Guide to the Who and What of Hotel Tipping

In the real estate industry, chances are you travel a bit from time to time. Here, check out a general tipping guide that should help you get an idea of the appropriate tipping ranges.
In the real estate industry, chances are you travel a bit from time to time. Here, check out a general tipping guide that should help you get an idea of the appropriate tipping ranges.

8Drivers Courtesy shuttle driver?$1-$2 per person, or $4-$5 per party

Taxi or limousine driver?15-20% of the total fare

Tipping drivers extra is expected if they handle your bags (tipping about $1-$2 per bag). Tipping on the higher end if they go out of their way to help (i.e., get you to the airport on time) is a good idea.

8Checking In

Porter/doorman?$1-$2 per bag they help you with (more if it is very heavy). Tipping is not required for just opening a door (a smile and thank you is always appreciated).

Bell staff?$1-$2 per bag if they bring the bags to your room

If they prepare your room and show you around, tipping $5-$10 should cover everything (including the bags).

8In Your Room

Room service?In most hotels, a gratuity of 12-15% is already included in the price of your order (check the menu). Tipping extra is OK, particularly if the person delivering the order takes extra care to set up your meal. Room service tips are generally ?pooled,? or shared between everyone. If you hand something extra to a person who provides you extraordinary service, he or she can keep it.

Maids/housekeeping staff?A wide range is acceptable here, depending on the level of extra service and hotel level, but generally from $1-$5 per night. It is best to do your tipping daily, since you might have different people cleaning your room. Whatever you decide to leave, be sure to put the money in a sealed envelope?clearly marked?so there is no confusion as to who it belongs to.

Maintenance/service people?For fixing something that was broken, or bringing something that was missing, tipping is not required.

Delivery of special items?For a special request (like an extra blanket), $2 for one item, or $1 each for more than one item.

Coming and Going

Doorman?$1-$2 for calling a cab; extra if he covers you with an umbrella in the rain, or has to actually hail a cab (rather than just signaling one from a cab line). If you wish, tipping a few bucks at the end of your stay (rather than each time) is fine.

Valet parking?$1-$2 to the attendant retrieving your car. Tipping when they park the car is optional.

Dining Out

Wait staff?15-20% of the bill, excluding tax and expensive wine. Many restaurants automatically add a 15% gratuity for parties of six or more, so check the menu. You can add another 5% for exceptional service.

In the Lounge

Bartender/cocktail waitress?10-15% of the total tab

Special Services Concierge?Tipping varies with the level of service provided. For simple requests, such as directions or restaurant recommendations, no tipping is required. If the concierge arranges show tickets or restaurant reservations, tip $2-$5. If he goes above and beyond (a table at the hottest restaurant in town), tip $10-$20.

Hotel staff? If they set up something special for you (say, for your anniversary), tip at the end of your stay.

Source: About.com

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