What Do You Tip in Certain Situations?
Mar 25, 2014, 3:51 pm
#1
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What Do You Tip in Certain Situations?
I know there are various "tip" threads out there but I am curious as to what people generally tip (or do you tip) in certain situations. Assume you're are a standard Sheraton or Westin (say a level 5 hotel). What do you tip for...
1. Bell Hop Takes your Bag to Your Room:
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay:
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay:
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?
5. Valet takes your car:
6. Valet goes and gets your car:
7. Concierge helps you out:
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.):
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill:
10. Club Lounge Attendant:
11. Server when you are at a buffet (they bring coffee, juice, then bring bill).
1. Bell Hop Takes your Bag to Your Room:
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay:
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay:
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?
5. Valet takes your car:
6. Valet goes and gets your car:
7. Concierge helps you out:
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.):
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill:
10. Club Lounge Attendant:
11. Server when you are at a buffet (they bring coffee, juice, then bring bill).
Last edited by jb3t; Mar 26, 2014 at 11:38 am
Mar 25, 2014, 3:56 pm
#2
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for me...
1. Bell Hop Takes your Bag to Your Room: About $5
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay: Usually $0
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay: $3-$5 per night.
4. Housekeeping on a multi-night stay when you do Green Choice (say 5 days using GC. What do you tip at end of stay?): Just stayed 5 nights and tipped $15 but was there with family in a big suite. Probably $10-$15.
5. Valet takes your car: $0
6. Valet goes and gets your car: $5 (but I usually self park... go out of my way to)
7. Concierge helps you out: Never tipped one.
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.): Usually nothing but have sent notes to the GM. On a few occasions, I have tipped $25-$40 when they scored me a suite when on a family vaca.
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill: $0-$5... unless service was fabulous.
10. Club Lounge Attendant: $1-$3.
11. Server when you're at a buffet: $5-$10 for 2 people.
1. Bell Hop Takes your Bag to Your Room: About $5
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay: Usually $0
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay: $3-$5 per night.
4. Housekeeping on a multi-night stay when you do Green Choice (say 5 days using GC. What do you tip at end of stay?): Just stayed 5 nights and tipped $15 but was there with family in a big suite. Probably $10-$15.
5. Valet takes your car: $0
6. Valet goes and gets your car: $5 (but I usually self park... go out of my way to)
7. Concierge helps you out: Never tipped one.
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.): Usually nothing but have sent notes to the GM. On a few occasions, I have tipped $25-$40 when they scored me a suite when on a family vaca.
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill: $0-$5... unless service was fabulous.
10. Club Lounge Attendant: $1-$3.
11. Server when you're at a buffet: $5-$10 for 2 people.
Last edited by jb3t; Mar 25, 2014 at 4:02 pm
Mar 25, 2014, 6:51 pm
#3
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1. Bell Hop Takes your Bag to Your Room: $1 per bag (although I normally take my own bags)
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay: nothing, that's their job (although I normally don't take housekeeping for a one night stay)
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay: nothing, unless I left a particularly messy room, in which case, $5
4. Housekeeping on a multi-night stay when you do Green Choice (say 5 days using GC. What do you tip at end of stay?): no idea what Green Choice is
5. Valet takes your car: nothing, that's their job
6. Valet goes and gets your car: nothing, that's their job
7. Concierge helps you out: nothing, that's their job
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.): both of those sound like bribery to me. I know it is common practice in Vegas, but I would certainly not participate.
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill: nothing, since it's already included.
10. Club Lounge Attendant: if they pour you a drink, then perhaps $1 in the US (like at any other bar). In foreign countries, depends on local custom
11. Server when you are at a buffet (they bring coffee, juice, then bring bill). 10% of bill
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay: nothing, that's their job (although I normally don't take housekeeping for a one night stay)
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay: nothing, unless I left a particularly messy room, in which case, $5
4. Housekeeping on a multi-night stay when you do Green Choice (say 5 days using GC. What do you tip at end of stay?): no idea what Green Choice is
5. Valet takes your car: nothing, that's their job
6. Valet goes and gets your car: nothing, that's their job
7. Concierge helps you out: nothing, that's their job
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.): both of those sound like bribery to me. I know it is common practice in Vegas, but I would certainly not participate.
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill: nothing, since it's already included.
