A tipping question- hotels

[BluDevilGal]

When I was growing up, whenever I went on youth group trips (and possibly for school trips too, I don't remember), they always told us that when we checked out we were supposed to leave a dollar per person per night tip in the room for housekeeping.

Last year when I was at a conference with a friend, just before we were going to leave the hotel, I said something about leaving the tip. She had never heard of such a thing but went along with it just in case.

So I was just wondering if this is standard procedure for hotel stays or not.

[duke74]

When I was growing up, whenever I went on youth group trips (and possibly for school trips too, I don't remember), they always told us that when we checked out we were supposed to leave a dollar per person per night tip in the room for housekeeping.

Last year when I was at a conference with a friend, just before we were going to leave the hotel, I said something about leaving the tip. She had never heard of such a thing but went along with it just in case.

So I was just wondering if this is standard procedure for hotel stays or not.

I generally leave $1 per night -- business trips or personal. More if extra service performed, eg, extraordinary clean-up or provision of iron, etc....

[Indoor66]

I generally leave $1 per night -- business trips or personal. More if extra service performed, eg, extraordinary clean-up or provision of iron, etc....

I used to leave $1. Since the late 80's I have gone to $2 and plan to go to $3 prospectively. Everybody's costs are up.

[Exiled_Devil]

I first heard of this a few years ago, after years of business travel. I don't think it is a good idea for a couple of reasons:

1. I have no idea how many different maids there were, nor do I expect that they have any sort of system for divvying up tips. Why should I tip the person lucky enough to get my last day in the room?

2. I think that a clean room is something that I expect as a baseline. I am no more grateful for a clean room in a hotel than I am for all four tires on my rental car. It's expected.

3. Most importantly, if the maids need better pay (the common argument for tipping in hotel rooms) then the hotels should pay them better. It is mot my job to subsidize a group of employees when I am already paying for the service having a room. [This is the same as my stance about tipping on take-out food.]

The one exception I can think of this is a situation like a cruise ship, where the same person cleans my room and introduces him or herself, and makes a point of adding to my experience through advice and special treatment.

[hurleyfor3]

Do. Not. Tip. Hotel. Maids. Ever.

If they want your money, they'll rummage through your stuff and steal it from you.

Yes, this has happened to me. A few times. And you want me to "tip" them? You first, sucker.

[Indoor66]

To Insure Proper Service. That is the origin of TIPS. They were given at the beginning of your stay or meal. Now they have evolved to a payment for decent service. I disagree that maids are deserving for making bed and cleaning room and facilities. If you were robbed at a motel/hotel, a crime was committed. Why should all who serve you suffer because someone robbed you? Report it and get on with life. I have traveled extensively for 40 years and have never had one thing stolen from me in a hotel room. Maybe I am just lucky.

[hughgs]

When I was growing up, whenever I went on youth group trips (and possibly for school trips too, I don't remember), they always told us that when we checked out we were supposed to leave a dollar per person per night tip in the room for housekeeping.

Last year when I was at a conference with a friend, just before we were going to leave the hotel, I said something about leaving the tip. She had never heard of such a thing but went along with it just in case.

So I was just wondering if this is standard procedure for hotel stays or not.

When I used to travel for work, many moons ago, I would leave a tip if I was staying for 4+ days and they were consistent in making the bed, but leaving most of the rest alone. I appreciated the fact that they tried to make me more comfortable without invading my space, hence I would leave a tip.

If I stayed for only a couple of days I would leave whatever change I had if I remembered.

Not horribly consistent, but that was my MO.

[Channing]

If I was staying in what I considered to be a moderate hotel or nicer hotel I did not leave a tip for cleaning service. I guess I just figured that I was paying a decent amount of money per night for my room, and the least I expected was a clean room.

When I stayed in somewhere that was cheaper (i.e. if I went to Myrtle Beach at the end of the school year) where I was really not paying much for my room (less than 50-75 dollars a night or so) I did not really expect that great a service, and if I came back from the beach or wherever and found my room nicely made up I considered it a bonus, and tipped accordingly.

If I was in a mid range hotel

I suppose my policy on tipping was this: If the service was not performed would I complain. If I was in a scenario where I would complain to the front desk if my room was not made up, then I would not leave a tip. If I was in a place where I would not make such a complaint, and the room was made up, then I Would leave a tip.

