Room Service Tip
#31
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
Based on my experience working in a hotel restaurant, 18%-22% doesn't go into the server's pocket in the restaurant, either. He/she tips out the bartender and other help (food runners, busboys, etc.) I will tip the same on a room service order as I would on an in-restaurant order. It's not my concern how much goes into the server's pocket any more than I care what ultimately ends up in the waiter's/waitress' pocket in the restaurant.
#33
Join Date: Aug 2003
Programs: HH Gold, UAL SP, Marriott PL, National Excecutive Elite, SWA A+
Posts: 103
I might shed some light on this, I set up databases for hotel food services. This is not always the case, but the following is what most likely happens. If there is a delivery charge (usually a per trip charge which is very common at resorts and nickle and dimeing 4 and 5 stars) that goes to the house. The service charge then goes to the room service staff (Room service normally pools tips and may have to tip out a bartender as well). If there is not a delivery charge, but just a service charge, it may be that the house takes a percentage of the tip (a common one is 18% with 15% going to the server and 3% to the house). Their is no hard and fast rule, but always read the guest check closely.
#34
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: PER
Programs: BD Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 50
I must say, I always add a tip on top of the "room service gratuity" already on the bill. Having worked in the service industry, I doubt the server is getting rich off my extra 10%.
I just wonder how much of that the server is actually taking home...I suppose I should start asking.
I just wonder how much of that the server is actually taking home...I suppose I should start asking.
#35
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Mileage Plus, Skymiles, EleVAte founding member, SPG
Posts: 1,910
FWIW, most waiters and waitesses here in NYC loathe it when Europeans sit at their tables. They know they'll get a $2 tip on a $100 check.
#36
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Palm Coast, FL (DAB) USA
Posts: 242
It's a simple rule, tip appropriate to the country/culture you are in!
#37
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Smyrna, GA, USA
Programs: DL FO 1MM
Posts: 1,761
The last time I ordered room service (years ago), the hotel had a mandatory gratuity, and a line on the check for additinal gratuity. I felt that 22% was enough and did not add any additional. After taking the check and starting to walk back to the elevator, the courier loudly said "f*ing stiff" 'under his breath'.
Personally I would never look down on anyone for "only" leaving 22%, but clearly, hotel staffs expect more.
Personally I would never look down on anyone for "only" leaving 22%, but clearly, hotel staffs expect more.
#38
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1MM, Delta Plat
Posts: 11,224
Yes, but my American tipping guilt sets in and I leave a buck for the person who brings my orange juice.
#39
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: BA,LH,AC
Posts: 161
Considering I'm not expense accounting these outrageous in room dining charges the last time through LHR T5 I visited the M+S Simply Food on the arrivals level and bought myself a nice cold cut spread plus a bottle of Shiraz. Walked back to my room in the Sofitel and ate and drank totally guilt free in my room.
#40
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: UK
Programs: BA Gold, BD Gold (RIP), TK Elite, HH Gold, Marriott Silver, SPG Gold, IC RA, Hertz 5*
Posts: 589
Living in Europe, I usually give 10% or less in restaurants.
I do not tip hotel rooms or airport lounges.
Personally, tipping should not be.
I expect good service, and I expect to know the price in advanced.
Adding for the plate (done in Italy) or service on top of the price makes me order less next time.
I do not tip hotel rooms or airport lounges.
Personally, tipping should not be.
I expect good service, and I expect to know the price in advanced.
Adding for the plate (done in Italy) or service on top of the price makes me order less next time.
#41
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: UA*G(1K), PC Diamond Amb, Marriott Titanium, Accor Platinum
Posts: 4,672
However, I've also appreciate good service. I will tip above and beyond the suggested tip for staff that bring my room service order right away, make sure the food is hot, or bring everything in one of those nice combination food warmers/tables on wheels. I'm addicted to those.
I usually have a simple policy: if a service charge is added, I don't tip. In one particular Korean hotel they even had a sign at the front desk: "To avoid individual tipping we charge 10% service fee." What else should the service fee be for if not to pay for the service staff?
HTB.
#42
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 48
What about takeout from a restaurant? I've been asking around about this lately to get some feedback. I have to go pick it up, bring it to my house, unpack it, clean up my mess, refill my drinks, lay out my silverware, etc.. What did they do? Put it in a bag and take my money? Perhaps if you could take the server home with you to perform the services you get at a restaurant and then they could find their way back by themselves, I would consider it.
It's almost as ridiculous as tipping a barista.
It's almost as ridiculous as tipping a barista.
#43
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 309
You think that's bad!
I tried to order takeout in Virginia, it was one of those 'delivers from multiple restaurants' deals. The bill I was presented with listed out the additions of sales tax, city tax, delivery fee, convenience fee, fuel surcharge, packaging fee, mandatory gratuity, and THEN had an item asking about a tip!
I was stunned. Delivery fee was to the delivery company, I guess. Convenience fee was.... I have no idea what that was about! Maybe to the restaurant for packaging it up? Fuel surcharge, oh boy. Packaging fee was apparently for the styrofoam plate, napkin, and plastic utensils that are provided. Mandatory gratuity to the driver (maybe), and then tip for the magic fairies.
It more than doubled the price of my $15 meal before the suggested 'tip'. I gave up at that point.
I tried to order takeout in Virginia, it was one of those 'delivers from multiple restaurants' deals. The bill I was presented with listed out the additions of sales tax, city tax, delivery fee, convenience fee, fuel surcharge, packaging fee, mandatory gratuity, and THEN had an item asking about a tip!
I was stunned. Delivery fee was to the delivery company, I guess. Convenience fee was.... I have no idea what that was about! Maybe to the restaurant for packaging it up? Fuel surcharge, oh boy. Packaging fee was apparently for the styrofoam plate, napkin, and plastic utensils that are provided. Mandatory gratuity to the driver (maybe), and then tip for the magic fairies.
It more than doubled the price of my $15 meal before the suggested 'tip'. I gave up at that point.
#44
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: ATL
Programs: Amex Plat, DL Plat, UAL Silv, Marriott Plat, SPG Plat, Hyatt Diam, Avis First
Posts: 100
What about takeout from a restaurant? I've been asking around about this lately to get some feedback. I have to go pick it up, bring it to my house, unpack it, clean up my mess, refill my drinks, lay out my silverware, etc.. What did they do? Put it in a bag and take my money? Perhaps if you could take the server home with you to perform the services you get at a restaurant and then they could find their way back by themselves, I would consider it.
It's almost as ridiculous as tipping a barista.
It's almost as ridiculous as tipping a barista.
#45
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: ORD/MDW
Programs: BA/AA/AS/B6/WN/ UA/HH/MR and more like 'em but most felicitously & importantly MUCCI
Posts: 19,719
Interesting that when you pay with cash the question just doesn't arise.