I don't think I would stay in a Motel 6 unless it was a last resort. That, of course, could change if they offered a frequent stay program. Free travel has a way of distorting rational thinking. However, if you ever tour Europe on a student budget, you'll be begging for a Motel 6 in no time!!!

Rudi brings up a good point that has not been discussed in detail. Being relatively new to this travel thing, how much is one supposed to tip a room service person when the hotel charges a 17% room service charge. I asked one of the folks once if they received any of that and they said some, but not much ... fat lot of help that did me. What is customary from all of your vast experiences?

TravelCrazy, generally on Room Service if they are on time, the breakfast is hot and they are courteous I will tack on a little
extra tip and round off the bill total.

Again, tipping should be an option, especially for good service. CATMAN

Earlier in the thread somebody asked about how the IRS views tipping in the US:

The IRS assumes that waiters receive 7% of revenue as gratuities and taxes them on that basis (unless higher tips are reported by the taxpayer). Therefore, tipping less than 7% might actually cost the waiter money.

Any thoughts on calculating the tip when wine is ordered? This isn't an issue with an inexpensive bottle, but it is quite easy for the cost of the wine to exceed the cost of the rest of the meal. Does one tip on the whole bill, or does one apply some arbitrary wine price?

Any thoughts on restaurants that "pool" tips? I like to vary the tip amount significantly based on the service, but if tips are pooled it provides very little incentive or disincentive to the waiter.