Hotel Tipping Guide

Each year we go to conventions and not even notice the hard working hotel employees that have to deal with thousands of fans over a short weekend. Yes, they are paid but consider everything that the hotel employees do to make our fun weekend runs smoothly. For every hotel worker you see there are at least 5 more you don't see - from the front desk folks, maids, chefs and waitstaff, security people, event personnel who make sure that rooms are set up and changed around for panels, dances and so much more. Please remember to say thank you and to tip those folks who deserve it. If someone goes above and beyond be sure to let them know that they are appreciated. We are not the norm but we can still be the nice, well mannered group that comes every year.

Below are some tips from the About.com webpage on Tipping.

Tipping Is Never Required

It may be expected in many situations, but tipping is never required. Tipping hotel staff and drivers should be at your discretion, and should be thought of as a reward for excellent service. Don't feel obligated to give a tip if the service given was sub-par. On the other hand, consider giving a larger tip for those who go out of their way to provide personalized or stand-out service. Although it is not required, tipping etiquette says that unless service was severely lacking in some way, do give a tip of some sort (or at least a smile and a thank you).

Tipping Guide: Checking In

• Porter/Doorman -- $1-$2 per bag they help you with (more if it is very heavy). Tiping 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).

Tipping Guide: In 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. How To Tip a Hotel Maid
• 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.

Tipping Guide: 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 signalling 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 retreiving your car. Tipping when they park the car is optional.

Tipping Guide: Food Service

• Bartender/Cocktail Waitress -- 10-15% of the total tab. For free drinks in Las Vegas, $1-$2 per round. It's OK to tip with your chips in lieu of cash.
• Buffet Servers -- $1-$2 per person dining. Lean toward the higher end if they bring you drinks.

Tipping Guide: Special Services

• Concierge -- Tipping varies with the level of service provided. For simple requests like 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.

For more tips and hints on tipping check out About.com.