What Do You Tip in Certain Situations?
Mar 28, 2014, 4:57 am
#46
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: LAS/DXB
Programs: LH HON
Posts: 1,193
1. Bell Hop Takes your Bag to Your Room: 1$ per bag
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay: 1$
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay: 1-2$
5. Valet takes your car: none
6. Valet goes and gets your car: 2$
7. Concierge helps you out: 1-2$
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.): 5-10$
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill: 1$
10. Club Lounge Attendant: get off
11. Server when you are at a buffet (they bring coffee, juice, then bring bill): 1-2$
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay: 1$
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay: 1-2$
5. Valet takes your car: none
6. Valet goes and gets your car: 2$
7. Concierge helps you out: 1-2$
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.): 5-10$
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill: 1$
10. Club Lounge Attendant: get off
11. Server when you are at a buffet (they bring coffee, juice, then bring bill): 1-2$
Mar 28, 2014, 5:16 am
#47
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Shanghai
Programs: BAEC (Gold), PC (Plat), HH (Gold), MR (Gold)
Posts: 2,729
I don't. I tip according to what I can afford. Just because I'm staying in Timbuktu where the standard tip for housekeeping might be 50 cents a night I won't lower what I would tip.
On many trips I have had regrets. They weren't regrets that I wish I had seen more, eaten at better or different restaurants, shopped more etc. I wish I had given a bigger tip to people working so hard just to make ends meet and support their family.
On many trips I have had regrets. They weren't regrets that I wish I had seen more, eaten at better or different restaurants, shopped more etc. I wish I had given a bigger tip to people working so hard just to make ends meet and support their family.
That, in turn, can lead to very wonky economics, where doctors are paid far less than an all inclusive resort's housekeeper or bar tender. One of the biggest complaints I see from people is how tourists (especially American) screw up local economies with tipping far more than is common locally. It can also lead to multi-tier service - if you are from a country that typically doesn't tip, the country you are in typically doesn't tip (or tips small amounts) and you have a group of people who tip excessively (compared to local standards) people like waitresses are not stupid, and will provide quicker / better / preferrential services to those nationalities known for bigger tipping.
Mar 28, 2014, 6:19 am
#48
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Singapore
Programs: SQ Gold, SPG Plat
Posts: 115
I live in Asia and I hate the guesswork in tipping. Thats why I am grateful when establishments here impose a fixed service charge which removes any "face" issue in case one under-tips. In restaurants that don't impose service charge, I will tip a minimum of 5~10%, up to a max of 15% for stellar service. In some countries, however, such as Japan, Taiwan and Korea, tips are not expected.
The answers below are for USA/Canada/Europe/Australia:
1. Bell Hop Takes your Bag to Your Room: I mostly carry my own bags, even my road bike if I am traveling with my "beloved". But if I am had no choice but to use the Bell Hop, its $1/bag and only if they swiftly deliver it to my room without me chasing for it.
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay: Zero. They are doing their job. My experience, its usually a different cleaner each day,
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay: Zero. They are doing their job.
4. Housekeeping on a multi-night stay when you do SPG Green Choice or decline housekeeping (say 5 nights) What do you tip at end of stay? Zero. They are doing their job and I am doing them a favour (one less room to clean).
5. Valet takes your car: Zero. They are doing their job.
6. Valet goes and gets your car: If I am already charged for valet then Zero. Otherwise $1-2.
7. Concierge helps you out: I will write an appreciation note to the GM if service was outstanding. Personally I find concierge desk clueless and useless in most hotels.
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.): I will write an appreciation note to the GM if service was outstanding.
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill: Zero. Tips are in the bill
10. Club Lounge Attendant: I will write an appreciation note to the GM if service was outstanding.
11. Server when you are at a buffet (they bring coffee, juice, then bring bill). Zero. They are doing their job.
The answers below are for USA/Canada/Europe/Australia:
1. Bell Hop Takes your Bag to Your Room: I mostly carry my own bags, even my road bike if I am traveling with my "beloved". But if I am had no choice but to use the Bell Hop, its $1/bag and only if they swiftly deliver it to my room without me chasing for it.
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay: Zero. They are doing their job. My experience, its usually a different cleaner each day,
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay: Zero. They are doing their job.
