Comments

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  Maralyn D Hill November 24, 2009 at 6:44pm

  In Europe, workers generally make more and tipping is less for wait staff and generally not expected for housekeeping. Each country is so different, that is why I check policy.
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  Allan Lynch November 24, 2009 at 6:26pm

  Ah, we're probably discussing apples and oranges. I have never been to Mexico and only rarely cover the US. US destinations are harder to deal with than Asian, African and European ones. In Europe, I believe the economics are different.
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  Maralyn D Hill November 24, 2009 at 6:20pm

  From my own experience when I consulted to hotels, the service charge gets divided so many ways it is unbelievable. You are correct in saying they should pay the stay properly, but should and do are different. I just know in the U.S. and Mexico, unless there is a "Resort Fee," they generally don't. Or, on rare occasions there will be a no tipping policy--then they are being paid enough. In general, housekeeping especially, are not paid much over minimum wage.
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  Allan Lynch November 24, 2009 at 3:52pm

  Elinor,
  
  This topic started on another site. I made the point that I haven't tipped housekeepers because my hotel friends say they are in the different pay class. They have higher hourly rates, often are unionized and have benefits. But yours is a very valid point. And the industry can't claim the public won't support it via room rates. How can a property charging hundreds of dollars a night not afford to pay staff a living wage?
  
  If the rack rate is $299 and they hotel still have the balls to charge $13.95 for 24-hour internet service in my room (vs free internet at an $89-a-night place), there has to be room for staff benefits. Now, I live in Canada where we have universal health care, so that's a huge savings. One of my friends lives in the US. Two years ago his insurance package cost $980 a month. I have an almost identical top up policy. It costs me $77 (and that was after a horrific 40% jump when the stock market declined).
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  Dr.Elinor Garely November 24, 2009 at 3:31pm

  What I find curious -- is that no one is addressing the larger management issue - of salaries paid to hotel employees. Rather than look to the guest to supplement inadequate salaries (and often no benefits) the focus should be on the hotel owners/operators and current wage/salary levels.
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  Lana Bortolot November 24, 2009 at 6:01am

  Oh gosh. I consider three things: 1). If I were to leave a daily tip of $3-5, would I be happy to pay that for the level of accommodations I'm getting on a press trip? 2). Do I usually waste that amount on some frivolous purchase in my own home town? 3). As a former restaurant server, do I recall every time--25+years later--when I was overtipped by a generous customer? Answer: yes. Do I try to return that karma? Yes.
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  Maralyn D Hill November 24, 2009 at 5:52am

  That is a great point Allan. That is why we always ask country tipping practices before we travel somewhere. I'm sure their take will be a lot different.
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  Allan Lynch November 24, 2009 at 1:25am

  What is interesting is how the only people who seem to reply are US-based. I wonder how Europeans and Aussies feel about this? Different cultures/views on money have different ideas of what is acceptable and what is over-the-top.
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  Michelle M. Winner November 23, 2009 at 8:01pm

  Hi all I thought I'd jump in and stir it up one last time!
  I am on the Trips Committee for IFWTWA with Maralyn Hill. Over the months /year of planning our trips we develop a relationship of trust with our PR/host firms.We ask what is covered .They usually cover the tips for the bigger items, transfers and bellmen. We list items covered and those that are not on our applications. But we do get surprises on every trip. We ask our journalists to be flexible.
  
  As an organizer I am sometimes unable to enjoy the trip because I'm chasing a journalist for their fair share to a guide or other as outlined in our forms( we have since changed this and collect before we leave ).
  
  It is always wise to be a good guest no matter the circumstances, especially if someone went" over and above" for you! And yes do tip the maids/doormen/bellman -always. It's only a few bucks! Build this into YOUR budget when deciding if the trip is worth it for you. Aloha- Michelle
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