What Travelers Need to Know About Tipping Hotel Staff
Tipping can be very personal. Some people are willing to tip regardless of the quality of service, while others carefully consider their experience before deciding how much to tip.
In many ways, there is no wrong How to tip. However, in countries like the United States, where workers rely on tips to supplement their income, not doing so can be considered rude.
Yes, we know there are a lot of criticisms that “blame“has gotten out of hand in the United States—especially as companies hiring employees are posting record profits. But sometimes it’s important to leave a little something behind for a job well done, especially during a hotel stay.
That doesn’t mean there isn’t certainty. tipping rules need to consider, especially when traveling. Hotel re-hires staff laid off during the coronavirus pandemic, but because labor shortages existed before the health crisis, fewer workers are doing more work.
Tipping extra money to your overtime workers is a good thing, even necessary.
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Throughout your stay—whether it’s two nights or two weeks—you’ll likely be assisted by a variety of staff, including bellboys, room attendants, front desk staff, housekeeping staff, and room service. Some ultra-luxury hotels even offer butler service to help you with everything from unpacking your bags to making sure your favorite flowers are on your nightstand.
But do you tip everyone the same? Are there any situations where tipping is not required?
Tom Waithe, former executive vice president of Kimpton Hotel In the Pacific Northwest and the mountains, received notes from customers expressing concerns about tipping.
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“There’s a huge fear that they associate with a very simple gesture,” he told TPG in 2022. “But what customers need to realize is that very rarely do employees notice or associate the amount of your tip. Any gesture is appreciated unless it’s so small that it’s embarrassing: think of change made up of many copper coins.”
So a pile of coins can be seen as a slight. What else should travelers keep in mind when tipping hotel staff? It often depends on the job they do.
Should I tip hotel housekeeping staff?
Many hotel and etiquette sources suggest that guests should leave a tip for housekeeping. After all, they clean up messes and make our beds.
“These are the hardest working people in the hotel and also the least recognized,” Waithe said.
According to one A recent survey by the American Hotel and Lodging Association76% of hotels are facing staff shortages.
Housekeeping is the “most critical hiring need,” with AHLA reporting that 50% of its members rank it as the “biggest challenge” in hiring.
In the meantime, helping out the maids can be a kind gesture if you are able.
How much should I tip the housekeeping staff?
AHLA recommends tipping for house cleaning jobs between $1 and $5 per day.
Business travelers who rarely spend time in their rooms may tip less, and families with mischievous children may pay a little more.
While you may be tempted to leave something other than cash, don’t.
“We see this all the time, especially when guests have leftover wine or alcohol,” says Waithe. “But it’s really ineffective, because most hotels have strict policies about what can be taken out of a guest room. Guests often think they’re leaving a special treat, like pizza or leftovers, but it just gets thrown out along with any opened bottles of liquid because no one knows what went in there.”
Furthermore, some Las Vegas Casino Resort There is no no gambling policy for group members, so leave cash instead of gambling chips from last night’s winnings.
Who else should I tip at the hotel?
Baggage staff
This one is pretty straightforward: A tip of $1 per bag is fine, but consider tipping $5 per bag for heavier items. If you’re traveling with a large group or have enough bags to warrant a luggage cart, feel free to round up to an even number, like $10 or $20, depending on the number of bags.
Room service
Hotels often add a service charge to room service bills — which makes that blank tip line even more confusing. Would you be considered cheap if you wrote a big line across it? Not necessarily.
“One hundred percent of the included service charge goes to the server, so there’s no need to add an additional amount,” says Waithe. “Oftentimes, the included tip isn’t clearly marked on the bill, so people add it without realizing it’s been applied. So look before you add it!”
The delivery fee you will typically see on your bill will go to the hotel and pay the chef, dishwasher and other kitchen staff.
In the rare case where gratuity is not included, tip 15% to 20% of the bill. Also, there is no need to tip when taking the room service tray away after you have finished your meal.
Servants
In general, you should be prepared to tip between $1 and $5 each time a valet retrieves your car from a hotel lot. Several inside sources—current and former valet employees—confirmed that this is standard practice.
“You can tip a little each time or tell the waiter that you will get [him or her] “Finally,” said Eric Matava, a former hotel waiter in Connecticut.
