Do You Tip Concierge

Hotel Tipping Culture in the US: A Guide for Travelers

Are you prepared to solve the riddle of tipping at US hotels? We have you covered whether you're an avid traveler or just occasionally venture out.

We'll dissect the unwritten laws of everything from cleaning to room service and everything in between.

Travelers, whether for business or pleasure, are constantly seeking for methods to cut costs and extend their travel budgets. But there are some costs that are just unavoidable, and tipping is one of them.

In the hospitality sector, tips play a significant role in the pay of many employees. Not only are tips useful, but they are also essential. In other situations, they are simply a means of expressing gratitude to someone who went above and above and are not expected.

Travelers, however, may find it bewildering, particularly as tipping customs vary by nation. The appropriate amount to tip for different services at US hotels can be confusing, even for Americans visiting the country.

Let's examine the appropriate tip amount and whether or not to leave a tip for US hotels.

Cleaning Services

The annual salary of a hotel housekeeper is typically only $25,000. However, the pay doesn't truly reflect the amount of effort these individuals put in.

Cleaning and vacuuming rooms, emptying trash cans, maintaining restrooms, replacing linens, restocking towels, and making beds are all duties performed by hotel housekeepers. For visitors to enjoy a great stay and feel at ease in their rooms, their services are a must. Their meticulous cleaning efforts also contribute to the safety and well-being of visitors in the COVID-19 era.

All of this needs to be finished as soon as possible, smoothly, and without upsetting the visitors. That sounds like a difficult job.

Feel free to leave a tip for housekeeping as a way of saying thanks. If you have daily housekeeping, you may think about leaving a daily gratuity. Alternatively, you can leave enough cash in your room when you depart to cover the entire stay. The easiest approach to make sure that every one of your housekeepers gets something is to rotate your staff.

At least $5 per day is suggested as gratuity for hotel housekeeping staff.

Valet

A lot of hotels offer a valet service.

Remember that tips make up a significant portion of a valet's pay, whether the hotel charges for this service or not, so always give them a small cash tip in appreciation for their assistance.

Tipping is customary when a valet comes to get your car, not when they park it.

A $2 to $5 tip is suggested for valet attendants. If your valet has to brave inclement weather to park or retrieve your car, you might want to leave a little extra in your tip.

Shuttle service

Tipping your driver is usual while using a shuttle service to get to or from the airport, especially if they assist you with your bags.

The number of guests in your party will determine how much. Give them a little extra if they're managing a lot of bags or very heavy luggage.

For hotel shuttle drivers, a $1 to $2 per person or $4 to $5 per group is suggested as gratuity.

Luggage attendant

Your bags are taken from reception up to your room by luggage attendants. A little gratuity per suitcase is customary, regardless of whether they utilize a luggage cart or carry their own bags.

One dollar per suitcase is the suggested tip for luggage attendants.

Concierge

The super heroes of hotel service are the concierges.

They have the ability to secure last-minute bookings for you at the best restaurants or to arrange a laptop charger for you fifteen minutes before your important meeting.

Even though they typically make more money than other hotel employees, concierges nevertheless merit your gratuities.

When they have done a favor for you, such as getting you tickets to a sold-out performance or a local suggestion, give them a gratuity right away.

as well as give a gratuity based on the amount of work. For instance, getting a cab is not too difficult, but utilizing their contacts and making calls to make last-minute meal reservations for a large group are more difficult.

For regular requests, tip the hotel concierge between $2 and $5; for exceptional service, tip up to $100.

Room service

Have you placed a room service or drink order? When you tip hotel room service employees for delivering your food, you are following standard restaurant tipping protocol.

But, a lot of hotels automatically include gratuity in the cost of room service. You don't have to pay more if that's the case, though you are welcome to, particularly if the applied gratuity is little. To find out if you were charged or not, double check your bill.

Additionally, you don't have to tip the person who comes to pick up your tray again.

For room service, a tip of 15% to 20% of the entire amount of the meal is suggested.

Spa

Be prepared to tip your spa therapist or technician if you're getting a massage or facial at the hotel spa.

You can tip for these services at the same amount you would anyplace else, just like for room service.

A 15% to 20% tip of the entire bill is suggested for hotel spa services.A couple more hotel gratuity suggestions

Factor in the cost

Don't limit your hotel expenses to the overnight charge and a couple of meals when estimating your total cost. Consider adding tips to the total cost of your stay as they can add considerably.

Carry cash

Card and contactless transactions are now commonplace. However, it's not always feasible to tip this way. If you pay electronically, the hotel staff takes longer to get your tips even if it is.

In order to be prepared to tip when appropriate, make sure you have a lot of tiny bills and take out some cash before you leave.

Tip at the right time and place

The person you are leaving a gratuity for will determine when and how to do so.

You should leave it in the room somewhere visible for a housekeeper. Making it obvious that this is a tip and not simply your spare change might be accomplished by placing dollars in an envelope or penning a brief message of appreciation.

When assisting other staff members, just give them some nicely folded money and express your gratitude right away.

Frequently questions

How much is the suggested gratuity per day for hotel housekeeping staff?

At least $5 per day is suggested as gratuity for hotel housekeeping staff.

When is it customary to tip a valet attendant?

Tipping is customary when a valet comes to get your car, not when they park it.

What is the recommended gratuity for luggage attendants per suitcase?

One dollar per suitcase is the suggested tip for luggage attendants.

For exceptional concierge service, how much should you tip?

For exceptional service, tip the hotel concierge up to $100.

What percentage of the total meal amount is suggested for room service?

For room service, a tip of 15% to 20% of the entire amount of the meal is suggested.

Conclusion

Travelers may make sure they thank the dedicated workers that make their stay comfortable and memorable by being aware of the hotel tipping culture.

Recall that while gratuities are customary for some services—such as housekeeping—they are not necessary for others. Travelers may easily handle hotel tipping etiquette by bringing cash, tipping promptly, and taking into account the labor needed.

So, don't be afraid to express your appreciation to the staff members who make sure you have an amazing stay the next time you're at a hotel in the United States.