Hi,

planning another trip to the U.S. (California) and this time I would like to try not having to tip anyone during the entire trip.

Last time:
- used cab - had to tip
- stayed at Hiltons on breakfast inclusive rate, got coupons for breakfast, still had to tip
- tipped housekeeping
- stayed at Embassy Suites, tipped bartender during happy hour
- ate at restaurants, tipped waiter

Next time:
- will use airport shuttle / public transportation
- stay at HI Express, do I have to tip at breakfast?
- no need to tip housekeeping?
- eat only at fast food places (no table service) - no tip
- use minibar to take drinks down to the lounge - no tips
- fly an European airline, no need to tip for drinks in the lounge

How about that strategy ?

But why? What's wrong with tipping if you get good service?

DMH

I don't like tipping, it feels bad to pay for service I should receive anyway.

Move to Asia.

The problem here is that you will probably pay more for the overpriced mini-bar drinks than you would pay at the bar plus tip. Kind of defeats the purpose.

I'm an American, and no, it's not cool not to tip here. Tips are sometimes part of wages earned in certain industries (bars and restaurants), bar tenders and waiters are actually taxed on tips, so unless you're some cheapskate, I would strongly recommend that you think twice about this as you might not get a great service the next time you visit the same restaurant or bar. I even tip in the UK which is generally not required, it a way to show your appreciation.

You know...that crap my fly if your just one-offing the place, but if you ever plan on returning, you'll be rememebered. Bad mojo IMO.

DMH

I already live in Europe and don't have to tip.

Anyone care to comment on my proposed strategy?

A friend told me long ago that he coudln't afford to take his family out and tip too. He had the perfect answer, just as yours above, to only use services that didn't require tips. Brilliant creativity, saving money too

Thanks!

I get it. Your not saying you going to be a cheap ... and not tip, your going to avoid the situation completely. Fine. No harm, no foul. But I enjoying tipping, especially to the people that barely make minimum wage. AND, when I am in Germany, which is a couple times a year, I like tipping even more. The gratefulness I recieve is incredible. While staying at the Hiedelburg Marriott a coupel summers ago I threw the lounge girl, who was a real doll, a 5 euro tip after a bunch of us were in there drinking free beer for a couple hours. You'd think I just gave her a car she was so happy. Needless to say, I recieved great service the rest of my trip and she rememeber me the next time I was there as well.

There is something to be said for tipping.

DMH

PLEASE ... When in Rome.... et cetera et cetera et cetera

When I visit your country I respect your customs and I tip what is IMO excessively for what I get in return. When you visit my country please respect our customs and don't tip where it isn't the norm ... the last thing I and probably many others want in the UK is a tipping culture to develop.

It's October 31st and gone is our tradition of Haloween now we have commercial Trick or Treat.... more flippin Tippin!

Oi! Guising is a Scottish tradition half-inched by America!

Just be grateful you're not in one of the areas of England celebrating it as 'Mischief Night'...

On this point, I believe the IRS taxes waitstaff on the amount the IRS deems they have received at a minimum, not what they actually received (if lower than the deemed amount). The tip slave has to prove that they did not receive the deemed amount.

yes, in Europe that something might be"usually completely unnecessary and perhaps disrespectful of local customs"

next time you are in that lounge you may well receive stellar service from "the doll" whilst those Europeans who don't tip and follow local custom will presumably have to do with somewhat lesser service now through no fault of their own