meal and splitng the bill, really ruins a good meal IMHO.

Having said the above I recently stayed at the fairmont property in banff and no matter what you did they wouldn't take a tip there. There were all dressed in nice uniforms and despite the no tipping policy I would be hard pressed to say that I have received better or more jovial service anywhere else. These young people really appeared to be sincerely happy to help and went out of their way to make you feel welcome at every stage and like a VIP. Juts great service and all with a no tipping policy. Would be interesting to know their secret.