@bgriffin wrote:
I've always understood that standard valet tip is for delivery, not drop off, but I detest valet and would never actually use it if it wasn't required. I always tip $5 for bell service and $5 for valet on departure. I do not tip for housekeeping. So yeah, those seem pretty standard to me.
@Professional Guest wrote:
Oh, woah. I guess I’m a good topper.
@LindaM wrote:
You mean to tell me that you pull up to a Ritz Carlton/Four Seasons and not tip valet when you drop off the car? Or when housekeeping brings you a huge bouquet of flowers and champagne and you don't tip them anything?
I know what the MSC is willing to reimburse but I also feel there is a human kindness element. We were staying at a resort and my husband was sick, so the staff went out of their way (without us asking) to get us hot tea and some healthy fruit... we tipped them $20 bucks.
@bgriffin wrote:
It's quite obvious that your OP was not actually a question wanting a range of opinions but an opinion that you simply want people to agree to.
@walesmaven wrote:
Remember, state laws allow any tipped employees to be paid FAR less than the state minimum wage!
@walesmaven wrote:
In most places valet tips are NOT pooled.
@LindaM wrote:
We can have a discussion and exploration of different points of view. I understand your comments and want to share what I think. I appreciate the comments and take what everyone say into consideration for my upcoming visit.
Your little snotty remark is also appreciated.
@SteveSoCal wrote:
...and there's also a difference between 'tipping guidelines' and 'suggested tips', or 'maximum tip reimbursement'.
I am embarrassed to do 50% of the tasks asked of me on hotel assignments. The MSC employees and shoppers are also getting the same pay they were 10 years ago. Less in some circumstances.
Here's the reality; You are not staying in the hotel as an actual guest. The staff there are essentially co-workers. It's great that you want your co-workers to be paid more and are willing to take money out of your own pocket to ensure that. I wish more people at my workplace were like that. However, as much as you may feel like a VIP staying at that hotel, you are there on an assignment.
Either stay there on your own dime and be as generous as you want with your tips, or follow the guidelines. At a minimum, you should ask the MSC if they mind you increasing the tips. I have requested an allowance for increased tips at certain resorts and received it.
BTW, before there were tipping guidelines for the MSC I used to work for, it may not be surprising to know that shoppers went overboard with tips. It was particularly heinous when shoppers would offer a narrative the tipping experience, such as, "I gave the bellman a $20 and didn't even get a smile." There was a basic lack of understanding that the person reading the report was footing the bill for the extravagant tip.
It's easy to be generous with $15 when the other 50% of tips and the entire hotel bill are being covered. I think the real embarrassment in undertipping is the fear that the truth may be more evident with a poor tip: Most of us cannot really afford to stay at that property...
@SteveSoCal wrote:
I think the real embarrassment in undertipping is the fear that the truth may be more evident with a poor tip: Most of us cannot really afford to stay at that property...
@walesmaven wrote:
... Remember, state laws allow any tipped employees to be paid FAR less than the state minimum wage! .
@1cent wrote:
Other people are sharing their guilt reasons for tipping. I have worked a few service jobs. Saw coworkers vary their service based on who they thought was worth it and gave extras for free to their regulars. Sometimes they even demanded tips. I always made more in total just by giving fair and consistent service. I guess that’s why I feel level about it now. No one starves because one person didn’t give them $5. If they’re holding out a hand, they might as well stand on the corner.
@bgriffin wrote:
In an 8 hour shift a hotel valet will likely touch a car 40 times. That's 5 an hour, which seems low but we'll go with it. At the suggested $5 per above that's $200, or $50 per hour, in addition to their pay.
Post removed. No personal attacks or insults. Add a positive contribution.