<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by fastflyer:
When is a gratuity not a gratuity? When it changes into an expected component of the staff's compensation. I am of the school (and IMHO this represents the vast majority of world travelers) that believes gratuities come into play only when something extraordinary is done.</font>
It's only expected so long as they do their job properly. If the maid comes in and properly cleans your room, but doesn't go above and beyond, you should still show your gratuity. Especially because that gratuity is part of their expected compensation.
If the service is bad or good, you can always change the size of the tip accordingly, but I think it's wrong to not tip someone who's working for tips for "only" living up to the expectations of his or her job.
Sure, hotels and restaurants could start paying higher wages, but they aren't doing that right now. And if they did, less money would probably make it into the hands of the staff and we customers would probably end up paying more. Plus, when the service charge is included, it takes away your discretionary tipping ability to some extent, particularly on the downside.
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