You can tip 10-20% of the service cost at a luxury hotel or resort. The tip’s value depends on the quality of service and the staff’s role.
But does tipping still matter when a service charge is already included in your bill? Yes! Knowing when and how much to tip can make a difference in your luxury stay.
In this guide, you’ll discover the tipping etiquette for various roles, from concierge to housekeeper, with some insider tips to help you make the most of your experience.
Why to Tip at Luxury Hotels and Resorts?
Tipping the staff is a way to:
Appreciate Great Service
Staff put in effort to make your stay special. When you tip them, it indicates that you recognise their hard work and dedication.
Enhance Your Experience
When you leave a tip for a staff member, server or bartender, you create a friendly atmosphere. The staff feels motivated to know you value their work. They feel encouraged to offer you personalised attention and extra perks.
Support Local Workers
For many hotel and resort employees, tips are a significant part of their income. Your tip can help support their livelihood.
Tipping Etiquette: Who to Tip and Who Not to at Luxury Hotels and Resorts
Who to Tip
Concierge
Why: The concierge guides and assists guests with activities outside the guests’ rooms. They are usually stationed at the front desk and are available to all guests. Typically, they reserve restaurant seats, book tours and activities, and recommend local attractions.
When: Tip the concierge whenever they help you with complex requests or special arrangements.
How Much: $10-20
Butlers
Why: A butler offers personalised services to guests in fancy rooms or suites. They emphasise the guest’s in-room comfort. Their responsibilities include unpacking and packing luggage, serving meals and drinks in your room, and arranging a romantic in-room dinner set-up.
When: Tip the butler if they perform exceptional service or go beyond standard duties.
How Much: $10-20 per day or special service.
Housekeepers
Why: Housekeepers are responsible for your room’s general upkeep and cleanliness. Their duties include making beds, replacing towels, and tidying up.
When: Leave a tip at the end of your stay. If you’re pleased with a certain housekeeper, you can tip them daily to ensure only the same person services you every day.
How Much: $2-5 per night.
Chambermaid
Why: Chambermaids perform cleaning tasks, like cleaning bathrooms, changing bed linens, and restocking amenities. They ensure the room is well-organised.
When: Tip the chambermaid at the end of your stay or daily if you want to ensure the same chambermaid receives your tip.
How Much: $2-5 per night.
Bellhops/Porters
Why: Bellhops carry your bags to and from your room. They make your arrival and departure smooth.
When: Tip the bellhop during check-in or check-out.
How Much: $1-2 per bag, or $5-10 for a full load of luggage.
Valet Parking Attendants
Why: Valets manage your vehicle, ensuring it’s parked safely and retrieved promptly. They save you time and effort.
When: Tip whenever you retrieve your car from the valet parking service.
How Much: $2-5 each time you get your car.
Hotel Restaurant and Bar Staff
Why: The staff checks with you about your preferences, and recommends dishes. Moreover, they continually check with the chefs about your meals and ensure that you receive your meals on time.
When: Tip at the end of your meal or drinks for good service.
How Much: 15-20% of the bill.
Cleaners
Why: Cleaners keep public areas like lobbies and hallways clean. They keep the hotel or resort inviting for all guests.
When: Tip the cleaners if you see them working hard and meticulously to maintain public spaces.
How Much: $1-2 for a job well done.
Spa Masseurs/Masseuse
Why: Spa masseurs/masseuses provide treatments that help you relax and rejuvenate. Their skills and expertise directly enhance your comfort and well-being.
When: Tip the masseur/masseuse at the end of your treatment.
How Much: 10-20% of the treatment cost.
Who Not to Tip
Front Desk Staff
The front desk staff check you in and assist with standard requests. Typically, they don’t expect tips.
Restaurant Managers
Managers oversee operations but don’t provide direct service. You don’t need to tip them even if they visit your table.
Room Service Deliveries
Room service often includes a service charge in the bill. So, tipping is optional.
Maintenance Staff
Maintenance staff are generally paid a standard salary for their work. You don’t need to tip them after they address a service issue in your room.
How much to tip at a Luxury Villa?
You can tip at your luxury villa the same way you would tip at a luxury hotel or resort. We recommend tipping 10-20% of the service at luxury villas. At a luxury villa, you can tip the cleaners, butlers, housekeepers, personal chefs and massage therapists.
Keep in mind that tipping is at your own discretion and the amount depends on the service level provided and the overall experience of each individual stay.
How to Tip Discreetly and Politely
- Tip at appropriate moments, like after receiving service, during check-out, or at the end of your stay or meal.
- Place cash tips in a small envelope and leave it in a noticeable place, like on the nightstand for housekeepers. Or, hand the envelope directly to the person when possible.
- Avoid making a show of it. Keep the interaction professional and respectful.
- Hand over the tip with a smile and a thank you. This personal touch enhances the gesture.
- A short thank-you note can add a personal touch and clarify that the money is a tip.
- If paying by card, ensure you fill in the tip section on the receipt or ask if tips can be added to the bill.
Do Tipping Amounts Vary in Different Parts of the World?
Yes, tipping amounts vary depending on the country and culture.
- United States: Tipping is customary and often expected. Typical tips range from 20% to 25% everywhere.
- Europe: The staff in hotels and resorts of most European countries don’t expect a tip. If their service floors you, you can leave 5-10% of the bill as a tip in appreciation. Alternatively, you can round up the bill.
- Asia: The staff in most Asian countries appreciate tips of 10% or rounding up of the bill. Japan, China and South Korea find tipping rude, as it’s not part of their culture. A thank you suffices.
- Middle East: A tip of 10-20% or round-up of the bill is appreciated for good service in Middle Eastern countries.
- Australia and New Zealand: Tipping is not expected, but rounding up the bill or leaving 10% for exceptional service is common.
