Etiquette experts explain who should be tipped in a hotel and how much

Daria Durova News04.01.2025 17:04

Hotel secrets. Source: Pexels

During your stay at a hotel, it is customary to tip maids, bellboys, porters, bartenders, and, according to etiquette experts, do so every time you encounter staff. The amount of monetary reward starts at $1, but in a pandemic, tips of $5 to $10 are welcome.

Etiquette expert Juliet Mitchell, also known as Miss G, admitted to HuffPost that when she started traveling, she didn't know that hotel staff should be rewarded for their work. "I have to admit my ignorance," she said, noting that many people make this mistake.

According to statistics for 2017, less than a third of guests leave tips for hotel staff.

"Sometimes you may pass maids in the corridors, but you rarely see how incredibly hard they work. Rooms have to be cleaned, carpets cleaned, sheets changed, beds made, towels refreshed, bathrooms wiped down, and trash cans emptied. All of this must be done without disturbing guests or their belongings - and in a short amount of time," said Jodi R.R. Smith, president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting.

At the same time, the work of housekeepers is considered traumatic. They also face the added risk of sexual harassment and assault because their duties force them to be alone in strangers' rooms.

Despite these working conditions, maids remain among the lowest paid in the hotel industry.

Experts explained that tipping every day is necessary to ensure that all the people who served your room receive money.

"Since cleaning is done around the clock, seven days a week, there are many teams working together. There is no guarantee that the employee who cleaned earlier during your stay will be the same employee who cleaned your room when you checked out," Smith said.

The publication added that with staff shortages and improved hotel cleaning procedures, "it's even more important to express your appreciation for the work."

How much money to leave for a hotel tip

The standard cleaning fee ranges from $1 to $5 per day, according to the American Hotel Association's Tipping Guide. However, experts, referring to the pandemic, suggest paying more if you have the opportunity.

Expert Diane Gottsman, author of the book Modern Etiquette for a Better Life, noted that a small cash bonus is an indicator of generosity and kindness.

" A $5 to $10 per day gratuity is welcome, depending on the hotel you stay at. The more elaborate the hotel is, the more you will want to pay," she said.

Smith added that the size of the tip depends on factors such as geographic location, length of stay, number of guests in the room, and additional requests.

"A very general guideline is $3 to $5 per person per day. In five-star establishments located in high rent areas such as New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, the guideline is $5 to $10. When in doubt, always round up. It may be a few extra dollars for you, but it can mean so much to those doing the work," Smith said.

Money for the maid can be left on the bed next to the pillow or in a special envelope with a note.

"This returns a tiny deposit of kindness for the good that has been done for you. It shows gratitude and respect," summarized Patricia Rossi, author of Everyday Etiquette.