4. Housekeeping on a multi-night stay when you do SPG Green Choice or decline housekeeping (say 5 nights) What do you tip at end of stay? Zero. They are doing their job and I am doing them a favour (one less room to clean).
5. Valet takes your car: Zero. They are doing their job.
6. Valet goes and gets your car: If I am already charged for valet then Zero. Otherwise $1-2.
7. Concierge helps you out: I will write an appreciation note to the GM if service was outstanding. Personally I find concierge desk clueless and useless in most hotels.
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.): I will write an appreciation note to the GM if service was outstanding.
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill: Zero. Tips are in the bill
10. Club Lounge Attendant: I will write an appreciation note to the GM if service was outstanding.
11. Server when you are at a buffet (they bring coffee, juice, then bring bill). Zero. They are doing their job.
Mar 28, 2014, 8:08 am
#49
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: DL PM, 1MM, DL SC, Kimpton Inner Circle
Posts: 2,416
1. Bell Hop Takes your Bag to Your Room: I always carry my own bags.
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay: Nothing.
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay: Nothing -- all they have to do is re-make the bed and replace the towels and toiletries. I never leave any kind of mess in the room.
4. Housekeeping on a multi-night stay when you do SPG Green Choice or decline housekeeping (say 5 nights) What do you tip at end of stay? Same as #3.
5. Valet takes your car: On the extremely rare occasions when I have to do this, I'll give the guy a few bucks. I consider it protection money for my car ; )
6. Valet goes and gets your car: $3 - $5 depending on how long I have to wait.
7. Concierge helps you out: Entirely situation-dependent. Depends on the value-added.
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.): Something like a higher floor or allegedly better view, nothing. An upgrade to a room that would have cost me more had I booked it directly -- usually $20.
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill: Nothing.
10. Club Lounge Attendant: $3 - $5.
11. Server when you are at a buffet (they bring coffee, juice, then bring bill). $3 - $5.
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay: Nothing.
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay: Nothing -- all they have to do is re-make the bed and replace the towels and toiletries. I never leave any kind of mess in the room.
4. Housekeeping on a multi-night stay when you do SPG Green Choice or decline housekeeping (say 5 nights) What do you tip at end of stay? Same as #3.
5. Valet takes your car: On the extremely rare occasions when I have to do this, I'll give the guy a few bucks. I consider it protection money for my car ; )
6. Valet goes and gets your car: $3 - $5 depending on how long I have to wait.
7. Concierge helps you out: Entirely situation-dependent. Depends on the value-added.
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.): Something like a higher floor or allegedly better view, nothing. An upgrade to a room that would have cost me more had I booked it directly -- usually $20.
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill: Nothing.
10. Club Lounge Attendant: $3 - $5.
11. Server when you are at a buffet (they bring coffee, juice, then bring bill). $3 - $5.
Mar 28, 2014, 9:20 am
#50
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Western Europe
Programs: Yeah, well, don’t really care anymore
Posts: 845
1. Bell Hop Takes your Bag to Your Room: Will never happen as long as I'm able to lift my own bags. And since I must, at one point, have dragged them out of the house myself, there's a good chance I'll still be able to when arriving at destination
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay: Nothing, regardless of duration of stay. I don't get a tip for showing up for work either
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay: See above
4. Housekeeping on a multi-night stay when you do SPG Green Choice or decline housekeeping (say 5 nights) What do you tip at end of stay? See above. I generally place the 'do not disturb' sign as the very first thing, and unless it's an extended stay (+1 week) it stays put until I leave. I don't need the room cleaned any more than I would my own house, and as a grown man am perfectly able to do my own bed. Will only call them if I run out of things like shampoo or soap, otherwise leave my room alone please
5. Valet takes your car: Valet is minding his job, see 2
6. Valet goes and gets your car: See above
7. Concierge helps you out: See above
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.): Front desk person does his job and recognizes me as a gold card holder. Good for him or her, the alternative would be me having a conversation with the manager
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill: 20% tip on the bill, what kind of utter madness is that? They would get a tip of the round sum of Zero, and never see me entering the establishment again
10. Club Lounge Attendant: About the same as the pool boy. A big fat zero
11. Server when you are at a buffet (they bring coffee, juice, then bring bill). A smile and thank you will suffice, I should think
