Hilton Beijing Wangfujing {CHN}
Sep 13, 2009, 2:04 pm
#61
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Don't blame it on me!
WHY? Because in YOUR culture, it is expected ... Wrong Approach! Tipping is not part of their culture, and therefore should not be an expecation nor "appropriate" in any instance. Attitudes like yours are why the tipping culture is quickly creeping around the globe -- that is NOT a good thing!
OP - if they had called to ensure you were satisfied with the service, that's one thing, but calling to ask if you tipped, is inappropriate regardless of the situation.
OP - if they had called to ensure you were satisfied with the service, that's one thing, but calling to ask if you tipped, is inappropriate regardless of the situation.
So you jumped the gun a little on this one....I am not the one that phoned the OP....blame someone else.
Dawn
Sep 13, 2009, 4:47 pm
#63
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Tips in China? In a hotel that makes a 17% "service charge?" And it may have been here they were going to send my bags up immediately - and left them gathering dust in a cart. No way...
But as to the call, I do know of some services, restaurants and hotels in some locations that require pooling the tips, and to retain a tip means discipline. Perhaps it was that innocent - or not. I'd write the GM how the call was perceived, and ask what the purpose was? If it was not innocent, somene needs to receive some feedback that this is inappropriate.
But as to the call, I do know of some services, restaurants and hotels in some locations that require pooling the tips, and to retain a tip means discipline. Perhaps it was that innocent - or not. I'd write the GM how the call was perceived, and ask what the purpose was? If it was not innocent, somene needs to receive some feedback that this is inappropriate.
<snip> Now perhaps they pool tips and did not believe I did not give that bellman a tip, and were confirming his story. But I felt like the phone call was inappropriate, either as a guilt trip or as a means of confirming customer service by the bellman. I believe I will send my thoughts to the GM of the hotel, as I don't believe that this was necessarily a customer friendly move, and certainly do not believe that they would have done anything similar for an Asian customer.
Am I wrong in this assessment? In the end, I went down and got change and tipped the bellman, but I felt squeezed. Maybe it was an innocent followup, but I interpreted it negatively.
Am I wrong in this assessment? In the end, I went down and got change and tipped the bellman, but I felt squeezed. Maybe it was an innocent followup, but I interpreted it negatively.
Sep 13, 2009, 7:16 pm
#64
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WHY? Because in YOUR culture, it is expected ... Wrong Approach! Tipping is not part of their culture, and therefore should not be an expecation nor "appropriate" in any instance. Attitudes like yours are why the tipping culture is quickly creeping around the globe -- that is NOT a good thing!
OP - if they had called to ensure you were satisfied with the service, that's one thing, but calling to ask if you tipped, is inappropriate regardless of the situation.
OP - if they had called to ensure you were satisfied with the service, that's one thing, but calling to ask if you tipped, is inappropriate regardless of the situation.
At least I have a choice here.
Sep 13, 2009, 7:28 pm
#65
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Considering the Hiltons in Beijing add 17% to cover service fee and tax, it is reasonable not to tip-besides tipping in China is still pretty unusual, even with cabbies. I occasionally do anyway if the bellman is pleasant and goes a bit beyond.
Will be interested to see how this goes. I have been at Hilton Beijing last few days and they know me well enough not to touch my bags now.
Good stay and great service though^
Will be interested to see how this goes. I have been at Hilton Beijing last few days and they know me well enough not to touch my bags now.
Good stay and great service though^
Sep 13, 2009, 7:47 pm
#66
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while it may not go directly, some of it finds its way to staff through the "system".
http://www.shangri-la.com/en/propert.../facts/tipping
is still what the word is for most restaurants in Beijing.
$1-2 for bellboy and 3% in restaurants in Beijing is not unheard of. My Chinese friends DO NOT tip in restaurants although they may round up like I do in Europe. 20 Yuan for bellboy is my standard (when they must touch my bags).
