Originally Posted by
nd_eric_77
... I have always been amazed at the audacity of hotels which include "gratuity" and then put a line for "additional tip"... and i don't care if it has become an industry standard. it is just plain insulting, and as pointed out upthread, preys upon travelers who do not read their bill closely and just instinctively add more $$ on the "tip" line.
It also preys upon travelers who don't speak English fluently (or whatever language is on the bill at the hotel where you're staying). I know that if "Gratuity" or "Service Charge" lines were on a bill I received, but in German/Japanese/Arabic/etc, I may simply have no idea and leave the person a tip based on the total at the bottom.
It's all out of control. The shame of it is, it has jaded me so much that I'm less likely to tip when I should since I feel like I'm bilked for money at every turn when I shouldn't be.
peace,
~Ben~