Probably not the most consistent policy, but I had never really given it much thought until now.

[Exiled_Devil]

To Insure Proper Service. That is the origin of TIPS. They were given at the beginning of your stay or meal. Now they have evolved to a payment for decent service. I disagree that maids are deserving for making bed and cleaning room and facilities. If you were robbed at a motel/hotel, a crime was committed. Why should all who serve you suffer because someone robbed you? Report it and get on with life. I have traveled extensively for 40 years and have never had one thing stolen from me in a hotel room. Maybe I am just lucky.

From Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tip):

The word originates from the 16th century verb tip, which meant "to give unexpectedly", and was derived from the German word tippen, meaning "to tap."

The Oxford English Dictionary states that tip is derived from the English thieves (which may be taken to mean "gambler") slang word tip, meaning "to pass from one to another" (cf. "to give unexpectedly.")

The word "tip" is often inaccurately claimed to be an acronym for terms such as "to insure prompt service", "to insure proper service", "to improve performance", and "to insure promptness". However, this etymology contradicts the Oxford English Dictionary and is probably an example of a backronym.


I thought your take on the etymology was interesting and went to look it up - OED via Wikipedia suggests that the history is different.

After reading this, I realize that the original (non-thief) definition is the one I work from: tips should not be expected. Think of the other name for them - gratuity. Gratuitous. Unnecessary. Nice, but unnecessary.

Exiled

[throatybeard]

I leave about $5 in hotel rooms (regardless of stay length,which is rarely 3 nights or more with me). This is because I know a hotel maid very well. She works hard and doesn't get paid crap. No benefits. And people do unholy things in hotel rooms.

If everybody tipped hotel maids, they'd make a decent living.

[hurleyfor3]

From Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tip): After reading this, I realize that the original (non-thief) definition is the one I work from: tips should not be expected. Think of the other name for them - gratuity. Gratuitous. Unnecessary. Nice, but unnecessary.

Exiled

This is correct. English has a separate word for payment provided in advance for services expected but not yet received or guaranteed.

That word is bribe.

[Peterson]

I generally tip regardless of where I'm staying...and I tip each night to avoid the issue mentioned above regarding only the last maid getting tipped (I believe I read that was proper someplace). I've usually tipped on a scale going from $2/night in a cheap hotel up to $5/night in a nicer hotel. However, steven's point about expecting less from a cheap hotel and thus tipping more is making me rethink that policy...

If I've made a mess (i.e., we had about 50 people in the Presidential Suite at the Westin after our wedding)...then I leave a bunch. I think we probably left $40 that morning...and housekeeping probably deserved every penny!

[micah75]

I leave about $5 in hotel rooms (regardless of stay length,which is rarely 3 nights or more with me). This is because I know a hotel maid very well. She works hard and doesn't get paid crap. No benefits. And people do unholy things in hotel rooms.

If everybody tipped hotel maids, they'd make a decent living.

Out of all the jobs in the hospitality business, being a maid has got to be one of the hardest... and filthiest. And they work mostly behind the scenes, unlike the valet guy or the bellman or room service, who all seem to get nice gratuities without anyone complaining.

The maids often get paid only minimum wage, even at large name-brand hotels. They are pushed to clean 3 rooms an hour. They have to get down on all fours and clean urine, stool, debris, and all manners of scum off the floors, commodes, and bathtubs and make sure the drains are free from any hair or residue. Sometimes the rooms get trashed out pretty good and just cleaning out the garbage and beer cans can take a good hour or so. I'd say 98% are honest and always return lost items to the front desk, including money, jewelry, and sentimental items (pillows, dolls, blankets, etc.) I practically lived out of motels and hotels for a couple of years at one stretch and never once had anything stolen. And at the time, it never occured to me to tip. Later on, after seeing my Dad leave a few bucks in his hotel room, I took note. Then after befriending a hotel manager and learning how the maids are the lifeblood of the hotels, I began to tip regularly. Most managers would like to pay the maids more, but the owners are stingy and usually won't allow it. From my experience, most places have envelopes with the maid's name on them, and if you place the tip inside, it will go to the person who cleaned your room. I can only imagine what a pleasant surprise it must be for a maid to receive a couple of tips per day for her largely unappreciated hard work.

