Marriott Housekeeping
 

Had this happen to me recently:

I flew from the UK to Florida for a few days of work.

While staying at a Marriott property, I left a bunch of GBP coins, a few US dollars, and some extra change on my night stand (worth a total of $7-8) because I didn't feel like carrying the change around with me all week.

I came back that night and noticed all of the foreign currency, US bills, and coins were gone. In its place was a note from (who I assume) housekeeping that simply said, "Thank you!".

Is this customairy for housekeeping to take money and change that is left out mid-stay? If it was my last night I might understand (although taking foreign change is bizzare), but when you have 3 nights left on the room? Really?

I know people who tip housekeeping daily even for a multiple night stay.

It's a little weird in this case because you left such an odd assortment of money, but I could see how they might think it was a tip.

I tip daily, but make sure I leave the $$ on the unmade portion of the bed. If left on nightstand, seems a little odd, but since housekeeping left a note, it sure sounds like it was done in good faith (they thought it was a tip).

The emerging practice in the US is to tip each day during the stay rather than all at the end, if only because different people clean the room on different days. Your experience surprises me, as mine has been they will leave money intended to be a tip alone unless there is a note indicating it is for them.

I'm guessing many US housekeepers were born elsewhere and really might not recognize difference between coins.

Tip every day ... aha
 

Now I know why after 2 nights staying in a Courtyard in Va, the room cleaning service deterioated .. ice bucket not emptied .. coffee maker left unwashed ... coffee and toiletries not replaced .. I hadn't been leaving a daily tip on the unmade bed .. duh

Maybe us foreigners should be given advisories on the hotel key card about the expected daily tip .. just like we get on restaurants checks suggesting a 20% tip is the norm !

Going down to reception now to get some change for a $20 .. or should I just leave that on the unmade bed .. or should I help the maid's workload as well as bank balance and sleep on the floor ?