As a seasoned travel and hospitality expert, I've had the pleasure of experiencing a wide range of hotels and the services they offer. One of the most common questions that travelers have is about tipping etiquette, particularly when it comes to hotel staff. Tipping is a way to show appreciation for the service provided, and it's a customary practice in many countries. Here are some guidelines to help you navigate the tipping process at a hotel:


1. Front Desk Staff: If the front desk staff goes above and beyond to accommodate your requests, such as finding you a room with a view or handling a special request, a tip of $1-5 is a nice gesture.


2. Bellman: For the bellman who helps with your luggage, a tip of $1-2 per bag is standard, with a minimum of $5 regardless of the number of bags.


3. Room Service: Generally, a tip of 15-20% of the bill is expected for room service, similar to tipping at a restaurant. If the service is particularly good, you might consider tipping more.


4. Housekeeping: The housekeeping or maid service is often one of the most overlooked areas for tipping. A tip of $2-3 per night is standard, but this can increase to $5 or more in high-end hotels. If you're traveling in a group and there are more than three people in your room or suite, you might want to tip more to acknowledge the additional work.


5. Concierge: If the concierge helps you with reservations, tickets, or other arrangements, a tip of $5-10 is appropriate, depending on the level of assistance provided.


6. Valet Parking: For valet parking, a tip of $2-5 is customary when your car is retrieved.

7.
Shuttle Drivers: If the hotel provides a shuttle service and the driver assists with luggage or provides local information, a tip of $1-2 per person is appreciated.

8.
Maintenance Staff: If you have a maintenance issue in your room and the staff resolves it promptly and efficiently, a tip of $5-10 can be a nice way to show your appreciation.

When leaving a tip, it's a good idea to place it in an envelope or on a piece of paper with a note saying "Thank you" to make it clear that it's a tip. For housekeeping, leaving the tip on the pillow or in a similar conspicuous place is common practice.

Remember, tipping is a personal decision and these are just guidelines. The most important thing is to use your discretion based on the quality of service you receive and to show gratitude for those who make your stay more enjoyable.

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Other optional tipping situations common to travelers include: Hotel housekeeping/maid service: $2-3 per night up to $5, more in high-end hotels. Also more if there are more than 3 people in a room or suite. Leave the tip on your pillow or in a similar obvious place with a note that says thank you.read more >>