How Much Should You Tip at Hotels?

Even the smallest tip can leave a big impression among hoteliers and their dedicated staff. But are you up to speed on common tipping etiquette? While leaving a 15% to 20% tip at restaurants is a good rule of thumb in the United States and many other North American countries, the amount varies for housekeepers, bellstaff, valet attendants, and other service workers who may assist you at your accommodation. To take the guesswork out of your next hotel stay, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to tipping at hotels based on recommendations from the American Hotel and Lodging Association.

Shuttle Drivers, Door Staff, and Valet

If your accommodation offers a courtesy shuttle to and from the airport or downtown, don’t forget to leave the driver with $1 to $2 for every person in your party. If a shuttle isn’t provided, door staff can certainly call you a taxi to the airport. If they arrange for your pickup, a tip of $1 or $2 is a small thank you to save you the hassle of having to hail one on your own. Once the taxi comes, consider tipping additionally for lifting any heavy suitcases. 

Or, if you’re bringing a rental car or your own vehicle to the hotel and opt for valet parking, don’t forget to tip the parking attendants. The American Hotel and Lodging Association recommends a tip of $1 to $5 when you receive your car. 

Concierge

The list of things your concierge can do for you is seemingly endless, so it’s impossible to abide by fixed rates for particular services. But, for example, if your concierge is able to score your party a table at a highly coveted restaurant, tipping upwards of $10 is a good rule of thumb. (You don’t need to tip if they only offer recommendations.) However, if the concierge assists in a more difficult request, such as booking tickets to a sold-out performance, tipping upwards of $100 is appropriate. If your concierge goes to even more extreme lengths for an anniversary or a birthday, that is also a time to show your gratitude with a generous tip. 

Bellstaff and Porters

If you are staying at a luxury hotel that offers butler service, showing your appreciation with a $10 to $15 tip is customary for each task they go out of their way to complete for you — even at all-inclusive resorts where gratuity is otherwise included. A butler can help assist with tasks during your stay such as making reservations, taking luggage to your room, helping with unpacking or packing, or even drawing you a bath or ironing your clothes. And, if a bellhop handles your luggage when checking in, $1 to $5 per bag is a good rule of thumb.

Housekeeping

Housekeepers are some of the hardest-working staff members at a hotel, but reports show that less than one-third of hotel guests leave them a tip for their efforts. Show your thanks for tidying your accommodation by leaving a cash tip in an envelope clearly marked on a surface in plain sight, such as a nightstand or desk. (Many hotels will now leave envelopes for this purpose, but if you don’t have one you could also write a note on the provided notepad.) Anywhere from $1 to $5 per night will be much appreciated. 

Waitstaff and Room Service

If you prefer to indulge at your hotel’s on-site restaurant, don’t forget to leave a tip just as you would at independent establishments. Anywhere from 15% to 20% is advised by the American Hotel and Lodging Association, but leaving a little more for outstanding service is appropriate. Similarly, at the hotel bar, it’s customary to leave between 15% and 20% of your final beverage tab.

On the other hand, if you order room service, check the receipt to see if a room service gratuity or service charge has already been added to your bill, which is common at many properties. If not, leave 15% to 20% as you would at a restaurant. There’s no need to tip extra, but anything additional is always appreciated.

Special Item Delivery

Apart from extra towels, toiletries, and other standard items you may find in your suite, you can also call the front desk and request special items such as a sleep mask, blanket, toothbrush, or razor. For one item, tip $2, but any additional items can be $1 each. You should also tip if you ask for a package to be delivered to the hotel (and then your room).