The Complete Guide to Tipping Hotel Staff: Who, When, and How Much

Hotels present some of the most complex tipping situations travelers encounter. With multiple staff members providing different services, it can be difficult to know who to tip, when, and how much. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate hotel tipping with confidence.

Housekeeping: The Most Overlooked Tip

Housekeeping staff often perform the most intimate services during your stay yet are the most frequently overlooked when it comes to tipping.

How Much:

• Standard hotels: $2-5 per day
• Luxury hotels: $5-10 per day
• Extended stays or particularly messy rooms: Consider increasing slightly

When and How:

Leave tips daily rather than one sum at the end of your stay, as different housekeepers may clean your room on different days. Place the money in a clearly marked envelope (write "Housekeeping" or "Thank You") and leave it on the pillow or with a note on the desk. This ensures the tip doesn't get mistaken for forgotten cash.

Bellhops and Porters

These staff members handle your luggage and often provide your first impression of the hotel's service.

How Much:

• $1-2 per bag, with a minimum of $5 for a typical load
• $10-15 for numerous or especially heavy bags

When and How:

Tip after they've delivered your bags to your room or helped load them into your vehicle at departure. Hand the cash directly to them with a word of thanks.

Front Desk Staff

Generally, front desk agents who check you in and out don't expect tips for standard service. However, if they've provided exceptional assistance such as upgrading your room or resolving a significant issue, a tip of $5-20 depending on the level of help is appreciated.

Concierge

Tipping depends on the level of service provided:

• Simple directions or recommendations: No tip required
• Making reservations or arranging basic services: $5-10
• Securing difficult reservations, special experiences, or solving complex problems: $15-25 or more
• Multiple services throughout a stay: Consider a larger tip ($40-100) at the end of your stay

When and How:

Tip at the time of service for one-off assistance, or at the end of your stay for ongoing help. Hand the tip directly to the concierge with specific thanks for their assistance.

Room Service

Check if a service charge or gratuity is already included in your bill (common for room service). If not:

• Standard tip: 15-20% of the pre-tax food total
• Minimum: $5 even for small orders

Hand the tip directly to the person who delivers the food, or add it to the check if paying by card at delivery time.

Valet Parking

Standard tip: $2-5 each time your car is returned to you (not when dropping it off). In luxury hotels or difficult parking situations, $5-10 is appropriate.

Shuttle Drivers

For hotel shuttle services to nearby attractions or airports:

• Short trips: $2-3 per person
• Airport/longer trips: $5 per person

Tip higher if the driver helps with luggage.

Door Staff

If a doorperson hails a taxi for you: $2-5

If they help with luggage: $1-2 per bag

Simply holding the door: No tip required, though appreciated

Special Situations

All-Inclusive Resorts:

Many all-inclusive resorts have no-tipping policies, but staff often still appreciate small tips. Check the resort's official policy, and if tipping is allowed, follow the standard hotel guidelines above.

International Considerations:

Tipping expectations vary widely by country. In Japan, tipping is generally not expected and may even cause confusion. In many European countries, more modest tips (5-10%) are the norm compared to the US standard.

Resort Fees and Service Charges:

Some hotels now include mandatory "resort fees" or service charges. Ask if these fees cover gratuities or if tipping is still expected. When in doubt, a modest tip for direct, personal service is still appreciated.

Remember that tipping is ultimately about acknowledging good service. While these guidelines provide a framework, you should feel comfortable adjusting based on the quality of service received and your personal circumstances.