Hotel Housekeeping
 

I was going to write a lengthy statement as to why I am asking the question, but it doesn't make a difference.

Is housekeeping staff compensated by the hour or by the room? Does it differ between the US and Europe?

I ask because I often do not want housekeeping, but I wonder if I am taking money out of someone's pocket.

After countless hotel stays in Asia and Mexico, I'm of the opinion that they're hourly employees. Why? Because the housekeeping always thanks me for not having to clean my room, and ends up giving me extra water bottles/other things without being prompted.

Affirmative in Asia based on personal experience - hotel staff was happy with no housekeeping requests.

Many hotels (certainly in the US) vary their housekeeping staff day-to-day. If enough guests request no housekeeping, fewer staff work that day. The housekeepers who weren't being paid that day probably had a different opinion of no housekeeping requests.