General Tipping Guidelines

16 Nov General Tipping Guidelines

Employees of hotels are there to serve you and take care of you, but remember it is also a job, and one that doesn’t necessarily always pay well. Often, hotels are a place for entry-point types of jobs and will employ a wide range of both younger and older staff. As a result, it’s a diverse group with different backgrounds. When you tip, you are tipping for the quality and service received, not just the person.

Much as these folks are there to serve, they don’t deserve the anger and frustration that they sometimes receive. They are trained to adapt and deal with guests with different needs, but keep in mind they are people too.

A Kind Gesture
When service is good, handing a tip to the person would be a gesture not often done anymore and would mean a lot and reinforce the value of their efforts to you during your stay. If someone went out of their way or an individual took care of you, tip at the desk and say it’s for a specific person.

General Assistance
Luggage assistance is typically something where you would tip $1 to $2 per bag. If someone brings something to your room, whether it was free or you purchased it, that is typically also a few dollars since it was convenient to you.

Hotel Housekeeping
Often times in a guestroom, if you leave money as a tip as you check out, the person who actually cleaned your room may be off that day and/or the room is assigned to a different person. If you are provided a small envelope for tips or just leave money behind in the room, be aware it will be picked up by whomever is assigned the room that day and not necessarily the person who served your room.

Room Service
Room Service is usually tacked on and it is not irregular to avoid tipping. However, in some hotels, this amount goes ‘to the house’ and is not paid to the server. If the room service attendant mentions that the ‘gratuity’ is included, ask if he or she gets a portion. If so, it will be up to you if you would like to offer something additional.

Dining
Dine in service is based upon the same dining experience you have at any other restaurant. 20 to 30 percent is not uncommon if the service was to your liking. Restaurant servers, like others in the industry, are still the lowest paid and are working for tips. Tip what you are comfortable with and what service dictates.