[throatybeard]

My friend who's a maid says, increasingly, she's getting tipped in casino chips. I thought that would be an odd thing to do. Do people also leave arcade tokens from the mall? Itchy & Scratchy money? Eastern European scrip?

[allenmurray]

My friend who's a maid says, increasingly, she's getting tipped in casino chips. I thought that would be an odd thing to do. Do people also leave arcade tokens from the mall? Itchy & Scratchy money? Eastern European scrip?

First, let me say I love your first line. One of my past themes in some posts was the fact that very few Americans have friends who are in a different social/economic position than they are, which is a real shame. I don't think it is intentional, it is just that most people's business acquaintences make up a big part of their social circle, and cross economic-class friendships are actually far more rare than cross-racial friendships. I think it is the true demarcation in our society. I also think it is a real loss for everybody. My wife and I both work at universities, and we attend a church that has an upper-middle-class population. It makes it very easy to fall into the trap of only having friends who are in a similar economic poisiton. It was solved for us by youth sports participation, which, particularly in Durham, crosses all racial and economic classes.

As for the meat of your post, does she work in a hotel affiliated with a casino? If so, the chips are practically the same as cash and she may be doing better in tips than if it was actual cash (somebody may, out of convenience for them, leave a $5 chip instead of three one dollar bills).

[rthomas]

Do you tip for take out?

Do you tip at Starbucks (or whatever coffe bar you frequent?)

[CameronBornAndBred]

I always tip 5 bucks. I'm not especially messy with my room, but I do appreciate it being ready for me when I get there. Yes, the hotel staff get paid to do it, but I look on it as a service performed like a restaurant wait staff performs.

[DukeUsul]

Do you tip for take out?

Do you tip at Starbucks (or whatever coffe bar you frequent?)

Yes but smaller than if I sat down for dinner. Maybe 10%.

Sometimes at the local coffee house. I usually buy the $1.50-$1.75 cuppa joe so I don't tip much. Usually throw a buck in the jar every now and again.

[ohioguy2]

Our household is split on this--my wife always leaves a couple of bucks when we depart the room for the final time, I just shake my head and ask "why". I must admit, however, that now when I travel alone I am starting to leave a buck or two in change when I leave. I just don't tell my wife what I have done.

[weezie]

Our household is split on this--my wife always leaves a couple of bucks when we depart the room for the final time, I just shake my head and ask "why". I must admit, however, that now when I travel alone I am starting to leave a buck or two in change when I leave. I just don't tell my wife what I have done.

Oh!! Go on with yourself! Tell your wife that she is right and allow her the matrimonial prerogative of clucking with satisfaction! It's what we wives live for and what sometimes pays off in gracious dividends for husbands ;).

[ohioguy2]

Oh!! Go on with yourself! Tell your wife that she is right and allow her the matrimonial prerogative of clucking with satisfaction! It's what we wives live for and what sometimes pays off in gracious dividends for husbands ;).

I need to be allowed one thing, just one, that she still thinks I disagree with her on. This could be it. BTW, DD, I can not wait until she sees me pour beer over ice cream--:)

[TillyGalore]

I need to be allowed one thing, just one, that she still thinks I disagree with her on. This could be it. BTW, DD, I can not wait until she sees me pour beer over ice cream--:)

Don't pour the beer over the ice cream. Add the ice cream to the beer. I prefer to stir my ice cream and blend it with the beer, tastes better. :D

[Indoor66]

Don't pour the beer over the ice cream. Add the ice cream to the beer. I prefer to stir my ice cream and blend it with the beer, tastes better. :D

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh, stirred, not shaken.

[alteran]

This is correct. English has a separate word for payment provided in advance for services expected but not yet received or guaranteed.

That word is bribe.

What do you call a down payment? Or an advance?

[TillyGalore]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh, stirred, not shaken.

Go ahead, Indoor66, I dare you to shake a beer float. :p:D

[alteran]

It's what we wives live for and what sometimes pays off in gracious dividends for husbands ;).

Talk about insuring promptness.

[devildeac]

Don't pour the beer over the ice cream. Add the ice cream to the beer. I prefer to stir my ice cream and blend it with the beer, tastes better. :D

This is correct. Be careful as it will still foam a lot.

