What is the generally accepted practice for tipping at the concierge level?

The generally accepted practice (in my observation) is that people don't tip in the club lounge (if you're just talking about bringing out food or clearing tables). If the attendant/concierge is helping you with something (like reservations or arrangements), then a tip seems appropriate (although I couldn't tell you how much).

I basically agree with bitburgr. Tipping in the CL is for going beyond the normal call of duty or otherwise providing exceptional service. I've always made it a point to reward that. However, clearing your plate or handing you the honor bar card to sign doesn't qualify IMHO.

Agree. I was a regular at the Charlotte Marriott City Center, and Gary always treated me well, so I'd show my appreciation at the end of the week. Here are some examples:

1. I would always pop down at 8:00 to take a break from working, get some dessert, and decaf. Gary recognized this and would always have a fresh pot of decaf ready for me.
2. At one point, I was staying over the weekend, when the lounge is closed. Gary arranged to have a fridge delivered to me room stocked with various diet beverages.
3. During a health bout, I was allowed no caffeine... at all. Gary found out and robbed the downstairs bar for beverages with no caffeine that the lounge didn't store.

In reality, Gary would probably do these things for anyone, but I really appreciated the above and beyond service and attitude. (At one point, I followed up with a letter to the GM and F&B manager to compliment him.)

I never noticed tipping in the CL until about 6 weeks ago when I was in the Renaissance PHL CL. Several people (mostly men eating alone) left a dollar or two at their table upon departure. I had never noticed that before, but felt compelled to borrow a couple of bucks from my kids for me to leave (I hadn't brought my wallet into the lounge).

As I exited the CL, I noticed a 'tip dish' at the front desk with a few singles in it.

The next day, I didn't see anyone leave money on the tables.

When I returned home, I asked my husband, who is also a Marriott Plat, if this was something I'd missed all along and he said he's never seen it, nor has he tipped for the usual CL service.

I thought the tip dish was in poor taste.

ps- On the occasions where I've had exemplary, personalized service (not just asking for help/tickets/directions or anything like that, but CL staff who were attentive to my family and went out of their way to see that we had a great stay), I've always written a note to the GM and sent a copy to Mr. Marriott's office. I feel that this gesture goes a longer way.

Im seeing this tip dish more and more , and I couldnt agree more, its in very poor taste and Im sure mgmt wouldnt like to find out its happenin.

Asothers have said if for some reason I have the attendant take care of things or I request certain things out of the norm. Then a tip would be given.

Ive said this numerous times but when Im at non-Marriott Hotels on a weekend when the lounge is closed and Im given a coupon for a free brkfst in the reg restaurant and I must serve myself that is Except for the OJ & Coffee which is brought over to me, I also dont tip. Either serve me fully or let me serve myself fully. I dont go for that nonsense.

BTW does anyone tip at MickeyDs or Burger King, after all they will cook your food to the way you request it , bag it and bring it to the counter. and Im sure are only earning min wage

If the service is great and the attendant is doing a great job and being helpful and friendly I always say thank you with$5-$10 at the end of my stay.
Regina at the Las Vegas Renaisance is a gem-and she always gets a thank you from me.

I have seen the tip jar at a few properties and, like the others, I feel it is in poor taste. For me, the CL is mostly self-service and I really don't like the attendant hovering over me in an obsequious manner (the Omaha Marriott and the Renaissance Boca Raton come to mind), obviously fishing for tips.

Like Bigguy said, if the service has been truly outstanding or special requests were taken care of, an Abe or Ben thank-you card at the end of your stay would be appropriate.

I also agree with this position. When I am on vacation with the family and the CL folks are attentive to my kids, make reservations and recommendations to help out the vacation I am very generous and follow up with letters to the GM and corporate Marriott,

I tend to see 'tip jars' consistently at certain properties. I always wonder what the tips are for.

Now I did buy the evening and morning attendants a Christmas Gift basket, but I had stayed there for 6 months. They knew way too much about my habits/needs/tendencies by then (especially since I'm a grab some drinks/snacks and head back to my room type).

The reason I was asking is because there is a Total box on the drink stub to fillout. When you are putting in the number of drinks they know the amount. Why have the box unless there is a need to add a tip? Similar to the Total line on most credit card receipts at restaurants.

to the tip jar. I've yet to see that. I only tip if it's above and beyond, as others have stated. There are a couple properties I frequent that know my little wants and quirks and have all that ready. For the morning attendant; I give her a tip at the end of my stay. For the evening attendant, I usually tip her nightly (but she's also doing a lot more for me). There is a property we stay at 2-3 time a year with my daughter and they have known my daughter since she was born and go out of their way to make our stay extremely pleasant. They get tipped.

If I am eating on a breakfast coupon; I do tip.

[QUOTE=AZ_MISMAN;9731374]Agree. I was a regular at the Charlotte Marriott City Center, and Gary always treated me well, so I'd show my appreciation at the end of the week. =/QUOTE]

I LOVE the white mountains.

Just curious, how much of a tip do you think Gary's service was worth.

My rule of thumb in the lounge is that if they disregard the wine glass I bring in from by room in the lounge, they get a tip at the end of the week or mid week. In DC one property said it is OK to bring in your own wine and at another they said it is absolutely not. Oh well..... Being friendly and helpful can bring on a $5 tip as well!!

[QUOTE=Tomphot;9737580]I'll admit that I'm a cheapskate, but I wouldn't be surprised if I handed him a $20. I always made sure that, whatever I gave, it was accompanied with a handshake and words of sincere gratitude.