In my younger days I did get a chance to travel some and to different countries and before leaving always had an anxiety attack on wanting to be sure I knew not to make mistakes in etiquette and tipping. Due to a certain size of my pocket book I did not stay at ‘THE RICH AND FAMOUS” establishments but still knew I had to be a good guest.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association offers excellent advice on tipping standards in their Gratuity Guide. They list the staff members who should be tipped and a recommended amount. For example, it’s customary to tip $1-$5 to the bellman who takes your suitcase to the hotel room. You can decide how much, based on how heavy your belongings are, whether he showed you around, or provided you with useful information. Everyone appreciates a tip, but there’s another way to show your appreciation—take time to write an online review or letter mentioning a staff member’s exemplary service to the hotel’s general manager.
Here are tipping guidelines provided by the American Hotel & Lodging Association in partnership with Forbes Travel Guide:
Valet/Parking Attendant: $1-5 when car is delivered.
Bellstaff/Porters: $1-5 per bag when escorted to your room. Tip the same if you request bell staff service while checking out.
Doorstaff: $1-2 for getting a taxi. If they unload your luggage, tip in proportion to amount and weight.
Concierge: $5-10 depending on how involved the service, or lump sum upon departure.
Housekeeping: $1-5 per night, and tip should be left daily in the morning. If possible, leave a note saying the money is for housekeeping.
Delivery of Special Items: $2 for one item, $5 for more. Tipping is not required for someone fixing something broken or bringing something missing.
Room Service: A gratuity of 15-20% should be added if hotel did not include a room service charge on the bill.
Bartender: Tip 15-20% of total beverage tab.
Server in Restaurant: Tip 15% of total bill or 20% for exceptional service.
—Renee Sklarew
ny.curbed.com/2014/3/24/10127756/how-much-to-give-hotel-staff-the·