Guard
When tipping a front desk staff, think of it as a sliding scale — how much you tip depends on what they do for you.
While a simple dinner recommendation or reservation doesn’t require a tip, a tip of $5 to $10 for a difficult reservation is always appreciated.
However, if the concierge plans an amazing experience, goes out of their way to get you to a sold-out show, or arranges an in-room surprise for your spouse’s birthday or anniversary, then it’s worth saying thank you.
How much it really costs depends on you and your budget, but experts told TPG that $40 is the low end, and even $100+ is appropriate for more complex tasks.
Butler service
Even if your hotel or resort includes tipping (most common at all inclusive resort And beach resorts), you’ll still need to tip your housekeeper. Just like your doorman, tipping depends on how much you use them — and for what.
“If you’re going to let them run around doing their job, it’s important to show appreciation for them,” says Lindsey Epperly Sulek, owner and CEO of Jetset World Travel and a Caribbean travel expert. “But if you’re not using them most of the time, I wouldn’t feel obligated.”
She suggests a salary of $10 to $15 per day if they complete most basic tasks.
For butlers who “go 1,000 percent,” Jack Ezon, founder and managing partner of travel consultancy Embark Beyond, said he typically tips around $100.
When should I tip more?
“If you’re a family and have a trash can full of diapers or a room that looks like it was hit by a hurricane, be mindful of the fact that the maid will be spending more time there, so [him or her] “Away from the rest of the rooms,” Waithe said, suggesting this was a good time to leave an extra tip.
Someone who hasn’t been in the room much may tip less.
When thinking about tipping, consider your personal circumstances, any special requests you might have for hotel staff, whether you make a mess, and your sympathy for their often unappreciated work.
Where should I leave my tip?
Experts recommend placing the money on a table or other empty surface in the room — ideally in an envelope — or even just wrapping the money in a note with a “thank you” written on it so the housekeeper knows the money is for them.
Some hotels are starting to include housekeeping tip envelopes in each room. There are also hotel companies that even Launch mobile tipping for people who don’t always carry cash.
Waithe says you can also leave a note along with the tip about any special requests (like extra towels or new batteries for the remote) or add comments (like if you broke a glass).
While this isn’t official policy at any hotel, it’s reasonable to assume that including a tip when requesting additional services may increase the likelihood—or at least the enthusiasm—that any current or future requests will be met.
Housekeeping didn’t clean my room during my stay — do I still have to tip?
Housekeeping will still have to clean your room after you arrive. With new and improved cleaning protocols in place post-pandemic, housekeeping will likely have some serious work to do regardless of how clean you left your room.
If you agree with the general policy of leaving tips for housekeeping staff, you should still leave something at the end of your stay regardless of whether you interacted with them or not. Perhaps adjust your daily tip amount down to reflect a single service versus multiple cleanings.
When tipping is not required
While doormen can be helpful when calling a taxi or moving luggage, you don’t need to leave a tip just to open the door for you.
Upstairs in your room, you won’t need to tip the technical team members when they fix something broken in your room or when they bring up an item that might be lost.
If the staff changes your room to be closer to friends or family, there’s no need to tip there. Instead, leave a good online review, according to the American Society of Travel Advisors.
Tipping Guide
Checking out and wondering how much to tip? Don’t worry about small amounts.
| Low level | High-class | Do not forget | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housecleaning | 1 dollar | $5 | Daily gratuities — and leftover champagne — will not be counted. |
| Room service | 15% | 20% | Tip only when the bill does not include gratuity, which is usually included. |
| Guard | $5 to $10 | $40 to $100 | Consider how easy or complex your request is. |
| Baggage staff | $1 a bag | $5 a bag | Round up if you use a luggage cart. |
| Servants | 1 dollar | $5 | Typically, you should tip when the valet picks up your car, not when they park it. |
| Housekeeper | 10 dollars | $15 | Daily tip (and consider tipping higher for more complex requests). |
Last line
If there’s one important thing to learn about tipping, it’s that it’s more of an art than a science. A lot depends on your personal budget, your destination, the type of hotel, and whether service charges or resort fees are included in your bill.
Generally, if someone touches those things—your luggage, the extra pillow, the room service tray—they probably deserve a little something in return.
Ultimately, however, the best thing you can do for each employee is to give your best and know that they will appreciate it.
