Here’s How Much Tip at the Hotel
For such a small action, the tip can seem overwhelming. We know it’s customary to give a little to people to help make our vacation and travel better, but how much is enough? Should you give the bellboy as much as the housekeeper, but what about the concierge? Does staying at an all inclusive resort mean you’re out of luck?
These are good questions, but luckily they are not as difficult as we might imagine. As long as you give something, you are probably fine. But here are some guidelines.
United States
In the US, $ 1 to $ 5 per bag for a porter is standard, depending on your bag, as well as $ 1 to $ 5 a day for a housekeeper ( others recommend $ 3 to $ 5 a day) and $ 5 to $ 10 for a concierge , according to the American Hotel and Inns Association .
One tip on tip: It’s better to tip the maids every day, because a different person may be assigning your room every day, “so leaving one large amount in your room or at the desk at the end of your stay will create more. clutter than good, ”notes Elle Decor . “If you miss a day, ask the front desk to hand it over to the maid service supervisor or HR manager the next day to hand it over to the correct housekeeper.”
Outside the USA
When traveling abroad, things get a little more complicated: Condé Nast Traveler has a good guide that breaks down standard tip amounts by country, whether you can tip in US dollars, and tips on tip etiquette. For example, if you are traveling to Morocco, try to be careful when you tip.
All Inclusive Resorts
There is another scenario that can get a little more complicated and that is when you are staying at an all inclusive resort.
In many cases, gratuities will also be included – after all, they are in the title. But you can check on the resort’s website to see if they include gratuities in the price. “The rate you see on the Internet should clearly indicate whether there is a daily service charge,” writes The Points Guy . “If not, please contact the resort immediately prior to booking.”
Otherwise, you can use the standard $ 1 or so for the bag and $ 5 a day for the housekeeper.
If you are taking a sightseeing tour, it is likely that gratuity is not included in the price. Check out the tip policy for the country you are visiting and be sure to tip your guide, somewhere around $ 4 per day, TPG advises (you can usually find your preferred tip amount in your guide’s documents).
Cruises
TPG advises that gratuities for major cruise lines are now usually included in your bill. You can change that, but most people leave them alone. “It can be difficult to visit the treasurer’s counter at times, especially if there is a long line to make changes,” writes TPG. “And you can give a little extra money to your favorite waiter or bartender at the end of the cruise, but you don’t have to.”
As always, if you want to improve service almost anywhere – except for some complex services, where workers may have problems with tipping, and in some countries – then it is always a good idea to tip a little more. Do this at the beginning of your stay to ensure good service throughout.