MePlatPremier

FlyingHighlander

if I see a service charge, I'll assume it goes to the server. If the restaurant makes it clear that's not the case I'll act accordingly, however i shouldn't need to go out of my way to enquire about it.

Diplomatico

Pretty much sums it up.

GoPhils

Indirectly it can. If waiters routinely get "stiffed" because there is a service charge that they don't get, they may not stick around or if they do will be unhappy. If turnover is high, the employer may need to increase pay to retain employees. If they're unhappy that will reflect in their service and as a result customer experience.

Lizie

But it is someone else's problem and it's the lack of respect for the employer/employees boundary that's making service industry employee's problems worse. In fact, one may argue that it was the starting of giving tips and gratuity's which has created employee problems in the first instance. How is this going to progress in their favor:- don't have employees clean our room - say no to cleaning?, don't have employees at the check in desk - check in ourselves?, don't wash the towels each day - hang them back up ourselves? Have we really helped?

There are good arguments on both sides on where the line should be drawn between giving employees extra money and knowing where the role of a guest ends. Clearly, from the many good comments on this thread we are not managing that as well as we would like to think.

pvn

Maybe, but people who are stiffing waiters don't get to voice that complaint. I mean, there's no way to stop them, it's just that their obviously self-serving complaint has zero credibility.

ah yes, we're stiffing the housekeepers for their own good! brilliant. Such benevolence!

GoPhils

Enigma368

Maybe I am wrong, I am not Mexican, but it sounds like you are being a bit ignorant and lazy towards the fact that other countries use different currencies. I really don't buy your argument about most Mexicans care more about the superstitious luck in the money you are giving them. That just sounds extra patronising. I am sure they would much much prefer to get $2 tips than no tip and you are still doing a nice thing. I just don't understand why you would not give them local currency when it is just as easy for you unless you genuinely believe they would prefer a $2 US dollar bill over the equivalent amount in pesos? I would be curious to know what that reason is. Maybe USD are genuinely more valuable to them for some reason although I cannot think why - perhaps because they would see it as a more stable currency if they want to save it but even that seems a bit tenuous?

I have occasionally tipped in Mexico or other countries in USD because it turns out that is the only cash I have left. I do feel a bit obnoxious doing it though, as if I am an arrogant American who assumes that their currency is so worthless than I'm not even going to use it.

I would be curious to hear a Mexican's pov. Maybe they would say I am way overthinking this. I have been to Mexico many times and do know some Mexicans personally and I have definitely heard feedback from some of them that, in San Miguel Allende for example, they find the high number of obnoxious American expats who are disrespectful to their culture disappointing and frustrating.

Enigma368

How do they come out ahead with $1 over 20 Mexican Pesos(just over $1 at today's exchange rates)? I could maybe understand that for some it is just as good as pesos but how could you possibly think they are coming out ahead? You understand how currency exchange rates work right? Unless there is some larger factor I am not understanding around inflation or currency stability - which seems a little unlikely.

I am sure that they are much happier to get $1 over no tip and I am sure they are grateful, you are not doing a terrible thing, but I think it would be a little more respectful if you could tip the same amount in local currency. But if there is a genuine reason why they would prefer $1 over 20 Mexican pesos, I would be curious to understand why. My worry is that some Americans, possibly even on this thread, genuinely believe that Mexico's currency is some useless worthless thing that no Mexican would possibly prefer over USD.

pvn

yes but that argument only holds water if you don't know any better.

if you're reading this thread, you DO know.

FlyingHighlander

What do we know? Sometimes the service charge goes to service staff. Sometimes it doesnt.

should we enquire about it each time? Or assume its not going to staff, and we tip on top (meaning sometimes we double tip)?

supatight80

What is your problem? Shouldn't you focus your ire towards establishments that charge service charge and pocketing them instead of re-distributing them towards their employees?

r415

I've noticed that when selecting the Platinum breakfast amenity (for the restaurant, not lounge, when properties offer), the coupon many Starroitt properties give you now says that gratuity is included.

Diplomatico

Yep. Unlike some of our online crusaders, I don't feel it's my responsibility to monitor the payroll decisions of businesses that I don't own.

pvn

oh my god, you might have to talk to wait staff. the horror.