The topic of tipping while traveling is complex and controversial, especially when it comes to hotels. Tipping norms differ around the world, and on top of that, many people “export” their own culture when it comes to tipping, and over time, that changes expectations.
I’ve written in the past about all kinds of hotel tipping topics, from tipping housekeeping, to tipping hotel concierges, to tipping in hotel club lounges. In this post, I’d like to talk about tipping for hotel room service, based on a question a reader asked me. First let me address the topic more broadly, and then I’ll get to the specific question…
In this post:
Hotel room service tip expectations are complicated
When you order food or drinks via hotel room service, the fees and tip expectations beyond the “sticker price” of what you’re ordering can be complex.
Here in the United States, it’s common for room service to come with an outrageous number of fees. Just to give an example, the last time I stayed at the St. Regis Deer Valley, my room service order came with a $5 delivery charge, plus a 25% service charge, plus an additional line for gratuity.
That’s obviously a lot in fees, but what’s even worse is that most of the service charge doesn’t actually go to the people providing service. As I learned, of that 25% charge, 10% goes to the employees, while 15% goes to the hotel. Personally I think that’s unethical, but as it turns out, that’s actually quite common.
It’s really pretty wild when you break it down — the food and drinks cost $68, yet the total was $98.42, 45% more than the “base” cost, and then I’m expected to tip on top of that?
Obviously the United States represents the extreme of tipping culture, but the combination of a delivery charge, service charge, and gratuity, really makes me want to never order anything from room service ever again.
Outside the United States, the situation typically isn’t nearly as bad, though it still varies quite a bit, both based on where in the world you are, plus the type of hotel:
- Some hotels charge no fees for room service (I’ve often found this to be the case in France), but then might have a line on the bill where you can add a tip
- Some hotels (like in Japan) might have a 10% service charge on room service orders, but no option to tip
- Some hotels have a modest delivery fee or service charge, and then still let you add an additional tip
Should a hotel guest have tipped in this situation?
OMAAT reader Morgan asked me the following question:
I’m currently staying at The Sofitel Frankfurt Opera. After arriving on my flight I was tired and hungry so ordered a club sandwich from room service. The waiter (who was super friendly and polite) brought my food, placed it on my desk, asked if I needed anything else, and then handed me a receipt to sign and write my room number, and there was also a line for a tip.
I was unsure of what to do so left it blank and handed it back. This gets me to my question, which I don’t know if you have written about or not – but do you tip room service staff at hotels outside the US (and if so, how much)?
I’m Australian so tipping is foreign to me but I of course tip when I am in the US. But at a luxury hotel in Germany where I am paying over 350 Euros a night I’m just not too sure.
I think this perfectly sums up the complexities of tipping when traveling internationally — you have your own culture, you have the culture of the country you’re visiting, and you have the evolving expectations hotel staff have based on how guests act.
Morgan is coming from Australia, where tipping isn’t really expected, and traveled to Germany, where tipping also isn’t really expected. Morgan didn’t do anything wrong, and I don’t think not tipping was inappropriate.
What would my approach be? Well, I’m an American, so I’m definitely more on the side of being used to tipping in situations where I’m not sure, just because that’s how I’ve been conditioned. Assuming there’s not a significant delivery charge for the order, personally I’d probably tip around 10% in this situation, which is similar to how much I’d tip if I were eating at a restaurant in Germany, assuming the service is good.
I’m not saying it’s the correct system, but personally if I’m not sure, I Google what the general tipping expectations are for restaurants in a country, and apply a similar standard for room service.
Admittedly that advice often isn’t very clear either. So often if you search online about tipping etiquette in a country, it’ll say “tipping isn’t expected, but if you receive good service, a tip of X-Y% is appreciated,” or something like that. So, umm, it sounds like tipping is expected, then, because hopefully most restaurants (or businesses in general) have decent service?
Let me emphasize that I truly don’t think there’s a correct system here, and there are few norms around what’s appropriate for room service tips. I don’t think Morgan’s approach was any more or less right than my own, and I don’t think the room service attendant was offended by the lack of a tip.
