When you check out of a hotel, you might wonder about the tipping customs. Should you leave a tip? If so, how much cash is appropriate? This article explains whether and how much to tip when checking out.
Tipping at hotel checkout is not required. However, it's customary to tip housekeeping $1 to $5 per night, which should be done daily rather than at checkout, as staff may change.
When you check out of a hotel, it's a common practice to leave a tip for the housekeeping staff. Understanding whom to tip and how much can ensure you're following the established norms and showing your appreciation for the service provided.
During hotel checkout, housekeeping staff are the main recipients of your gratuity. If you have had exceptional service from other staff members, such as a concierge or a bellman, it would be appropriate to offer them a tip as well. However, the focus here is primarily on housekeeping, who are responsible for cleaning and preparing the room for the next guests.
The customary tip amount for housekeeping staff is usually between $1 and $5 per day of your stay. Specific situations can warrant adjusting this amount. For example, if you've left the room particularly messy or have required extra services, consider tipping on the higher end. Cash tips are preferred, as they can be used immediately. It's helpful to plan ahead and have the tip ready in an envelope or with a note, as a gesture of thanks.
Keep in mind that in some locations, as reported by The Points Guy, the minimum wage for positions that are customary to receive gratuities can be quite low, reinforcing the importance of your tips in expressing gratitude and supporting the hotel staff.
Navigating tipping etiquette in hotels ensures you're appreciating hotel staff appropriately for their service. Knowing when and how much to tip can enhance the experience for both you and the employees.
When you're staying at a hotel, it's courteous to tip various staff members. It's standard to offer $2 to $5 per night for housekeeping, which can be left daily or as a total at the end of your stay. If a bellhop assists with your luggage, $1 to $2 per bag is generous. In case of special requests or exceptional service by the front desk staff, considering $5 to $10 per request is thoughtful. The importance of acknowledging good service with gratuities can make a noticeable difference in the morale and quality of hotel service.
Tipping customs vary widely around the world. In the United States, tipping is almost expected due to the lower wages in the service industry. Gratuities form a large part of hotel employees' overall earnings. However, in some countries, like Japan or South Korea, tipping may be seen as offensive as it can signify that you feel the employee is not adequately compensated by their employer. Always check local customs before your stay; this shows respect and cultural awareness. If you’re unsure, discreetly ask someone at the front desk about the hotel’s tipping guide or look for information about a service charge that may already be included in your bill.
When you stay at a hotel, tipping is a way to show appreciation for the service you've received. This guide provides specific tips on how much to offer the diligent staff that contributes to your pleasant stay.
Remember to thank your housekeeping staff, who tirelessly work behind the scenes for your comfort. It's customary to tip housekeeping $2-5 per night, depending on the quality of service and the hotel policy. Leaving the tip daily is preferred as it may go to the person who directly serviced your room that day.
If the concierge has made your stay especially memorable by booking reservations or procuring hard-to-find tickets, a tip is a kind gesture of gratitude. For standard services, $5 is appropriate, but for more complex tasks or last-minute requests, consider $10-$20.
When ordering room service, review your bill as a service charge may already be included. If it's not, or if you wish to express extra thanks for prompt and courteous service, a tip of 15-20% of the total bill is standard.
Upon arrival and departure, if the valet takes care of your vehicle, a tip of $2-$5 is typical. For the doorman or bellhop who assists with your luggage, $1-$2 per bag is sufficient, with at least a $5 tip for exceptional service or heavy luggage.
When you're checking out of a hotel, you may wonder whether to leave a tip in cash or put it on your credit card. Understanding the advantages and implications of each method can help you decide the best way to show appreciation for the service you've received.
Cash tips provide immediate gratification to service staff such as housekeepers. When you leave a cash tip, you're giving them a tangible reward that they can use right away. Moreover, tipping in cash may offer a level of anonymity if you prefer not to have your gratuities tracked through your credit card statements.
Adding a tip to your credit card at the hotel may be more convenient for you, especially if you're short on cash. However, you should be aware that some hotels may add a service charge, which can be a fixed percentage of your total bill, and this may or may not be distributed to the staff. Credit card tips can also take longer to reach employees, as they must be processed through the hotel’s payment system.
When staying at a hotel, there are a number of services that provide added comfort or luxury to your stay. Recognizing these services with a tip is a common courtesy that varies depending on the service provided.
At hotel spas and salons, it's typical to tip 15-20% of the service cost directly to the therapist or stylist. Service charges commonly added to your bill may not go directly to the staff, so it's polite to ask if gratuities are included. For exceptional service in luxury hotels, a higher tip illustrates your appreciation for the attendant's dedication to your relaxation.
The servers at hotel bars and restaurants generally expect a tip similar to standard dining establishments, which is typically 15-20% of your total bill. Review the bill to ensure tips aren't already included; if you're particularly pleased with the service or if navigating a complex order, tipping above 20% lets your server know you recognize their hard work.
When a hotel concierge goes above and beyond by securing reservations at a popular restaurant or tickets to a sold-out show, a tip ranging from $5 to $20 is a generous way to express your gratitude. Similarly, for valet services, a standard tip is $2 to $5. For items like delivering special requests to your room, don't hesitate to offer a $5 tip or more, depending on the complexity and urgency of the request.
In the ever-evolving landscape of hospitality, you have new and convenient ways to tip without always needing cash in hand.
Hotels are increasingly integrating mobile app technology that allows you to tip digitally. Through a hotel's app, you might find options to tip directly from your credit card, with amounts often suggested based on the type of service received. This cashless convenience streamlines the process, ensuring that your appreciation goes directly to the staff who've made your stay comfortable.
Tipping might not be appropriate if the hotel has a no-tipping policy, which is occasionally adopted by certain brands that include service fees in their pricing. Before you arrive, it's worth checking the hotel’s policy through their app or website. Even in a modern context with various technology options at your disposal, understanding when gratuity is included or discouraged remains important.
Whether you're on a corporate business trip or soaking up leisure on vacation, understanding when and how much to tip at hotels ensures smooth interactions and shows appreciation for the services provided.
On business trips, it's common for companies to have tipping policies in place; be sure to review these before check-in. As a general guide, tipping housekeeping staff $2-5 per night provides immediate appreciation for their services, especially if you have more business-related demands, such as extra hangers or ironing services. Find insights into daily tipping amounts on The Points Guy.
Leisure stays often mean a more relaxed schedule, but the tipping etiquette remains similar. Adjust your tips in consideration of the room's condition or extra services utilized during your stay. An informative breakdown on the expectation for leisure stays can be found on TripSavvy.
When traveling abroad, keep in mind that tipping norms can vary greatly. Always carry local currency, as it is most preferred for tipping. At international hotels, research the local customs beforehand or inquire at the airport or with the hotel concierge upon arrival. For a comprehensive guide on international tipping, consider reading SmarterTravel's advice.