Still, going after a customer for a tip is BAD form.
http://www.shangri-la.com/en/propert.../facts/tipping
is still what the word is for most restaurants in Beijing.
$1-2 for bellboy and 3% in restaurants in Beijing is not unheard of. My Chinese friends DO NOT tip in restaurants although they may round up like I do in Europe. 20 Yuan for bellboy is my standard (when they must touch my bags).
Still, going after a customer for a tip is BAD form.
Sep 13, 2009, 8:01 pm
#67
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And how is that the problem of the guest? If I'm staying at a hotel I expect the hotel operator of the establishment has made arrangements for the appropriate level of staffing. That is particularly true when they charge a service charge. I can't stand when everyone working someplace has a hand out looking for money. Calling a room to check on a tip is extremely rude. A response call to the GM is definitely in order.
Sep 13, 2009, 9:00 pm
#68
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...
Given these specific circumstances (no small bills and in a country where tipping is not mandatory), I did not feel especially guilty about leaving no tip, until the phone call. Now perhaps they pool tips and did not believe I did not give that bellman a tip, and were confirming his story. But I felt like the phone call was inappropriate, either as a guilt trip or as a means of confirming customer service by the bellman. ...
Given these specific circumstances (no small bills and in a country where tipping is not mandatory), I did not feel especially guilty about leaving no tip, until the phone call. Now perhaps they pool tips and did not believe I did not give that bellman a tip, and were confirming his story. But I felt like the phone call was inappropriate, either as a guilt trip or as a means of confirming customer service by the bellman. ...
The story reminds me of some travel instructions in some Lonely Planet books. It says that when you encounter beggars, don't give them money. Because in some dog-eat-dog world, all the money you give them will be taken away by someone else with violence.
Sep 13, 2009, 11:55 pm
#69
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Am I the only one who is confused as to where the "extortion" comes in here?
Sep 14, 2009, 12:04 am
#70
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And how is that the problem of the guest? If I'm staying at a hotel I expect the hotel operator of the establishment has made arrangements for the appropriate level of staffing. That is particularly true when they charge a service charge. I can't stand when everyone working someplace has a hand out looking for money. Calling a room to check on a tip is extremely rude. A response call to the GM is definitely in order.
Sep 14, 2009, 5:52 am
#71
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Yes, my use of the word "extortion" is probably extreme, though it did have the effect of making me leave my room. get change and find the guy to give him a tip. I suppose that is my problem and not theirs...perhaps. As for whether they were trying to police their staff, that is the most likely reason, however, they need to do that policing without calling their customers (my opinion).
I have e-mailed the Front Office manager with my comments (the stay was great otherwise and I told them that) and have asked them for a response. Will advise.
I have e-mailed the Front Office manager with my comments (the stay was great otherwise and I told them that) and have asked them for a response. Will advise.
Sep 14, 2009, 7:24 am
#72
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Yes, my use of the word "extortion" is probably extreme, though it did have the effect of making me leave my room. get change and find the guy to give him a tip. I suppose that is my problem and not theirs...perhaps. As for whether they were trying to police their staff, that is the most likely reason, however, they need to do that policing without calling their customers (my opinion). I have e-mailed the Front Office manager with my comments (the stay was great otherwise and I told them that) and have asked them for a response. Will advise.
MisterNice
Sep 14, 2009, 10:01 pm
#73
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"I don't think the phone was asking for tip, it just a boss to check out some new employees. because tipping is not recommended and not encouraged."
This sounds more plausible as an explanation to me. The OP doesn't really say that he was extorted to tip only that they asked if he did tip. More info needed. I certainly wouldn't be upset given this potentially new context.
This sounds more plausible as an explanation to me. The OP doesn't really say that he was extorted to tip only that they asked if he did tip. More info needed. I certainly wouldn't be upset given this potentially new context.
Sep 14, 2009, 10:28 pm
#74
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Sep 15, 2009, 4:36 pm
#75
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I wonder if they expect the tip since it is part of the travelers home culture even though it is inappropriate in local culture and not figured in the wages?