Navigating the Etiquette of Tipping Hotel Housekeepers

Understanding Tipping Practices for Hotel Housekeepers

Tipping is a customary way to show gratitude for service workers, but many travelers find themselves perplexed about the proper etiquette for tipping hotel housekeepers. Questions such as whether to tip daily or at the end of a stay, and how much to tip, can cause uncertainty. Unlike bellmen, whose service is more visible, housekeepers often work behind the scenes, leading to them being inadvertently overlooked when it comes to gratuities.

A survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) found that only 46% of U.S. hotel guests regularly leave a tip for housekeepers. This statistic highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of tipping norms in the hospitality industry.

Tips from an Etiquette Expert

Lizzie Post, an etiquette expert from the Emily Post Institute, emphasizes the importance of tipping housekeepers, stating, "This is a person who really does try to make your stay in your room nice every single day…" To ensure fair and proper tipping, Post offers the following advice:

Daily Tipping Ensures Fairness

• Tip each day: This ensures that the tip goes to the person who actually cleaned your room that day, as housekeeping staff may rotate and your room might not be serviced by the same individual throughout your stay.

Clear Communication

• Leave a note: Accompany your tip with a note indicating that the money is intended for housekeeping. This removes any ambiguity and ensures that your tip is understood to be a gratuity and not left behind by mistake.

How Much to Tip

• Standard hotels: Tip $1 to $2 per person, per night. If you're staying in a more upscale hotel, consider tipping between $3 to $5 per person, per night.
• Motels: For a single night stay in a motel, a tip is generally not expected. However, for multiple nights, a tip of $1 to $2 is still appropriate.

Additional Considerations

When tipping, consider the quality of service you've received and any extra tasks the housekeeper may have performed. If you've left the room particularly messy or have requested additional amenities or services, it may be considerate to increase the tip accordingly.

The Impact of Tipping

Tipping not only shows appreciation but can also have a significant impact on the livelihood of housekeeping staff. According to Payscale, the average hourly wage for a hotel housekeeper in the United States is around $10.84 as of March 2023. Tips can make a meaningful difference in their overall earnings.

Conclusion

Tipping hotel housekeepers is a simple yet impactful way to acknowledge the hard work that goes into maintaining a clean and welcoming environment during your stay. By following the guidelines provided by etiquette experts and understanding the importance of tipping, travelers can ensure they are showing their gratitude appropriately.

For more information on tipping etiquette, visit the Emily Post Institute or check out the American Hotel & Lodging Association's guidelines.