Are coins on the desk a "tip?"
 

When I travel I normally tip the housekeeping staff by putting $2-3 on the pillows; $5 if I'm with my family and we have more towels/bedding to deal with.

I also routinely take one of the many glasses in the room, put it on my desk or dresser, and empty my pocket change into it every day. At the end of the week, I just pour the glass into my laptop bag to take home and empty; I hate jingly pockets all week.

Anyway, a couple weeks ago I noticed my change cup was empty one night. I thought I'd put some coin in it the day before, but couldn't be 100% sure, so I made a mental note when I tossed a buck or two into it that night... sure enough, the next two days, the change in the cup was disappearing when my room was cleaned.

This is the first time I've ever expereience what I consider any kind of "theft" from my room. I routinely leave laptop computers, digital cameras, jewelry, etc lying around -- I"ve NEVER had an issue. It's not worth making a fuss over a buck or two in change, but I'm curious what other people's experiences were.... have I just been lucky up until now? I've been a road warrior for about 5 years, mostly in the US, and never had a problem, knock wood.

I usually don't leave it to chance. I write "housekeeping" on a piece of paper and place the bills on it. I also put the daily change in my suitcase so it's not misconstrued (or a temptation).

If I really trash the heck out of a hotel room, I place cash in the middle of a pillow as a tip. I've never had a housekeeper pilfer coins from me.

I've had coins taken from inside the chest drawers.

I was angry because they had no business opening the drawers and going through my personal things, including dirty underwear, especially it was obvious I had not checked out.

That's where I've always put them too, because I thought it was safe. Guess I'll have to rethink that one.

I figure if they're searching the drawers and come across my dirty underwear, it serves 'em right. That'll teach 'em. :D :D :D

:eek: My mental picture of you just went berserk.

It now is cluttered with tatoos, needles, and groupies. :)

I stay at many Marriott properties and always just leave my change laying on the desk. I have never had it taken from me unless they were clever and only took a few coins since I really never pay attention to how much is there.

I think it was USA Today that ran a series on the "day in the life of a hotel housekeeper", and one of the comments was that they were usually very cautious on taking money left out unless it was clearly a tip, for fear of theft complaints.

[I'd suggest moving this to TravelBuzz, as it's not at all Marriott specific]

I usually toss loose change into a glass/wineglass --- and it has never been touched. It usually gets left behind for housekeeping, but during my stay it's handy for vending machines, etc.

Looks like an interpretation issue --- it's not theirs until you say it is :rolleyes:

I just leave my change where ever-- on the desk, in an ashtray, in a drawer. I've never had a problem with coins disappearing. I'll always leave something for housekeeping when I check out, most usually bills, but I too don't like carrying too many coins, and I'll leave them on the desk in plain sight as I leave.

I'm a little surprised that someone takes the coins. Either they misunderstood or it's a crafty employee dipping into the till.

Barry

I usually take the notepad, write a quick "Thank You" note on it, and insert the cash in between the pages. I then leave the notepad on the corner of the bed where it will be seen.

I guess I'm the only one who thinks its disgusting you put coins in the drinking glasses...

Why I don't use the glasses.

...or the coffee maker...

Yuck.

:(

randomman

BINGO...you want zero ambiguity, so for tips, leave $$ aside with a note('Maid', 'housekeeping', etc). Take ALL other
meaningful $$ with you, leave either nothing or only
insignificant change(pennies, nickels, etc)