If you have ever asked these questions, then you’re not alone! I often get asked about who, when, and how much to tip from fellow travelers. So, to help, below are some simple recommendations and a basic hotel tipping guide for U.S. travel.
The U.S. hospitality industry relies on tips, and with so many hotels, restaurants, and service-based companies struggling to find workers, tipping seems to be even more important these days.
Valet
Even if there is a fee to use valet parking, you should tip the valet attendant. My rule of thumb is to tip when they return the car. Unless they help with something additional, like carrying out luggage, I typically don’t tip when they park the car. And for the most part, my tip is $5 each time.
Housekeeping
We typically don’t request housekeeping each day, but if we do need cleaning, and it’s a mess or we have a lot of garbage, then we will tip around $10 for a mid-stay clean. And when departing we always leave a tip, which is usually $20.
Front Desk
If something is missing or broken in our room, and we need assistance from the hotel we typically don’t tip. However, if we are requesting something special, or extra, then we always give a tip that is around $5 for delivering the item.
Concierge
If they provide a quick recommendation or answer a simple question, then I don’t feel a tip is needed. But if they spend a lot of time helping to arrange plans, celebrate something, or solve a problem – then a tip should be provided. And in this scenario, I don’t have a standard tip, but it should be aligned with the time and value of the service they provided.
Bellhop
For opening a hotel or car door, I don’t tip. However, if the bellhop takes your luggage to your hotel room, then a tip should be provided. Depending on the amount of luggage and distance to the room I recommend a tip that is between $5 – $10. Additionally, if the bellhop station stores your luggage, then I always tip upon pickup. This is typically around $5 unless it is tons of luggage.
I always feel so lucky to travel and to enjoy incredible service – so I am happy to tip! If you’re looking for additional travel tips, then check out this other article about Travel Essentials to Keep You Safe.
