Tipping...

[subtona]

What do you do when you need a service at a hotel by the bellman, concierge, bathroom attendant or other staff etc. and do not have the denomination of currency you would like to give for a tip?

Any other awkward tipping situations you might share?

[austinp]

Originally Posted by subtona

What do you do when you need a service at a hotel by the bellman, concierge, bathroom attendant or other staff etc. and do not have the denomination of currency you would like to give for a tip?

Any other awkward tipping situations you might share?

I ask for change if i only have large bills. I was a bellman at hotel and always had lots of small denominations and welcomed a guest breaking a large bill. Its completely fine.

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

[imperio]

Originally Posted by subtona

What do you do when you need a service at a hotel by the bellman, concierge, bathroom attendant or other staff etc. and do not have the denomination of currency you would like to give for a tip?

Any other awkward tipping situations you might share?

If you're out of USD for tipping, chances are you're in a country where tips aren't expected. If you should feel inclined to, then tip in whatever currency you have on hand. It will come as a surprise either way.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by austinp

I ask for change if i only have large bills. I was a bellman at hotel and always had lots of small denominations and welcomed a guest breaking a large bill. Its completely fine.

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

This, I was a bellman/valet parker in my early days too. :


As a side note, if you genuinely have no cash, and want to tip your bellman, etc......practically 99% of the hotels that offer these services will allow you to drop a tip at the front desk. Simply let the bellman know you’re doing so (ask his name) and when you have the funds, they will save it for him at the front in an envelope or something of the nature. Don’t be the guy that says ‘get you later’ and never does so. Even if it comes at the latter end of your stay, do it. When I was 18, a mere extra $5 somedays was a nice surprise.

And if you have ANY intention of returning to the property more than once a year, being respectful/generous will get you a long way. I could remember every single guest that frequented more than once a year, especially if the tips were good. Would fulfill requests or give free shuttle rides that more than offset their tipping scheme. Practically every tip-employee I knew in hospitality was the same way as well.

[amg55]

I was told it's $5 per bag, is that a good guide for tipping at hotels?

[austinp]

$5 per bag is very solid. Any bellman would be stoked to get it.

Originally Posted by amg55

I was told it's $5 per bag, is that a good guide for tipping at hotels?

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

[dmash]

Originally Posted by amg55

I was told it's $5 per bag, is that a good guide for tipping at hotels?

I think that’s entirely too much unless you’re dropping $500+ a night wherever you’re staying.

-Bellman: $2-$3 per bag, but $5 minimum. Also, tend to tip more, if you are at a resort that covers a lot of property. There’s a difference between jumping right on an elevator and done with you in 2 minutes, and having to trek a couple minutes over to your villa, etc. The latter, $4-$5 per bag may be called for.
-Valet: $5 in $5 out, unless the lot is 100 ft away, then that’s overkill. Don’t tip one time, more than likely you won’t get the same guy, especially at a large hotel, split it in half and tip twice. Those tips usually aren’t pooled so you screw one guy. *Also, I don’t apply this tipping scheme to restaurants, it’s ridiculous to think I’m handing him $5 for driving the car 10 feet.

[joeychitwood]

I once asked a beach captain at a busy resort on the Mayan Riviera if he could keep an eye on our beach gear while we took a walk. I gave him a $20 bill, and we were treated to the best locations on the beach every time we came down to the water. He refused tips every day afterwards, but I happily tipped him generously the day we left. Excellent service.

[Danny83]

Originally Posted by subtona

What do you do when you need a service at a hotel by the bellman, concierge, bathroom attendant or other staff etc. and do not have the denomination of currency you would like to give for a tip?

Any other awkward tipping situations you might share?

Looks like they would get stiffed by me... I always carrry 5s and ones now because I use to loose so much $ that way

[dmash]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

I once asked a beach captain at a busy resort on the Mayan Riviera if he could keep an eye on our beach gear while we took a walk. I gave him a $20 bill, and we were treated to the best locations on the beach every time we came down to the water. He refused tips every day afterwards, but I happily tipped him generously the day we left. Excellent service.

There’s very few service workers, who if you ‘overly tip’ them....won’t divulge ‘extra’ information and give you advice that they don’t tell the run of the mill patron.

[RHIII]

As much as the wife and I travel - we’ve learned to carry about $100 in 5s and $200 in 10s — that usually takes care of most of these scenarios.

I’ve always tippped SkyCaps and bellmen 5$/bag...maybe a little more if my wife packed half the closet...drivers, etc...just depends. I tend tip anyone providing me a service - especially when vacationing. Concierge - it kinda depends on what they’re getting for me — if it’s hard to get reservations or on a holiday - I’d definitely tip more. we’ve had some GREAT concierge service over the years in places like New York and Montreal.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Brenngun]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

I once asked a beach captain at a busy resort on the Mayan Riviera if he could keep an eye on our beach gear while we took a walk. I gave him a $20 bill, and we were treated to the best locations on the beach every time we came down to the water. He refused tips every day afterwards, but I happily tipped him generously the day we left. Excellent service.

My wife and I do this every time when we travel to a beach resort. I search out the cabana boys on the first day, introduce myself and let them know what I'm looking for. If the conversation goes well I'll tip them $50 on the spot. We never have to worry about getting a cabana, lounge pads and extra towels for the rest of the stay. Worth every cent.

[joeychitwood]

Originally Posted by Brenngun

My wife and I do this every time when we travel to a beach resort. I search out the cabana boys on the first day, introduce myself and let them know what I'm looking for. If the conversation goes well I'll tip them $50 on the spot. We never have to worry about getting a cabana, lounge pads and extra towels for the rest of the stay. Worth every cent.

