Tip envelopes in rooms
Sep 18, 2014, 8:34 am
#241
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Helsinki (Finland)
Programs: IHG Plat, Marriott Plat
Posts: 468
If I ever need to travel to US, I will address the envelope to Bill Marriott, write down my opinions (if you really want to be a good employer, pay decent wages to everybody yourself instead of asking me to do it) on this matter, take the envelope down to reception desk and ask them to send it to Mr. Bill Marriott.
Sep 18, 2014, 9:43 am
#242
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: AS
Posts: 194
I'm going to be very careful about my items in my room if I ever stay in a Marriott again. While on a trip to Las Vegas not to long ago, we did not tip during our 7 day stay, and housekeeping helped themselves to their own form of a tip by stealing an item from our room. Our valuables were locked in the safe, but they stole something else. Also, the room was not cleaned efficiently. Still, I will not leave a tip for housekeeping, for similar reasons stated above.
Sep 18, 2014, 9:45 am
#243
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Sep 18, 2014, 12:54 pm
#244
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: ELP
Programs: AAdvantage, Amex MR
Posts: 2,314
I'm going to be very careful about my items in my room if I ever stay in a Marriott again. While on a trip to Las Vegas not to long ago, we did not tip during our 7 day stay, and housekeeping helped themselves to their own form of a tip by stealing an item from our room. Our valuables were locked in the safe, but they stole something else. Also, the room was not cleaned efficiently. Still, I will not leave a tip for housekeeping, for similar reasons stated above.
Sorta like the mob, you better slip a little bit of protection money into that envelope every day, otherwise there are no guarantees your stuff will be alright.
Sep 18, 2014, 1:52 pm
#245
Join Date: Oct 2001
Programs: LTP, PP
Posts: 8,698
Tipping housekeeping staff sounds like extortion to me with this story. Or racketeering. Whatever it is called when you pay "protection" money.
Sorta like the mob, you better slip a little bit of protection money into that envelope every day, otherwise there are no guarantees your stuff will be alright.
Sorta like the mob, you better slip a little bit of protection money into that envelope every day, otherwise there are no guarantees your stuff will be alright.
I'd recommend all of us stuffing a letter or statement inside the envelope citing all the reasons we've discussed here but you know that's going to tracked. I still want my upgrades when I need them!
Dollars to doughnuts, all funds from this "initiative" get pooled and distributed shortly. Perhaps they even designate a single collection individual to "pickup" every morning, just like the mob. Best leave those DND signs up.
Extortion indeed!
Sep 18, 2014, 2:03 pm
#246
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The reason Mr. Marriott & others recommend daily tipping (if one is inclined to tip) is so that the daily housekeeper gets the tip. You wait to the end & the person who happens to be there on the last day gets the 4-5 day windfall, even if they weren't working the previous 4-5 days (example).
BTW - the media has definitely picked up on it. Just read articles in US, Canadian & UK outlets.
FWIW - I think some people's concerns that the housekeeping staff is suddenly going to en masse start treating those that don't tip badly by not cleaning rooms properly or stealing or spitting on toothbrush are a bit over the top.
Cheers.
BTW - the media has definitely picked up on it. Just read articles in US, Canadian & UK outlets.
FWIW - I think some people's concerns that the housekeeping staff is suddenly going to en masse start treating those that don't tip badly by not cleaning rooms properly or stealing or spitting on toothbrush are a bit over the top.
Cheers.
Sep 18, 2014, 2:20 pm
#247
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Sep 18, 2014, 3:03 pm
#248
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: PHL
Programs: AA ExP, Marriott Amb, National EAE, Hilton Diamond, SPG Plat (RIP), US CP (RIP)
Posts: 2,379
Tip envelopes in rooms.
If we all start using DND signs to avoid tipping housekeeping, how many fewer housekeepers will Marriott need to employ? At some locations that may mean fully staffing Thursday and Sunday (prime check out days) with a skeleton crew the remainder of the week.
Sep 18, 2014, 3:14 pm
#249
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Tipping housekeeping is voluntary, just as it's always been, even if an envelope is provided.
Sep 18, 2014, 3:45 pm
#250
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: LA
Posts: 1,281
It's more of the perceived instinct though that if you put a "tip envelop" or a "tip line" on a receipt, it's in a sense required (though, I know it is recommended). You don't want to be that person that doesn't tip, do you?
Sep 18, 2014, 3:57 pm
#251
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: NYC/LA
Programs: DL Plat, AA Plat Pro, Marriott Titanium, IHG Diamond Amb
Posts: 7,486
That being said, I have an acquaintance who has worked (not in housekeeping) at a number of upper-upscale properties under various flags of one of the big four, and she definitely has some "toothbrush dipped in the toilet" stories. Although I believe those applied more to people who completely trashed their rooms.
Sep 18, 2014, 6:25 pm
#252
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 5,814
FWIW -- I tip by striping the bed when checking out 
.
.
Sep 18, 2014, 6:50 pm
#253
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Dayton OH
Programs: UA - million Miler
Posts: 180
If I stay one night, I would be tipping the maid, who I never see, for cleaning the mess the PREVIOUS guest left - not the clean room that I usually leave.
Should we now tip the desk clerk who at least addresses you by name?
How about the house electrician who makes sure the A/C works.
I TIP generously when I receive personal service, not for a clean room at a Marriott, a chain that has not problem charging a premium rate for a premium experience.
Mr Marriott - PAY YOUR HELP!
Should we now tip the desk clerk who at least addresses you by name?
How about the house electrician who makes sure the A/C works.
I TIP generously when I receive personal service, not for a clean room at a Marriott, a chain that has not problem charging a premium rate for a premium experience.
Mr Marriott - PAY YOUR HELP!
Sep 18, 2014, 7:51 pm
#254
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: CLE
Programs: UA,WN,AA,DL, B6
Posts: 4,168
I have at times paid a much as $300.00 to stay at a nice hotel, that's a lot of money for one night and plus leave a tip. Granted the people who clean the room do not make a lot, maybe they should pay them more so this would not be an issue. There is a difference in tipping say at a restaurant in the hotel as that eating a meal is above and beyond the room price. Cleaning a room should be part of the cost structure for the hotel bill for the room. maybe tip as may happen now in extra ordinary cases say if the room is very dirty from your stay. I myself try and make sure the room is as clean as possible when I leave.
Sep 18, 2014, 7:59 pm
#255
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Cheers.