[devildeac]

Go ahead, Indoor66, I dare you to shake a beer float. :p:D

Do. NOT. Do. This. Ever.

[devildeac]

Talk about insuring promptness.

I don't think this is the dividend to which she is referring..,:rolleyes:

[alteran]

I don't think this is the dividend to which she is referring..,:rolleyes:

Obviously, I was just playing around, regardless of the initial intent-- but my apologies if I've offended or annoyed.

Things frequently seem funnier in my head than they do when printed. :o

[devildeac]

Obviously, I was just playing around, regardless of the initial intent-- but my apologies if I've offended or annoyed.

Things frequently seem funnier in my head than they do when printed. :o

Not offended at all. I was rather amused and I hope others were, too;).

[ohioguy2]

Not offended at all. I was rather amused and I hope others were, too;).

We were amused.

[Jarhead]

Two things one can learn on the DBR -- You can put ice cream in beer, and you should tip hotel maids. I have done neither of them, and I don't plan to. It would be nice if someone set up a poll on both of these issues.

[throatybeard]

By the way everybody, the "to insure prompt service" thing is spurious. Viva Snopes: http://www.snopes.com/language/acronyms/tip.asp


First, let me say I love your first line. One of my past themes in some posts was the fact that very few Americans have friends who are in a different social/economic position than they are, which is a real shame. I don't think it is intentional, it is just that most people's business acquaintences make up a big part of their social circle, and cross economic-class friendships are actually far more rare than cross-racial friendships. I think it is the true demarcation in our society. I also think it is a real loss for everybody. My wife and I both work at universities, and we attend a church that has an upper-middle-class population. It makes it very easy to fall into the trap of only having friends who are in a similar economic poisiton. It was solved for us by youth sports participation, which, particularly in Durham, crosses all racial and economic classes.

As for the meat of your post, does she work in a hotel affiliated with a casino? If so, the chips are practically the same as cash and she may be doing better in tips than if it was actual cash (somebody may, out of convenience for them, leave a $5 chip instead of three one dollar bills).

She works at a hotel near, but not in, a casino.

It is unbelievably easy to fall into the trap of associating only with folks in similar circumstances to you own. One way I've been able to combat this is my fieldwork, which has brought me into the homes of folks all over MS and NC. Public transit is one of the better places for conversing with folks from different backgrounds. But by and large it's super easy to go through your day in a socioeconomic bubble. The way we've structured our built environment since WWII has exacerbated this terribly.

[captmojo]

I see this and I wondered quietly, to myself, "If you tip over a hotel..."


Visions of a Holstein painted large building popped into my head.


This is gonna be a long week out of work. :cool:

[bfree]

When I order coffee, I want it filled six times!

One of the greatest opening scenes of all time.

Not even close to safe for work:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBFUDbOldMs

[Ima Facultiwyfe]

....to go in a slightly different direction. I tip my hairdresser and my manicurist lavishly all year long. At Christmas and at their birthdays I see that other customers bring them gifts. They giggle and gush over them.

These aren't friends of mine.....just people I already give business to. Anybody here think gifts are in order? Seems to me the tokens of appreciation should be flowing in the OTHER direction. Bless their hearts.
Love, Ima

[DukieInKansas]

....to go in a slightly different direction. I tip my hairdresser and my manicurist lavishly all year long. At Christmas and at their birthdays I see that other customers bring them gifts. They giggle and gush over them.

These aren't friends of mine.....just people I already give business to. Anybody here think gifts are in order? Seems to me the tokens of appreciation should be flowing in the OTHER direction. Bless their hearts.
Love, Ima

My stylist works for herself and out of her home, so I don't tip. It was my understanding that you don't tip the owner at a salon. I do bring her a gift at Christmas. Since my hair is very curly and she really only trims it, I think I go to her as a therapist more than a stylist. :D It's a great way to make your day better!

[Jarhead]

When I order coffee, I want it filled six times!

One of the greatest opening scenes of all time.

