Vacation Tips on Tipping

VACATION TIPS ON TIPPING

It’s understandable that many people are unsure what to tip at a hotel while on vacation.

Here are some guidelines that may help on your next vacation.

Valet parking. Don’t tip a hotel staff member who opens a guest’s car door at the hotel entrance or parks the car in a valet lot. The valet who retrieves the car from the parking lot should be given $2 to $5.

Bellmen. The common tip is $1 to $2 per bag. You can give more if the bags are heavy or the bellman provides other services.

Maid. They should receive $1 to $5 daily. Pay this tip daily to ensure it goes to the person that took care of your room.

Concierge. No tip is needed for directions, restaurant recommendations or answers to simple questions. A $10 to $50 tip is recommended for a concierge who obtains hard-to-get event tickets or a table at a popular premier restaurant.

Guests should expect good service at luxury hotels rather they tip or not.  And if you stay at a budget or moderate hotel you will not have the valet, concierge and bellmen to worry about anyway.

It is always nice to tip the person who goes out of their way to give you extra service and make your stay special.

Always carry lots of $1 bills so you don’t have to look for someone to give you change.  Also, if you are going to a different country, it is wise to have some of thier currency upon arrival for tips at the airport and transfers.

If you frequent a particular hotel or resort it is amazing how the staff remembers you, especially if you are a great tipper.

Best tip you can give.  Find out the name of the staff that offered that extra service and made your trip memorable.  Then write a quick note acknowledging this person and what they did; take a minute to find the manager of the hotel and give him the note.  Many hotels train their staff for better positions and this may help them get that promotion.