Hotel Tipping Guide

Tipping can be a touchy subject.  What one considers to be too much, another may consider to be to frugal.  With all the various staff that one interacts with at a hotel, it can be difficult to determine how much to offer in exchange for good service.  It is important to remember that determining if, and how much, to tip is a personal choice. It is also dependent on the level of service being offered.  But, below are typical guidelines for gratuities at hotels in the United States for basic services.

Shuttle Drivers

If the hotel offers a shuttle to/from the airport a $2 to $3 tip per person is appreciated.  Tip on the upper side of the range if the driver helps with luggage.  If you are lucky enough to be at a property with complimentary limo service, then a $10 to $20 tip is nice depending on distance and traffic.

Bellhops and Doormen

Once at the hotel you will begin to interact with more staff.  $1 to $2 per bag is customary for a bellhop who assists you with your luggage.  $1 to $2 per bag is also average if you have the hotel store your luggage (if you arrive early or want to explore your destination after checkout). If you use valet parking then a $2 to $5 tip is average, given to the valet when you pick up your car.

Doormen who just open the door do not expect a tip.  But a thank you or good morning can go a long way. If they help you with luggage tip the same as a bellhop.  If they hail you a cab, then $1 to $5 is typical.  This range is large for a reason.  If there is a line of cabs waiting, then tip on the low end.  If it’s a tough area or time to get a cab (especially if it is raining) then tip on the high side.

Tipping the Concierge

If the hotel has a concierge, then the level or difficulty of service determines the tip.  When you just ask for directions, then a tip isn’t expected.  For a concierge who makes dinner reservations or gets you tickets to a show, then a $5 to $10 tip is nice.  Keep in mind that this amount doesn’t apply if they manage to get you tickets to the hottest show in town or to a restaurant with a three-month waiting list.  If they manage to pull this off for you then by all means be more generous. There are hotels that have a no tipping policy for concierges, but don’t assume this.  Just don’t be surprised if they politely refuse the gratuity.

Restaurants and Room Service

At hotel restaurants, tipping is no different than at any other restaurant.  If you see a tip jar at a place that includes a complimentary breakfast, or other meal, then a dollar or two per person is appreciated (assuming the meal is basically self-serve). If you use room service, then check the bill or ask if the gratuity is included.  Be aware that a “service charge” or “convenience fee” on a bill often goes to the hotel property and not the server.  If the gratuity is not included, then 15% to 20% of the pretax bill is customary.

Housekeeping

Housekeeping often has the biggest impact on the comfort of your stay. Yet, housekeepers are often the most overlooked when it comes to tips.  In fact, recent surveys show that as few as a third of travelers tip housekeeping on a regular basis.  Housekeepers will appreciate $2 to $3 per night for an average room   If there are more than three people in the room, or you are staying at a higher end property, then $5 per night is nice.  If you are staying at a multi-room suite, throwing wild parties, or are just exceptionally messy; feel free to tip more.

If you request that staff bring you extra pillows or towels, or for some other assistance, then it is appropriate to pay them $2 to $3.  Note that this is only expected for additional service.  If staff forgets to leave towels in your room, and you must request them, then a tip isn’t customary.

Housekeeping staff often changes day to day, so it is better to tip each day than to wait and leave a larger tip at the end of your stay.  Leave the tip someplace obvious, such as on the bed, so housekeeping knows it is for them.  (It is unlikely they will take money off a nightstand).  Etiquette and travel guidebooks often say to leave a note with the tip to make it overly obvious that this is a tip and to show your appreciation.  (I admit that I have never done this and haven’t encountered any problems).

Casinos and Spas

If you are gambling at a casino hotel, receiving spa treatments, or other services, then there are additional tipping expectations.  We won’t go into these here.  But we’re always happy to discuss these, or any other questions you may have regarding your travels.

In Closing

Hopefully this guide has helped if you’ve ever wondered what was considered typical.  But, remember that tipping is discretionary and is your choice.  Let Purple Light Vacations book your next hotel stay.  Our services are at no cost to you and a tip isn’t expected.  (The only tip we’ll accept is if you have a restaurant, museum, or other place that you’ve enjoyed, and we can recommend to other Purple Light clients).