Not even close to safe for work:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBFUDbOldMs

Wow! It's been a long time since I heard conversation so peppered with f-bombs. Beyond that part of it, Mr. Pink made a few good points. Back in the eighties, I spent a lot of time, mostly in Germany, at my employer's behest. Taking meals in the local restaurants and beer gardens was a pure joy. However, I was advised by the local guy in my team that our bar and food tabs included a gratuity, so tipping was not socially required. He added that a small tip of one to 3 percent was ok if service and food quality was above average. I noticed similar customs in my business travels throughout Western Europe.

I am not sure of the customs these days. Just a few years ago when the London bombings took place Mrs. Jarhead and I were in London with a tour company. On the day of the bombings they canceled our activities, and let us loose to find our own way. A group of us went to the Oxo Restaurant on the Thames, and had a terrificly good meal. We chatted it up with our waiter and the head waiter. They were both very familiar with our ways, but they had two questions of us. One was why we seemed to prefer decaf coffee, and the other why we tipped so much. Europeans just didn't tip so much. From that I assume that tipping customs must not have changed drastically over the years.

So, what kind of a debate could we be having if the gratuity was included in the charges for whatever service we get? It appeals to me, but it still begs the question. Why?

[sue71]

Since my hair is very curly

Curlier than mine? :eek:

[DukieInKansas]

Curlier than mine? :eek:

I think we may be equal. I used to straighten my hair and when I let it do its own thing one day, people thought I had gotten a perm.

[sue71]

I think we may be equal. I used to straighten my hair and when I let it do its own thing one day, people thought I had gotten a perm.

I straightened mine for about a year or so when I was 16. My hair was NOT healthy from that... and I got burned one time. NOT fun.

I always kept it really short until I went to college, when I decided to grow it out. I've been threatening to cut it ever since, but haven't chopped it off yet. Just "cleaned it up".

[captmojo]

I tip better to those who serve me at hotels when they have long, curly hair and none of it ends up in my food. :)

[DukieInKansas]

I tip better to those who serve me at hotels when they have long, curly hair and none of it ends up in my food. :)

That's what pony tails are for - avoiding the stray hair in food. Bad when it's yours, really bad when it is someone else's.

[DukieInKansas]

I straightened mine for about a year or so when I was 16. My hair was NOT healthy from that... and I got burned one time. NOT fun.

I always kept it really short until I went to college, when I decided to grow it out. I've been threatening to cut it ever since, but haven't chopped it off yet. Just "cleaned it up".

I cut mine short freshman year. Everytime I said I was going to cut it short again, friends would say no and remind me how much I hated it. It actually curls less when it is short but I like to be able to pull it out of the way.

That is my hair tip for the day. Does that keep it on topic?

[sue71]

I cut mine short freshman year. Everytime I said I was going to cut it short again, friends would say no and remind me how much I hated it. It actually curls less when it is short but I like to be able to pull it out of the way.

That is my hair tip for the day. Does that keep it on topic?

Mine curls MORE when short. A lot more- the weight of it when it's long loosens it a lot.

My tip for the day is to look both ways before crossing the street.

[sue71]

That's what pony tails are for - avoiding the stray hair in food. Bad when it's yours, really bad when it is someone else's.

That is nasty. I've never worked in food service, though.

I <sarcasm> like </sarcasm> finding a long, straight, blonde hair in my food. Especially since my hair is neither straight nor blonde. Send it back!

[captmojo]

That is nasty. I've never worked in food service, though.

I <sarcasm> like </sarcasm> finding a long, straight, blonde hair in my food. Especially since my hair is neither straight nor blonde. Send it back!

It's a half-worm in an apple thing. :D

[sue71]

Just wanted to say that DM had a great tip today in the first half.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Since my hair is very curly


Curlier than mine? :eek:
Don't know since I've never met DiK, but I doubt it. :D

[DukieInKansas]

Don't know since I've never met DiK, but I doubt it. :D

If we coordinate a trip to Brunchgate in the fall, you can judge for yourself.

[devildeac]

If we coordinate a trip to Brunchgate in the fall, you can judge for yourself.

