Dear Jacquelyn,

Our family plans on traveling more frequently this summer. I’m never sure how much and when to tip housekeeping, concierge, valet, etc. I would like to know the basic guidelines for tipping hotel staff.

Dear Reader,

Hotel tipping is one of those things that can confuse even the most experienced of travelers.

The hospitality business is built on catering to you. When you arrive at a hotel, staff members immediately spring into action to make your stay more comfortable.

Keep in mind, not every hotel you are going to stay in will have a bellman and concierge. Some have a front desk clerk and travelers typically handle their own suitcases and help themselves to coffee in the front lobby. Tipping is customary but not as complex.

At a self-serve hotel, without plush bathrobes, there are still staff members who deserve a tip. A minimum of $2 - $3 per night is customary for housekeeping. Please include another dollar or two every time you make a special request, such as extra toiletries.

Write a note clearly labeling the money and fold it around the tip. Leave the tip somewhere obvious, on your pillow or nightstand. This lets the housekeeper know it’s intended for him or her.

It is always fine to tip housekeeping in person, too. This is a nice opportunity to say thank-you.

Most people tip housekeeping at the end of their stay. However, it is better to tip your housekeeper for each night instead of giving one large tip at the end of your stay.

You may not have the same housekeeper each day, depending on staff schedules. A single tip given before you leave may not get distributed to the staff members who cleaned your room throughout your stay.

The front desk attendant is another staff member who deserves a tip in return for special, personal service. For example, give the front desk attendant $1 or $2 for arranging an early check-in or late checkout.

When staying at an upscale hotel in metropolitan areas, it is customary to tip several members of the staff, such as concierge, valet and room service. Housekeeping at a high-end hotel would receive $5 per night.

Again, tipping for each day you receive service is customary. If you splurged and ordered room service, check the bill. If there is no gratuity added, tip the server 15 percent to 20 percent, just as you would in a restaurant.

Tipping is a way of saying thank-you for good service and knowing how to tip isn’t just good etiquette, it can help ensure exceptional service throughout your stay.

Respectfully Yours,

Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol, specializing in etiquette training.

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