So even as someone who considers myself to be a hotel expert (or at least an “expert guest,” based on experience), my message to Morgan is that “your guess is as good as mine.”
But hey, I’m also always happy to learn, so I’d love to hear how others in the community approach tipping for room service when traveling abroad.
Bottom line
Hotel room service tipping etiquette is complicated no matter where in the world you are. In the United States it’s tricky because you often have a delivery charge, service charge, and are then expected to add a gratuity on top of that, so your meal starts to feel more like extortion.
Meanwhile outside the United States, hotels have a wide range of policies. Some have a delivery charge, some have a service charge, and some allow tips. However, in countries where tipping isn’t otherwise expected, it can be hard to figure out what the right approach is.
What’s your take on tipping for hotel room service based on where in the world you are?
Zero. Always.
I wish a hotel chain would brand itself as the “no tipping” hotel chain. Between room service, valets, bell hops, and housekeeping, it gets really irritating. Especially when the hotel feels no responsibility to help you change a 20.
It’ll probably never happen because the hotel would have to charge a higher nightly rate and too many people choose hotels because of the rate alone. Maybe they could have it be a mandatory fee...
I wish a hotel chain would brand itself as the “no tipping” hotel chain. Between room service, valets, bell hops, and housekeeping, it gets really irritating. Especially when the hotel feels no responsibility to help you change a 20.
It’ll probably never happen because the hotel would have to charge a higher nightly rate and too many people choose hotels because of the rate alone. Maybe they could have it be a mandatory fee on the bill like the silly “resort fee.” Personally, I would go out of my way to stay at a no tipping hotel.
simple, just don't tip and this useless complexity that's self-imposed goes away.
no need to figure out which boxing glove best integrates into your rube goldberg machine used to punch yourself in the face. just don't punch yourself in the face and the problem goes away.
that's tipping. only the mindless idiot worries about this, or the average north american
No tip since a service charge was tacked on to the food bill… and if the order was delayed, I’d get it reduced or completely taken off…no rewards for “bad service”
When I tip, it’s cash only. So I know it’s going in their pocket.
Curious to know the opinions of hotel staff here. Obviously, as any of us would likely feel in their shoes, a tip is always welcome -- who doesn't like a crisp bill? But given the service fees that they share in, do the staff delivering the food expect a tip for a simple trip upstairs? Or would it just be appropriate if they needed to return to the kitchen to grab an extra condiment or...
Curious to know the opinions of hotel staff here. Obviously, as any of us would likely feel in their shoes, a tip is always welcome -- who doesn't like a crisp bill? But given the service fees that they share in, do the staff delivering the food expect a tip for a simple trip upstairs? Or would it just be appropriate if they needed to return to the kitchen to grab an extra condiment or some other additional request on top of the delivery? I'm keeping in mind that any money given to an employee by their employer is taxed so the "net" of the service fee is less than the split example in the article. Not sure if any responses will be from actual hotel servers or just avid non-tippers :)
In a sit down restaurant where meals are multi course a decent waiter can make more money from tips that skilled workers. And that's when tips are 15% and the waiter has a decent number of tables.
ZERO. I decided to go zero tipping across the board because these hotels have become ridiculous with fees, prices and devaluation. Consider my no tipping as my own devaluation.
I am starting not to tip anyone.
This shit is out of control.
Ben writes, "what’s even worse is that most of the service charge doesn’t actually go to the people providing service. As I learned, of that 25% charge, 10% goes to the employees, while 15% goes to the hotel."
Just a note that, in some states, this is illegal or may be illegal if the fact that only part of a "service charge" doesn't go to employees is not clearly disclosed. You will increasingly see it...
Ben writes, "what’s even worse is that most of the service charge doesn’t actually go to the people providing service. As I learned, of that 25% charge, 10% goes to the employees, while 15% goes to the hotel."