10. Club Lounge Attendant: if they pour you a drink, then perhaps $1 in the US (like at any other bar). In foreign countries, depends on local custom
11. Server when you are at a buffet (they bring coffee, juice, then bring bill). 10% of bill
Mar 25, 2014, 7:05 pm
#5
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I know there are various "tip" threads out there but I am curious as to what people generally tip (or do you tip) in certain situations. Assume you're are a standard Sheraton or Westin (say a level 5 hotel). What do you tip for...
1. Bell Hop Takes your Bag to Your Room: Nothing as I bring up my own bags. If I needed help, maybe a few dollars.
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay: Nothing. Paying for a room assumes a clean room upon arrival.
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay: Nothing, unless they did something over the top (like folding all of clothes or something), or I made a big mess.
4. Housekeeping on a multi-night stay when you do Green Choice (say 5 days using GC. What do you tip at end of stay?): Nothing.
5. Valet takes your car: Nothing. That's their job and that's why I'm paying extra for valet parking.
6. Valet goes and gets your car: Nothing. That's their job and that's why I'm paying extra for valet parking. Many times I've waited excessive amounts of time for my car
7. Concierge helps you out: Depends on what. Usually I just ask them for directions or restaurant recommendations, which is their job.
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.): Nothing. That could also look like a bribe
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill: Definitely nothing. Any time there is any sort of service charge, gratuity, delivery charge etc. on the bill, I pay nothing extra.
10. Club Lounge Attendant: Well I've never seen any of them do anything aside from bringing out more food, which again is their job. So nothing.
11. Server when you are at a buffet (they bring coffee, juice, then bring bill). If tipping is customary in the location, then 10-15%. If not, then nothing.
1. Bell Hop Takes your Bag to Your Room: Nothing as I bring up my own bags. If I needed help, maybe a few dollars.
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay: Nothing. Paying for a room assumes a clean room upon arrival.
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay: Nothing, unless they did something over the top (like folding all of clothes or something), or I made a big mess.
4. Housekeeping on a multi-night stay when you do Green Choice (say 5 days using GC. What do you tip at end of stay?): Nothing.
5. Valet takes your car: Nothing. That's their job and that's why I'm paying extra for valet parking.
6. Valet goes and gets your car: Nothing. That's their job and that's why I'm paying extra for valet parking. Many times I've waited excessive amounts of time for my car
7. Concierge helps you out: Depends on what. Usually I just ask them for directions or restaurant recommendations, which is their job.
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.): Nothing. That could also look like a bribe
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill: Definitely nothing. Any time there is any sort of service charge, gratuity, delivery charge etc. on the bill, I pay nothing extra.
10. Club Lounge Attendant: Well I've never seen any of them do anything aside from bringing out more food, which again is their job. So nothing.
11. Server when you are at a buffet (they bring coffee, juice, then bring bill). If tipping is customary in the location, then 10-15%. If not, then nothing.
Mar 25, 2014, 7:09 pm
#6
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Los Angeles, CA | Las Vegas, NV | Toronto, ON
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1. Bell Hop Takes your Bag to Your Room: Never use them!
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay: $3
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay: I opt for Green program, always
4. Housekeeping on a multi-night stay when you do Green Choice (say 5 days using GC. What do you tip at end of stay?): $5
5. Valet takes your car: Never use them!
6. Valet goes and gets your car: Never use them!
7. Concierge helps you out: Never use them, everything I need is on my phone from restaurant recommendations to travel tips
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.): $0
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill: n/a
10. Club Lounge Attendant: At the end of the year of staying at property, $100 assuming they deserve it. Serving food does not justify an automatic tip.
11. Server when you are at a buffet (they bring coffee, juice, then bring bill). 10%
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay: $3
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay: I opt for Green program, always
4. Housekeeping on a multi-night stay when you do Green Choice (say 5 days using GC. What do you tip at end of stay?): $5
5. Valet takes your car: Never use them!
6. Valet goes and gets your car: Never use them!
7. Concierge helps you out: Never use them, everything I need is on my phone from restaurant recommendations to travel tips
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.): $0
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill: n/a
10. Club Lounge Attendant: At the end of the year of staying at property, $100 assuming they deserve it. Serving food does not justify an automatic tip.
