What is the appropriate amount to tip for room service?
Specialists share their insights on proper tipping practices.
Inquire with many travelers about their customary gratuity for room service, and you’re likely to receive a puzzled expression. While tipping can be complicated, it remains an important practice, and the appropriate guidelines can differ based on your location.
Julie Danziger, managing partner of Embark Beyond in New York City, states, "It can be quite uncomfortable to advise someone on how much to tip since expectations vary greatly from place to place. This is particularly true for Americans, who are accustomed to a certain tipping culture that might be seen as offensive in other countries."
Tipping doesn’t have strict regulations, so choose what feels right for you, and feel free to seek advice from your host or travel consultant. Don’t let it cause you anxiety — we all make mistakes sometimes. Luckily, there are some general tips to help you stay informed about tipping practices both locally and internationally. Continue reading for insights from travel and etiquette specialists.
When to Offer a Gratuity for Room
In places where tipping is a common practice, it is generally anticipated that guests will tip for room service unless a service charge has already been included in the bill. For travelers in foreign countries, where tipping practices might be less straightforward, it’s advisable to do some research, according to Lizzie Post, co-president of the Emily Post Institute in Waterbury, Vermont. "Make sure to spend some time finding out the norms for the region," she advises.
In Canada, tipping is a common practice, similar to that in the United States. Other regions where tipping is also traditional include the Caribbean, the Middle East, Mexico, and certain areas of Europe and South America; however, the typical tip percentage in these places tends to be lower than in the U.S. In contrast, countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and large parts of Asia have less emphasis on tipping.
According to Danziger, at luxury hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton, patrons should anticipate additional tips in addition to a service charge, as these fees are seldom excluded from the final bill. If you’re uncertain about the presence of a service charge at your hotel, simply inquire.
When using a credit card for payment, Betty Jo Currie, the founder of Currie & Co. Travels Unlimited in Atlanta, advises checking whether the tip is already included. If you’re paying with cash, you might choose to leave a small amount as a tip. "I usually leave around $5," she explains, highlighting the low wages these workers often receive. It’s important to note that even if a service charge and gratuity are added, the individual who delivered your food may not actually benefit from it.
"Inquire if the individual is getting gratuities based on the total amount of the bill," Danziger advises.
Determining the Appropriate Tip for Room Service
Danziger suggests that using the same approach as when eating at American restaurants can be beneficial. She explains, "As Americans, we typically calculate a tip by doubling the tax or adding 18% to 20%." If the meal was prepared by the hotel, it’s acceptable to apply this same tipping principle to room service. (If it wasn’t, Danziger advises that you can simply act as if it was.)
The latest "Gratuity Guide" released by the American Hotel and Lodging Association in 2014 indicates that in the U.S., a tip of 15% to 20% is typical when there isn’t a room service fee included in the total. In areas where tips are customary but generally lower, you may consider tipping between 5% and 15%. It’s advisable to look into this beforehand.
This standard is relevant for both large hotel chains and smaller boutique establishments. According to Currie, "One might assume that motels offer fewer services and therefore need smaller tips," but this is not true.
Post emphasizes that tipping is ultimately a matter of personal choice, but she cautions against adjusting your tip based on the kind of place you are visiting. "It’s important to ensure that employees feel appreciated for their efforts," she states. "If the establishment isn’t upscale, don’t lower your tip because of that."
Currie concurs, stating, "as long as the service is satisfactory, my tipping amount will remain the same — and I encourage others to adopt this mindset as well."
Guidelines for Tipping Various Hotel Services
When it comes to tipping hotel bartenders and servers, the general guideline is to give between 15% and 20%, depending on your level of satisfaction with the service provided, similar to the custom for room service. The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) suggests giving courtesy shuttle drivers and door personnel between $1 and $2 per person. For housekeeping and bell staff, a tip of $1 to $5 is appropriate, and it’s recommended to tip them each time you utilize their services. You should also tip parking attendants the same amount, but only when you pick up your vehicle.
According to the AHLA, it’s recommended to give the concierge a gratuity of $5 to $10 based on the level of service provided. For the delivery of specific items, the usual tip is $2 for the first item and $1 for any subsequent items.