Do you leave a tip for hotel housekeeping?

I’ve been asked for a tip by the guys stamping my passport in both Cambodia and Senegal. Yeah, no!
Watched what happened when we arrived in Uganda. The agents asked for a tip. Noted the fellow 2 in front of us tipped,not sure how much but he then handed over a $US50 note. Couple in front of us wouldn't tip and asked for $US 100 each for visa. We tipped $US20 and got charged $US50 each for visa. Seemed like a good deal at the time.
 
I’ve been asked for a tip by the guys stamping my passport in both Cambodia and Senegal. Yeah, no!

Back in the 90s customs officers at SGN used to do it as well "to make sure nothing was found in your luggage" (whether you put it there or not) until (I was told) there was an outcry and one of them was hanged as an example.
 
Hotels, generally, seem to be cutting back on the level of housekeeping provided to every other or third day. Can't tip them if they not coming into the room.

Yes, interesting one. Last time I was in US, I was in a serviced apartment for 11 nights, and they only service once every 7 days. The service came on day 4 (after just 3 nights), so wasn't expecting that so hadn't left a tip.
 
Hotels, generally, seem to be cutting back on the level of housekeeping provided to every other or third day. Can't tip them if they not coming into the room.

Don't get me started on this too. Really annoys me when you're staying at a 5* hotel too. Sofitel Singapore is an example. There's a sign at check-in advising of this but you can just let them know if you want it daily, which I do. However, why annoy your customers like this. It's a 5* hotel. Enough of this cost cutting rubbish. IF I don't want my room serviced, I'll leave the do not disturb light on. Simples!
 
I tip in hotels in the US.
We also tipped at the end of our cruise, our room attendant and our two servers.

I really chafed at the tip for the Head server, because we barely saw him (he was in charge of lots of tables), and when he saw the Teen blanch at the plate of shrimp and grits she'd ordered from the special menu the night before (I ordered her meals all other nights, ensuring both GF and meeting her sensory needs), said he'd do whatever to fix it if she didn't want to eat them. Then he disappeared. One of our servers eventually came by and was able to get something suitable.
 
I don't think it's right that people judge whether someone tips or not. Tipping should not be forced on anyone.
Unfortunately, we are judged by others whether we like it or not.

Anyway, when in Thailand, do as …..

And whether we think it’s right, or not.

Edited
 
Last edited:
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.
Look what you’ve started. 🤣

Grinches abound.
 
Locally I don't tip at all but overseas I usually leave some left over cash in the room with a poor attempt at "thank you very much" written in the local language on a piece of paper. Luckily all my foreign travel has been to places where tipping is not expected and is often refused.

When I was recently in Taiwan I did hand a pile of receipts to the housekeeping lady who had cleaned my room for most of my stay. Neither of us could understand a word the other was saying but she was super happy to receive them.

For anyone wondering why in the world she would be happy to get my receipts, there is a lottery every second month, and if the number on your receipt matches you can win anywhere from $NTD200 to $NTD10,000,000m (~$AU9-$AU470K).

EDIT: I just looked. Foreigners are eligible to win. Probably should have held on to them as you have three months to claim your prize. Deffo worth flying back for $400K 😭
 
Last edited:
Read our AFF credit card guides and start earning more points now.

AFF Supporters can remove this and all advertisements

US can be hit and miss, I do leave a tip sometimes in the bathroom and get extra goodies left for me.

I haven’t tried the leaving it under a pillow but may do if service is ok.

Leaving coins unless you’re checking out is a waste of time as they don’t get taken.

If I’m sitting at a bar on a train in the US I tip 50 bucks up front and never have an empty glass.
 
US can be hit and miss, I do leave a tip sometimes in the bathroom and get extra goodies left for me.

I haven’t tried the leaving it under a pillow but may do if service is ok.

Leaving coins unless you’re checking out is a waste of time as they don’t get taken.

If I’m sitting at a bar on a train in the US I tip 50 bucks up front and never have an empty glass.
Yes. Some will never realise the benefits of putting down a good tip, upfront. I’ve found it to work well with the bartender. 😉
 
The carry-no-cash-can't-tip problem had been obviated at a hotel in Vancouver recently: there was QR code payment portal option shown on multiple stickers in the room!
 

Become an AFF member!

Join Australian Frequent Flyer (AFF) for free and unlock insider tips, exclusive deals, and global meetups with 65,000+ frequent flyers.

AFF members can also access our Frequent Flyer Training courses, and upgrade to Fast-track your way to expert traveller status and unlock even more exclusive discounts!

AFF forum abbreviations

Wondering about Y, J or any of the other abbreviations used on our forum?

Check out our guide to common AFF acronyms & abbreviations.

Recent Posts

Back
Top