11. Server when you are at a buffet (they bring coffee, juice, then bring bill). 10%
Mar 25, 2014, 7:12 pm
#7
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I know there are various "tip" threads out there but I am curious as to what people generally tip (or do you tip) in certain situations. Assume you're are a standard Sheraton or Westin (say a level 5 hotel). What do you tip for...
1. Bell Hop Takes your Bag to Your Room: $2/bag
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay: $2-3
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay: $2-3/night, rounded depending on what is in my wallet
4. Housekeeping on a multi-night stay when you do Green Choice (say 5 days using GC. What do you tip at end of stay?): Never done this
5. Valet takes your car: I refuse to valet park
6. Valet goes and gets your car: I refuse to valet park
7. Concierge helps you out: Don't normally use concierges
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.): Nothing
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill: Nothing additional
10. Club Lounge Attendant: $1-2 for pouring a drink, otherwise nothing
11. Server when you are at a buffet (they bring coffee, juice, then bring bill). 15-18%
1. Bell Hop Takes your Bag to Your Room: $2/bag
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay: $2-3
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay: $2-3/night, rounded depending on what is in my wallet
4. Housekeeping on a multi-night stay when you do Green Choice (say 5 days using GC. What do you tip at end of stay?): Never done this
5. Valet takes your car: I refuse to valet park
6. Valet goes and gets your car: I refuse to valet park
7. Concierge helps you out: Don't normally use concierges
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.): Nothing
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill: Nothing additional
10. Club Lounge Attendant: $1-2 for pouring a drink, otherwise nothing
11. Server when you are at a buffet (they bring coffee, juice, then bring bill). 15-18%
Mar 25, 2014, 8:08 pm
#8
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OP doesn't say where and that really matters. I tip according to local custom because that is what matters. OP does say that this is a 5-star hotel (not many Sheratons or Westins are seriously 5-star, but lets let that pass :
1. Bell Hop Takes your Bag to Your Room: $2 per bag, but never less than $5 total
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay $5 per night per room. A one BR suite would be $10:
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay same as one night, but times the # of nights:
4. Housekeeping on a multi-night stay when you do Green Choice (say 5 days using GC. What do you tip at end of stay?) The housekeeper gets the same tip:
5. Valet takes your car $2:
6. Valet goes and gets your car $3:
7. Concierge helps you out Depends on what you mean by "help". Resevervation which you could have made yourself = $5. Reservation at tough place in NYC = $50+:
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.) $20+:
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill Nothing, if it really is a tip, not a service charge which goes to the property:
10. Club Lounge Attendant $5:
11. Server when you are at a buffet (they bring coffee, juice, then bring bill) 10% if that really is the extent of the service
I also increase this accordingly for properties where I regularly stay. Trust me, if you want early check-ins, late check-outs, a primo seat at a tough restaurant, being known as a good tipper matters. And being known as cheap gets you the broom closet next to the elevator.
1. Bell Hop Takes your Bag to Your Room: $2 per bag, but never less than $5 total
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay $5 per night per room. A one BR suite would be $10:
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay same as one night, but times the # of nights:
4. Housekeeping on a multi-night stay when you do Green Choice (say 5 days using GC. What do you tip at end of stay?) The housekeeper gets the same tip:
5. Valet takes your car $2:
6. Valet goes and gets your car $3:
7. Concierge helps you out Depends on what you mean by "help". Resevervation which you could have made yourself = $5. Reservation at tough place in NYC = $50+:
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.) $20+:
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill Nothing, if it really is a tip, not a service charge which goes to the property:
10. Club Lounge Attendant $5:
11. Server when you are at a buffet (they bring coffee, juice, then bring bill) 10% if that really is the extent of the service
I also increase this accordingly for properties where I regularly stay. Trust me, if you want early check-ins, late check-outs, a primo seat at a tough restaurant, being known as a good tipper matters. And being known as cheap gets you the broom closet next to the elevator.
Mar 25, 2014, 9:20 pm
#9
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I tried in somewhat of different fashion a week and a half ago going to Chateau Lake Louise.
I tipped all housekeeping, Gold Lounge Staff, maintenance personnel, etc. one lump sum on my bill to be distributed by the hotel.
I mentioned to all staff that I would extend gratuities in this fashion as I did not have change on me. Everyone was greatful and understanding. The bell hops and valet I did end up sliding some money at drop off and pick up.
