How much should I tip a room attendant?

Showing Appreciation: A Guide to Tipping Your Hotel Room Attendant

We all appreciate a clean and comfortable hotel room after a long day of travel or sightseeing. While the cost of your room covers the cleaning service, tipping your room attendant is a thoughtful gesture that acknowledges their hard work and dedication to making your stay enjoyable. But how much should you tip?

A general guideline is to leave between one and five dollars per day. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but it provides a good starting point. Several factors can influence the appropriate tip amount, allowing you to tailor it to your specific circumstances and the level of service received.

Factors to Consider:

• Level of Service: Did the room attendant go above and beyond? Did they replenish toiletries meticulously, anticipate your needs, or leave a special touch like a neatly folded towel animal? Exceptional service warrants a higher tip.
• Extra Tasks: Did you request extra towels, pillows, or blankets? Did they help with luggage or fulfill any other special requests? Tip a bit more for any additional services provided.
• Hotel Rating: The cost of your stay can be a helpful indicator. In higher-end hotels, a slightly larger tip is customary, reflecting the higher standard of service expected. However, a genuine gesture of appreciation is valued in any hotel, regardless of its star rating.
• Length of Stay: While tipping daily is recommended, if you’re staying for an extended period, you may choose to adjust the daily amount or leave a larger sum at the end of your stay. Just ensure the attendant who provided the majority of your service receives the gratuity.
• Leaving a Note: A simple “thank you” note along with the tip adds a personal touch and ensures the attendant knows the gratuity is intended for them. It also helps avoid any confusion about whether the money was left accidentally.

Practical Tips:

• Leave the tip in a clearly marked envelope or with a note indicating it is for housekeeping. This avoids any misunderstanding.
• Place the tip in a visible location, such as on the nightstand or a desk, rather than tucked away in a drawer.
• Tip daily. Housekeeping staff often changes daily, and tipping each day ensures the person who cleaned your room receives the appreciation they deserve.

Tipping your hotel room attendant is a small but significant way to show your gratitude for their hard work. By considering the factors mentioned above, you can determine an appropriate tip that reflects your appreciation and contributes to a positive experience for both you and the hardworking individuals who help make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.