If you come in August or September, our fabulous humidity should help with the curls.:o

[OZZIE4DUKE]

If we coordinate a trip to Brunchgate in the fall, you can judge for yourself.
I don't judge beautiful women. I appreciate them! :D

[sue71]

I don't judge beautiful women. I appreciate them! :D

Pardon me... gag. :p:rolleyes:

[DukieInKansas]

I don't judge beautiful women. I appreciate them! :D

:o Aw, shucks. Thank you.;)

[sue71]

:o Aw, shucks. Thank you.;)

Oh, don't encourage him! :eek::D

[OZZIE4DUKE]

Pardon me... gag. :p


:o Aw, shucks. Thank you.;)


Oh, don't encourage him! :D
Yes, by all means, encourage me!

[Channing]

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/today/index.ssf/2009/11/no_tip_leads_to_a_police_cruis.html

is an added gratuity a tip, in the general sense of the word, or a surcharge added to a foods cost?

[Jarhead]

I haven't noticed this thread before, but if it really is about tipping, here is my personal rule for restaurants and bars: 15% of the bill less any taxes or surcharges for satisfactory service adjusting downward to 0% for really poor service, and upward to 20% for good service. It's a little different in Europe, though. At least it was different when I was working in Frankfurt many years ago. The bill always included taxes (VAT) and a service charge for the service staff. It was customary to add a small tip for exceptional service, 1% up to 5% when paying the bill. The menu prices included the service charge and VAT without disclosing them. Your receipt would disclose the VAT and service charge. I liked that system. You knew exactly what something would cost when you ordered it.

[YourLandlord]

I haven't noticed this thread before, but if it really is about tipping, here is my personal rule for restaurants and bars: 15% of the bill less any taxes or surcharges for satisfactory service adjusting downward to 0% for really poor service, and upward to 20% for good service. It's a little different in Europe, though. At least it was different when I was working in Frankfurt many years ago. The bill always included taxes (VAT) and a service charge for the service staff. It was customary to add a small tip for exceptional service, 1% up to 5% when paying the bill. The menu prices included the service charge and VAT without disclosing them. Your receipt would disclose the VAT and service charge. I liked that system. You knew exactly what something would cost when you ordered it.

You know you spend too much time on DBR when...


Two things one can learn on the DBR -- You can put ice cream in beer, and you should tip hotel maids. I have done neither of them, and I don't plan to. It would be nice if someone set up a poll on both of these issues.


Wow! It's been a long time since I heard conversation so peppered with f-bombs. Beyond that part of it, Mr. Pink made a few good points. Back in the eighties, I spent a lot of time, mostly in Germany, at my employer's behest. Taking meals in the local restaurants and beer gardens was a pure joy. However, I was advised by the local guy in my team that our bar and food tabs included a gratuity, so tipping was not socially required. He added that a small tip of one to 3 percent was ok if service and food quality was above average. I noticed similar customs in my business travels throughout Western Europe.

I am not sure of the customs these days. Just a few years ago when the London bombings took place Mrs. Jarhead and I were in London with a tour company. On the day of the bombings they canceled our activities, and let us loose to find our own way. A group of us went to the Oxo Restaurant on the Thames, and had a terrificly good meal. We chatted it up with our waiter and the head waiter. They were both very familiar with our ways, but they had two questions of us. One was why we seemed to prefer decaf coffee, and the other why we tipped so much. Europeans just didn't tip so much. From that I assume that tipping customs must not have changed drastically over the years.

So, what kind of a debate could we be having if the gratuity was included in the charges for whatever service we get? It appeals to me, but it still begs the question. Why?

[Jarhead]

You know you spend too much time on DBR when...

So?, I'm practicing my touch typing, and it is sometimes hard to find something to talk about, or respond to. Isn't it strange that we have a thread that has been going on for more than 1¾ years? It's the longest thread ever. What could they be talking about all of that time? Jerry Seinfeld would know.

[OZZIE4DUKE]

So?, I'm practicing my touch typing, and it is sometimes hard to find something to talk about, or respond to. Isn't it strange that we have a thread that has been going on for more than 1¾ years? It's the longest thread ever. What could they be talking about all of that time? Jerry Seinfeld would know.
Actually, it's not. It's not even in second place, which is just crazietalk!:cool:

[DukieInKansas]

Actually, it's not. It's not even in second place, which is just crazietalk!:cool:

And the knitters have been tending - they have the record by a very long scarf!

[DukieInKansas]

You know you spend too much time on DBR when...

You're right - this might just be the sign that you spend too much time here. Keep up the good work!