Tipping Etiquette When Checking Into a Hotel

Understanding the proper times, methods and amounts for tipping hotel staff often confuses novice travelers, especially those with little experience staying in world-class lodging. Though tipping is not required for every hotel staffer or for all services, etiquette suggests that tipping several employees upon check-in is customary practice in most hotels.

Many hotels offer guests a complimentary shuttle service b y picking them up for the airport and bringing them to the hotel. While these services are free, giving the driver a tip is accepted practice. Tip the driver $1 or $2 per person each time you use the shuttle service. If the shuttle driver loads and unloads bags, gives you insider tips or provides excellent service in any manner, add another $1 or $2 to the tip.

You dont need to tip a doorman for opening and holding the door. However, tip a doorman who goes above and beyond to provide you top service. Excellent doorman typically will bring your bags from your car, taxi or shuttle to the front desk. For these services, tip the doorman $2 to $3.

Front desk clerks are responsible for checking-in hotel guests, answering their questions and supplying information about the hotel. For those services, no tip is required. However, if your front desk clerk goes out of his way to provide you information about the city or restaurants or tracks an item you forgot to pack, tip accordingly. These tasks usually fall to the hotel concierge, who customarily receives tips for his service. Tip between $5 and $10 for exceptional service. Should the front desk staff or a concierge score you a seat at the hottest restaurant, tip up to $25.

The bellhop assists guests with their luggage, bringing bags from the hotel lobby to the hotel room. Tip the bellhop $1 or $2 per bag. Considering increasing a tip for a bellhop who brings your bags when you are traveling alone. If a large family is checking in behind you and only one bellhop is available, carry your own bags and let him assist the family so he perhaps can score a bigger tip.

Travel experts recommend that a guests always tip at the time of service in a hotel. Many staff members work on rotating shifts, so tipping at the time of service ensures the money goes to the proper person. Room service and housekeeping are two other areas in which tipping is customary. Give the room service person 15 percent of the check if the tip is not included. Tip the housekeeper for each day you receive service. That can be a couple of dollars a day.