I totally agree. If I'm spending a moderate amount of money to lay on a beach for a week, a generous tip to the captain can make a good trip great.

[Trailboss516]

I don't tip in the situations mentioned above.

[amg55]

Originally Posted by austinp

$5 per bag is very solid. Any bellman would be stoked to get it.

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

This may explain why he was super polite after I handed him $10 tip for two bags, one of which was a rather large golf bag.

[GB-man]

If I don’t have the money on me I will tell them I’ll hit them ASAP and I always do. I usually tip people 5 bucks to be honest but we travel light and don’t stay at the ritz.

One time I tipped a car wash towel boy with a winning scratch off ticket lol I had no cash on me. He gladly accepted and laughed.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by RHIII

As much as the wife and I travel - we’ve learned to carry about $100 in 5s and $200 in 10s — that usually takes care of most of these scenarios.

I’ve always tippped SkyCaps and bellmen 5$/bag...maybe a little more if my wife packed half the closet...drivers, etc...just depends. I tend tip anyone providing me a service - especially when vacationing. Concierge - it kinda depends on what they’re getting for me — if it’s hard to get reservations or on a holiday - I’d definitely tip more. we’ve had some GREAT concierge service over the years in places like New York and Montreal.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

you must have a George Costanza wallet

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by subtona

What do you do when you need a service at a hotel by the bellman, concierge, bathroom attendant or other staff etc. and do not have the denomination of currency you would like to give for a tip?

Any other awkward tipping situations you might share?

I hate tipping, but i always overtip to avoid feeling awkward. If i've got to see these people for the next few days i feel worse if i feel like i was being cheap so its just easier. I plan ahead and get the proper notes in advance even if it means breaking a larger bill by buying a pack of gum on the way.

Bathroom attendants though, usually i just hold it instead That is a weird one. Do you tip before/after, and does a #2 require more money?? Do you give them the money with clean hands and now you leave the bathroom with dirty hands because money is filthy ... or do you give them money with dirty hands and then wash? It keeps me up at night

[gettocard]

Originally Posted by subtona

What do you do when you need a service at a hotel by the bellman, concierge, bathroom attendant or other staff etc. and do not have the denomination of currency you would like to give for a tip?

Any other awkward tipping situations you might share?

I pick up the phone and that's about it. I used to be a good George back in my Vegas days,now I'm as stiff as it gets,except for waiters.

[RHIII]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

you must have a George Costanza wallet

Hahahahhaha. I don’t carry it!!! Some goes in my wife’s wallet - and my billfold as we go out. and we’ll leave the rest in the hotel safe box.

Lol.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by subtona

What do you do when you need a service at a hotel by the bellman, concierge, bathroom attendant or other staff etc. and do not have the denomination of currency you would like to give for a tip?

Any other awkward tipping situations you might share?

In your specific example, most hotels have an ATM with the local currency so it’s easy to remedy.

If no ATM, I ask the front desk for cash and have it added to my room bill.

[joeychitwood]

My daughters depended on tips at jobs while growing up. My oldest worked as a hotel maid one summer, and her stories of room messes were so disgusting that they almost made me gag, and I had worked 20 years as an ER doc! I always tip the hotel maids well, keeping in mind Elizabeth's stories of people leaving 27 cents in pocket change as a tip.

[superdog]

I too ask for change in this situation.

Awkward for me is when I tip (say for a car valet) in the beginning and it appears they expect a tip on the way out too.

[dmash]

Originally Posted by superdog

I too ask for change in this situation.

Awkward for me is when I tip (say for a car valet) in the beginning and it appears they expect a tip on the way out too.

I mentioned this earlier, simply split your tip in half. At a lot of valets, the tips are not pooled and you may have two different people...

[subtona]

Thank you for all the replies,
Really appreciating these experiences, keep them coming

Having a roll of $5s in your pocket would be ideal.

Ps The tipping scene in "reservoir dogs" is legendary.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by austinp

I ask for change if i only have large bills. I was a bellman at hotel and always had lots of small denominations and welcomed a guest breaking a large bill. Its completely fine.

Sent from my SM-G935P using Tapatalk

I agree it would be in the service persons best interest to have change.

My common experience with delivery guys is when I ask for change they too often seem to almost have enough, creating a situation of too much or nothing.

[mtrunner]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

I hate tipping, but i always overtip to avoid feeling awkward. If i've got to see these people for the next few days i feel worse if i feel like i was being cheap so its just easier. I plan ahead and get the proper notes in advance even if it means breaking a larger bill by buying a pack of gum on the way.

Bathroom attendants though, usually i just hold it instead That is a weird one. Do you tip before/after, and does a #2 require more money?? Do you give them the money with clean hands and now you leave the bathroom with dirty hands because money is filthy ... or do you give them money with dirty hands and then wash? It keeps me up at night

You and me both. I hate bathroom attendants and never understood why certain establishments have bathroom attendants. It's awkward and weird and completely unnecessary.

[imperio]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

I hate tipping, but i always overtip to avoid feeling awkward. If i've got to see these people for the next few days i feel worse if i feel like i was being cheap so its just easier. I plan ahead and get the proper notes in advance even if it means breaking a larger bill by buying a pack of gum on the way.

Bathroom attendants though, usually i just hold it instead That is a weird one. Do you tip before/after, and does a #2 require more money?? Do you give them the money with clean hands and now you leave the bathroom with dirty hands because money is filthy ... or do you give them money with dirty hands and then wash? It keeps me up at night