Tipping in hotels

[Rolmill]

So we finally have to leave the lovely villa tomorrow - with a hotel booking (the Rosen Plaza) for the final 4 nights of our very extended vacation. This is a naive question, I know, but what's the norm for tipping in hotels: i.e. for bag carrying, valet parking, anything else?

Thanks

[Katys Grandad]

This might not be a direct answer to your question but my strategy is to avoid having to tip every 5 minutes by doing things myself. Valet parking is rarely mandatory so parking your own car will save the hassle of tipping every time you arrive and leave during your stay. If you're able, carry your own bags or you'll be tipping the person who opens the car door, the one who gets the bags out of the car and the third one who takes them to your room.

Sorry to sound mean but if you want all the services on offer you will be expected to cough up all the way. As a guide, I think at least $1 for each bag is expected (more for large heavy items) with a minimum of $3 for valet collection but maybe only $1 for parking the car. Concierges, room service deliveries and room cleaning staff will expect appropriate amount depending on the service given.

For me, it's less the amount of money involved and more the virtual obligation that you should always have sufficient notes on you to be able to tip when expected. These days, $1 bills have almost become tipping tokens.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjDTJMx2Siw is worth watching for an amusing and interesting slant on hotel tipping.

[steph_goodrum]

When we last used an hotel for any length of stay we were told you shoudl leave the cleaners $1 or 2 a day.

Another good reason for using villas, although some people have in the past been kind and left a tip for the cleaners at the end of their stay in the villa which is a nice gesture of appreciation I think as they do in general a great job.

[Lyn]

I'm with Phil, hate feeling pestered by people wanting to carry my bags, park my car etc. so do it myself its easier.

[mfairhurst]

Roland you are staying lovely hotel it is used by people from the comference center and when the Pga is on it can be full .
I am sure they are used to being tip by golfers more than holiday makers so just tip a little and see how it goes .
Nice end to your vacation .Hope you have a good flight home .
MAUREEN
www.onlinefloridavillas.com/villas/1683.aspx

[Rolmill]

Thanks to all for the advice - we ended up not using the various services, but will (as suggested) leave something for the cleaner/housemaid at the end of our stay.

[grayster]

I'd would normally tip the cleaner each day a buck or two. They may not be the same person each day during your stay and I always hope a daily tip may influence the clean/provison of towels etc.

[redsandy]

when we went back and stayed in a hotel in 2003 we started to tip the cleaners daily, just 2 dollars. When we came to the room it had been cleaned and tided and our PJ's folded all nicely on the bed. Well I thought it was pointless tipping daily so I said to my wife we would tip at the end of the week. The day we stopped tipping we arrived back to find the room cleaned but out PJ's tossed on the floor. Strangely enough I went back to tipping daily.