What is the standard tip for bellboys, waiters or guards? Ask ten people and you will get ten answers.
“Refugee protocol varies greatly from continent to continent and country to country,” says Mercedes Zach, travel expert at ASAP Tickets. "While a tip is almost always expected in the US, in Europe, for example, a tip is more appreciated for service that exceeds your expectations."
While there are places around the world where tipping is not common, such as Australia, where the minimum wage for a hospitality job is higher, tipping is increasingly regulated (especially in areas with large American populations). . passengers). ).
“A quick online search can help you understand the diving culture of your destination country; There are countries like Japan where it's very bad to flip,” says Zack.
But in the US tips are accepted and expected. But opinions differ on who to tip and how much. We asked industry experts who you should tip, how much to tip, and when you can refuse to tip.
Don't forget the housekeeper
"Many people work hard to provide high quality service, and we understand that it's impossible to pay everyone," says Michael Klein, CEO of Eliza Jane in New Orleans, Louisiana. "The unsung heroes of the hotel are our maids, and many guests may take them for granted." Are there people you shouldn't give advice to? “As a manager I will always try to address the guests' suggestions or if they insist we put the money in the general fund to buy something nice for the team.
Here are Klein's tips for counseling:
- The server recommends tipping $3-5 each time.
- For standard courier service, you can leave 1-2 USD per bag.
- Room service usually includes a tip on the check and possibly a shipping or packing fee. While additional suggestions are always welcome, they are not required.
- For visits, it depends on the context and the experience offered. In some pre-scheduled activities, money will be awarded if it is reserved for the drivers or if it is done by the owner. Of course, if you feel they go above and beyond to create a truly memorable experience, feel free to tip at your discretion. A well-written review can go beyond budget suggestions for many tourist businesses to help spread the word.
- For all-inclusive resorts, many places will have pre-programmed tips and an explanation of how to split the money. They will also give you the opportunity to learn or add whatever you want, but don't have to.
No money, no problem
Many people don't carry cash, so it's not that they don't want to tip, it's that they don't have cash. Fortunately, some hotels are solving this problem.
"At The Curtis, we recently implemented a digital QR tipping option for the Stay Happy team (front desk/concierge) and the Gleam team (housekeeping). We've found this to be a great option for business travelers who receive a receipt". for suggestions,” says Lizzy Raudenbush, general manager of The Curtis in Denver, Colorado.
Raudenbusch offers the following recommendation label:
- As for the prop, while tipping at the end of the ride is fine, I tip $5 per ride without parking.
- We see between $3 and $10 per bag, depending on the level of service they provide. If your Call Ambassador spends time with you during your visit to give you tips on local events and what's happening at the hotel, consider upgrading.
- Room service charges are usually split between the housekeeper and the waiter, although this varies by hotel. If you are not sure, you can certainly ask when placing your order. I always tip like in a restaurant: 18-20%.
- We often forget to tip the housekeeper, but if you've chosen to clean your room every day, it's a good idea to leave $5-10 a day on your nightstand at checkout.
When to tip (and when not)
"It is customary to tip most service providers at a hotel or resort in the United States," says Samuel Bulkley, manager of the Hilton Pensacola Beach hotel in Florida. “Tipping is general and voluntary. A good rule of thumb is that if you're going to tip someone who does something for you, tip them. If that thought doesn't cross your mind, you probably don't need to tip. tip."
Bulkley's recommendations for advice:
- The transfer of luggage to the porter should depend on the amount of luggage or the amount of luggage he has to carry in order to carry the luggage to the room. Tips in the $10-$20 range are common. Remember that the courier's job is also to provide background information about the property and surrounding area, and your courier's advice deserves an extra tip from you.
- A tip for room service should be about 20% of the bill, and if you already add a tip to your check, an extra $5 is fine.
- For tours, you must notify your guide or driver each time you participate in any of these activities. A tip for a tour typically ranges from $5 to $20, depending on the service. A $5 tip per person is appropriate if you talk to the bus or trolley driver and have an informant, and a $20 tip per person would be appropriate if you have a dolphin tour or family tour.
