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April 15, 2007
Tipping
Should I ever visit New York, Chicago or San Francisco.... now I'll know. Good information.
Hotel Tipping
Not every hotel you are going to stay in will have a bellman and concierge. Heck, some just have Frank, who makes $4.25/hour, asleep behind the desk. In this case, you needn't worry, tipping is probably not expected; but if you're staying in a place slightly more upscale, tipping is both customary and appreciated.
Because tipping is a way of rewarding good service, there is no way to say what is appropriate across the board. Tip at your own discretion, and only if you feel it is warranted. Here are some general guidelines to follow.
Valet: $1 - $2 (more in bad weather)
Shuttle Driver: $2
Doorman: $1 - $2 (for hailing a cab)
Bellman: $1 - $2 (when bags are brought up and down from your room)
Concierge: $2 - $20 (depending on the level of attention)
Room Service: 18% of the bill or at least $2 (not required if gratuity is included)
Housekeeping: $1 - $5 per night (the messier you are, the higher the tip)
Coatcheck: $1 - $2
Lesson one: Don't forget the chambermaid. "Some of these ladies have so much pride in what they do," says Michael Tuesca, concierge at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, in Miami (See: "South Beach Style"). "I've seen housekeepers return $10,000 Rolex watches covered in diamonds. They work for their money. They clean 12 rooms a day. And you never even see them, but you come back to a clean hotel room with music playing."
Tuesca advises leaving a few dollars per night, depending on the size of the room and how much work is involved in cleaning it. Leave the tip daily; housekeepers may change from one day to the next. And hand it over in person, if possible--it means more.
Lesson Two: For the ubiquitous hotel doormen, a good rule is $1 to $2 per favor, whether that's a flagged cab or a quick city orientation.
"You're a public servant, especially with directions," says Josh Sobul, who spent 18 years as a doorman at two of Chicago's biggest hotels and is now the doorman supervisor at The St. Regis, Aspen, a top resort in Colorado (see: "Peak Experience"). "The hardest thing is keeping traffic flowing. Checking people in at the same time--it keeps you moving. I was happy if I got $2 per cab."
Lesson Three: Reward perfect dinner recommendation from the concierge, or last-minute tickets to the hottest show in town. When thanking a butler or hotel concierge, your options are to tip after each service provided, between $5 and $10 each time
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<3 GrandMom Love ~
Good To Know | By Omie | 07:18 PM