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay: Nothing, regardless of duration of stay. I don't get a tip for showing up for work either
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay: See above
4. Housekeeping on a multi-night stay when you do SPG Green Choice or decline housekeeping (say 5 nights) What do you tip at end of stay? See above. I generally place the 'do not disturb' sign as the very first thing, and unless it's an extended stay (+1 week) it stays put until I leave. I don't need the room cleaned any more than I would my own house, and as a grown man am perfectly able to do my own bed. Will only call them if I run out of things like shampoo or soap, otherwise leave my room alone please
5. Valet takes your car: Valet is minding his job, see 2
6. Valet goes and gets your car: See above
7. Concierge helps you out: See above
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.): Front desk person does his job and recognizes me as a gold card holder. Good for him or her, the alternative would be me having a conversation with the manager
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill: 20% tip on the bill, what kind of utter madness is that? They would get a tip of the round sum of Zero, and never see me entering the establishment again
10. Club Lounge Attendant: About the same as the pool boy. A big fat zero
11. Server when you are at a buffet (they bring coffee, juice, then bring bill). A smile and thank you will suffice, I should think
Mar 28, 2014, 8:55 pm
#51
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Fairmont Platinum, Aeroplan Diamond, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 18,686
I tip the server at the full serve restaurant buffet as I normally would a full service restaurant. I find that the servers work just as hard clearing off my ten plates and serving me beverages.
If a continental breakfast available for everyone who is a guest, I'll slip some bills to the attendant.
If a continental breakfast available for everyone who is a guest, I'll slip some bills to the attendant.
Mar 29, 2014, 1:25 am
#53
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Everywhere
Programs: Delta GM, *G, BA Blue, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Silver, LHW
Posts: 753
Mar 29, 2014, 1:46 am
#54
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Formerly HPN, but then DCA and IAD for a while, and now back to HPN!
Programs: Honestly, I've been out of the travel game so long that I'm not even sure. Maybe Marriott Gold?
Posts: 10,677
Interesting that most posters don't seem to tip for valet parking. Is that because there's generally a fee for valet parking vs. self-parking? I've always assumed that, in U.S. hotels anyway, the valet guys/gals aren't seeing any of the parking fee, so they are more or less reliant on tips. I've always tipped a buck or two upon receiving the car (generally I don't tip when I drop it off). Based on the replies here, I'm doing it wrong.
Mar 29, 2014, 1:52 am
#55
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: KWI
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 806
Of course that guy many posts above who tips everywhere based on US standards has no concept of this.
Mar 29, 2014, 2:35 am
#56
Moderator: Manufactured Spending
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,580
Interesting that most posters don't seem to tip for valet parking. Is that because there's generally a fee for valet parking vs. self-parking? I've always assumed that, in U.S. hotels anyway, the valet guys/gals aren't seeing any of the parking fee, so they are more or less reliant on tips. I've always tipped a buck or two upon receiving the car (generally I don't tip when I drop it off). Based on the replies here, I'm doing it wrong.
I don't know if they are considered a customarily tipped profession that can be paid a lower-than-minimum-wage salary in some states.
Mar 29, 2014, 2:42 am
#57
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: AA EXP/LTP, BA GGL/CCR/GfL, HH D/LTD, SPG/MR Plat/LTP
Posts: 10,076
Mar 29, 2014, 3:42 am
#58
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Shanghai
Programs: BAEC (Gold), PC (Plat), HH (Gold), MR (Gold)
Posts: 2,729
Mar 29, 2014, 3:43 am
#59
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Shanghai
Programs: BAEC (Gold), PC (Plat), HH (Gold), MR (Gold)
Posts: 2,729
Interesting that most posters don't seem to tip for valet parking. Is that because there's generally a fee for valet parking vs. self-parking? I've always assumed that, in U.S. hotels anyway, the valet guys/gals aren't seeing any of the parking fee, so they are more or less reliant on tips. I've always tipped a buck or two upon receiving the car (generally I don't tip when I drop it off). Based on the replies here, I'm doing it wrong.
Mar 29, 2014, 3:45 am
#60
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,967
I'm not impressed with the boasting, or the attitude that people working in certain industries are beneath them.
To be clear, I'm not against tipping in a tipping culture (although I too wish that the US would change) However, some people really act as if they are giving the poor peasants something for which they should be grateful.