I tipped all housekeeping, Gold Lounge Staff, maintenance personnel, etc. one lump sum on my bill to be distributed by the hotel.
I mentioned to all staff that I would extend gratuities in this fashion as I did not have change on me. Everyone was greatful and understanding. The bell hops and valet I did end up sliding some money at drop off and pick up.
Mar 25, 2014, 10:09 pm
#11
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Posts: 3,360
(Note: In the hotels I worked, the policy was only applicable to Front Desk tasks. If a Bellperson wasn't around and the Front Desk clerk went to retrieve a bag, they could accept a tip. Similarly, if they did something usually handled by a Concierge, they could accept a tip for that service.)
Mar 26, 2014, 12:15 am
#12
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I know there are various "tip" threads out there but I am curious as to what people generally tip (or do you tip) in certain situations. Assume you're are a standard Sheraton or Westin (say a level 5 hotel). What do you tip for...
1. Bell Hop Takes your Bag to Your Room: Nothing, usually take bags myself. If help needed help, $1 per bag.
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay: Nothing. .
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay: Nothing, unless requiring someting very special
4. Housekeeping on a multi-night stay when you do Green Choice (say 5 days using GC. What do you tip at end of stay?): Nothing.
5. Valet takes your car: Normally don't use valet parking, but if I do, nothing.
6. Valet goes and gets your car: See 5. Occasionally a couple of bucks.
7. Concierge helps you out: Nothing if only asking for directions or restaurant recommendations.
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.): Nothing. As pointed out above, this could look like a bribe
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill: Definitely nothing. Any time there is any sort of service charge, gratuity, delivery charge etc. on the bill. If it's paid, it's paid! So, I pay nothing extra.
10. Club Lounge Attendant: Nothing.
11. Server when you are at a buffet (they bring coffee, juice, then bring bill). If tipping is customary in the location, then 10-15%. If not, then nothing.
1. Bell Hop Takes your Bag to Your Room: Nothing, usually take bags myself. If help needed help, $1 per bag.
2. Housekeeping on a ONE NIGHT (in-and-out) stay: Nothing. .
3. Housekeeping (per night or at end) on a multi-night stay: Nothing, unless requiring someting very special
4. Housekeeping on a multi-night stay when you do Green Choice (say 5 days using GC. What do you tip at end of stay?): Nothing.
5. Valet takes your car: Normally don't use valet parking, but if I do, nothing.
6. Valet goes and gets your car: See 5. Occasionally a couple of bucks.
7. Concierge helps you out: Nothing if only asking for directions or restaurant recommendations.
8. Front Desk person goes above and beyond (scores a great suite, slips you drink tickets, etc.): Nothing. As pointed out above, this could look like a bribe
9. Wait Staff when they have already included a 20% tip on the bill: Definitely nothing. Any time there is any sort of service charge, gratuity, delivery charge etc. on the bill. If it's paid, it's paid! So, I pay nothing extra.
10. Club Lounge Attendant: Nothing.
11. Server when you are at a buffet (they bring coffee, juice, then bring bill). If tipping is customary in the location, then 10-15%. If not, then nothing.
Mar 26, 2014, 12:21 am
#13
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In both hotels in which I worked, accepting tips at the Front Desk was grounds for immediate termination. While I only worked at the Central Reservations office at Disney World, I was told that the Disney Resorts also had a policy prohibiting Front Desk Cast Members from accepting tips.
(Note: In the hotels I worked, the policy was only applicable to Front Desk tasks. If a Bellperson wasn't around and the Front Desk clerk went to retrieve a bag, they could accept a tip. Similarly, if they did something usually handled by a Concierge, they could accept a tip for that service.)
(Note: In the hotels I worked, the policy was only applicable to Front Desk tasks. If a Bellperson wasn't around and the Front Desk clerk went to retrieve a bag, they could accept a tip. Similarly, if they did something usually handled by a Concierge, they could accept a tip for that service.)
Mar 26, 2014, 1:57 am
#14
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Posts: 3,360
Exactly. Whenever I go to Vegas I'm always shocked to see Front Desk accepting tips. I'm also surprised that the casino hotels allow it to happen. Aside from the obvious fact that employees are profiting by giving away something the hotel might be able to sell, I often wonder if those tips ever get reported to the IRS.
Mar 26, 2014, 5:42 am
#15
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The "Green Choice" comment relates to star woods. You can decline housekeeping for points.