Originally Posted by tbear
Do you guys tip housekeeping when staying at Asian hotels where they already add on a 10% service charge to the room rate? If you tip, then what is the 10% service charge for and to whom does it go to? I'm always confused about this and always leave a tip just to be sure.
I don't believe this to be true for all "Asian" hotels. Not in Japan, South Korea or Hong Kong, for sure. Thailand? Yes. Others, I don't know.
In any case, no, I don't leave tips in the room in Thailand. Why tip double?
On the general topic - I'm amazed at how many people are troubled by having to keep a few singles around in order to tip on a daily basis. And why would you want to chance giving several days worth of tips to someone who hasn't been cleaning your room.
I tip to keep on good terms with the housekeepers. I also chat with them when I see them. Truthfully, though - if I'm in a hotel for 3 nights or less, I don't let them in the room. I simply trade out towels and pick up tissue with them in the hallway. THis saves me from having to "clean up" the desk, etc., so that I can be assured of my work and all not being disturbed.
Aloha