Do you leave a tip for hotel housekeeping?

[Mattg]

I wouldn't ever do this in Australia, but I have heard that some people leave a small tip each day for the person cleaning their hotel room in certain countries such as developing countries and also in the United States.

Is this something you do, or not, and why?

Also, where do you leave the cash? I think I would probably leave it on top of a small note that says "thank you" in the local language so that it can't be confused for money I've just left lying around. Otherwise, I think some housekeepers might be reluctant to take the tip lest they be accused of theft. Is this best practice?

 

[cove]

Yes in the US.

 

[DeKa]

I do in the US too.

 

[robbo135]

such as developing countries and also in the United States.

Yes in developing countries and the US. It's ironic that in some instances that we have to lump developing countries and the US together.

Often on my my last day in a country and if I have a heap of small change and/or coins, I'll leave this as tips too.

 

[aikman]

No. I'm not American.

 

[RooFlyer]

Yes, in the US (with gritted teeth, because of convention) and in 'developing countries' (because I want to).

Also, where do you leave the cash? I think I would probably leave it on top of a small note that says "thank you" in the local language so that it can't be confused for money I've just left lying around. Otherwise, I think some housekeepers might be reluctant to take the tip lest they be accused of theft. Is this best practice?

I usually leave tucked at the side of the pillow, facing away from the entry. My tips are for the (usually) females who do the cleaning and bed-making, so its always a risk that the tip gets snaffled by the (usually) guy who checks the mini bar (not so much a problem these days ), hence I leave it out of sight unless you go there and look. Can only try ...

 

[jb747]

Only in countries in which slavery is still legal.

 

[cove]

I was shocked to read that Hyatt on West Century were holding out on doing a pay increase a couple of months ago. I think the wage rates around LAX are close to slavery.
In Australia we don’t do this to our workers.

 

[Danger]

Yes, always. I leave it on top of the pillow.

 

[serfty]

I was shocked to read that Hyatt on West Century were holding out on doing a pay increase a couple of months ago. I think the wage rates around LAX are close to slavery.
In Australia we don’t do this to our workers.

It is somewhat smoke and mirrors. The minimum wage in California is US$16 per hour.

Minimum Wage

www.dir.ca.gov

The problem is, many work 'off the books' as they have no social security number.

With that, I begrudgingly try to leave a small amount.

 

[cove]

Yes the fast food places are now at $20 but there seems to be large holes in the payments for staff who are not properly documented. Not sure how that works. The housing rentals near Los Angeles are high.

 

[Daver6]

I don't tend to in the US. I've asked American colleagues and get such wildly different answers. Hotels there are extortionately expensive to start with and their messed up system isn't my problem to solve. Having said that, when staff have gone above and beyond (ie folding my mess) I've left a few dollars in the US.

In India, I tend to leave behind my small change on the last day of my trip with a little note on the bed/desk that says thanks.

 

[OZDUCK]

I did it in Canada - on the pillow. And, like others, will leave loose change behind on the final day in the country.

 

[Denali]

In the US, always and every day. I also have a "with thanks" small/business size card with our first names on it and I found we tend to get a extra free bottle/s of water or extra toiletries or pillow choc.

In other countries, depends on where we are, I leave a larger tip on the last day.

 

[p--and--t]

Varies on the country and circumstance.

Usually under the pillow where they will find it if they do a proper service.

Some places if I'm there several days will seek out the room service person on checkout day and hand a single tip for the entire stay in person (provided I'm satisfied with the service)

Room service workers are often really pushed time to do a good job and physically work damn hard for their money, which often is not much.

I do not belong to the cohort who believe a tip is always necessary, less for bad service and more for better service.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I always leave housekeeping a tip in the USA. Do it daily.

 

[JohnK]

I'm not sure I'll get the chance to visit the good old USA and even then I don't believe in forced tipping. (You'd be surprised that most don't expect Aussies to tip)

I used to leave small tip in Thailand but I've stopped that practice as it does not really achieve anything after the event. We do give housekeeper 100 baht in Pattaya if wife/daughter have had good interaction with them.

Yes I know the last of the big spenders....

 

[jastel]

Usually in the US if a multi day stay...or I might wanna come back to the same hotel again.

I leave a couple of dollar notes under the remote, I find they leave random coins alone.

I always tip waiters/restaurant, taxi/drivers/guides and concierge IF I use them. Never tipped a bellboy, but they dont carry my stuff either. Doorman are a weird one...I am perfectly capable of opening a door, and finding my own taxi...which is usually only 20 ft away anyhow.

Not a massive tipper or a fan of it being expected but its their system so when in Rome...

 

[zig]

I have when in the USA. I also did it in Canada and it was never taken

 

[VPS]

I always leave housekeeping a tip in the USA. Do it daily.

How much do you leave or does it vary on the location and how much the hotel cost?