Just a note that, in some states, this is illegal or may be illegal if the fact that only part of a "service charge" doesn't go to employees is not clearly disclosed. You will increasingly see it is disclosed, but if Ben had to ask the hotel to find that out, depending on the state, this may be or already has been deemed an unfair/deceptive trade practice (Massachusetts is a prominent example).
I think the tipping situation in Germany is misrepresented in this article. Tipping IS expected in Germany in hospitality and gastronomy, even if it says „service charge included“ on the bill and that’s probably causing the confusion amongst . We don’t tip as excessively as in the US, but a roundup of several Euros or approximately 10% of a restaurant bill is customary. In the described situation, the room service waiter was probably disappointed for...
I think the tipping situation in Germany is misrepresented in this article. Tipping IS expected in Germany in hospitality and gastronomy, even if it says „service charge included“ on the bill and that’s probably causing the confusion amongst . We don’t tip as excessively as in the US, but a roundup of several Euros or approximately 10% of a restaurant bill is customary. In the described situation, the room service waiter was probably disappointed for not getting anything. It doesn’t always have to be 10% but in the described setup, a minimum of EUR 5 would have been appropriate.
To write „tipping is not expected in Germany“ is plain wrong, in particular when it comes to waiting staff of any description. And when you apply for service jobs if this kind in Germany and complain about the low wage, your potential boss will probably point out to you that „you‘ll also get tips“. So these are even factored into the equation right from the outset. Whether you like it or not (I don’t).
Tipping for room service is nuts. Food already over priced, 20-30 percent service charges, tax on top of the fees.. can’t even make the usual argument the servers rely on tips like at a real restaurant. They do other things. Do you really tip at a restaurant that already charges a service fee?
Is there a large service charge and you're in a country that doesn't generally tip? Then don't tip. Only one of those is the case? Perhaps a small tip, perhaps not. Neither is the case? Tip unless there's some issue.
I have an upcoming doctor appointment. What should I tip the nurse and the doctor?
Give the doctor and the office each a gift of approximately $20 each. Medicare payments were cut 3% in 2025 by Biden (and Trump did nothing to reverse it). Medicare payments have fallen behind inflation by about 25% since 2000.
STOP TIPPING. Especially for hotels.
Absolutely horrible culture. This post should just be a simple, do not tip.
It’s a losing cause of you think tipping is helping the minimal wage workers… stop being the problem.
Hotels, even five-star, seem to purposely make this confusing. "Service" fee. "Delivery" fee. "VAT."
At the very least, verbally say "thank you" at least in English, but, ideally in their language.
For those feeling generous, and actually wanting tips to go to the individual, have local currency, smaller denominations, and hand a couple dollars to whomever delivers and picks up your food.
This is the way.
And, if you cannot afford a couple dollars to tip, please, do not be ordering room service. There are far more affordable options. However, most of you can afford it, and are just being cheap.
You just had to slip in that pic of avacado toast - didn't you?? :)
Okay, I know that different countries have different rules, the US is expensive and yadda yadda (have been to the US myself and as much as I strongly disagree with the way the tipping culture is structured there, I still tip as locals do)... but the nerve to charge $100 for two sodas, a burger and a salad (all while including a $5 "delivery charge" and a 25% "service charge") and still being expected to...
Okay, I know that different countries have different rules, the US is expensive and yadda yadda (have been to the US myself and as much as I strongly disagree with the way the tipping culture is structured there, I still tip as locals do)... but the nerve to charge $100 for two sodas, a burger and a salad (all while including a $5 "delivery charge" and a 25% "service charge") and still being expected to tip at least an extra $10 (to align with the 20% standard/minimum) is insane.
Beautiful country, nice people, awful society
The "service charge" is nothing more than a money maker for the hotel. I typically try to get a room with a microwave and fridge. I then Uber to the nearest grocery store (or walk) and buy food. Problem solved. Or order Uber Eats. But if I do order room service I do a 30% tip as that service charge does not go to the servers.
When it comes to room service, I tip the same as I would in a restaurant. It's essentially the same service. And I ALWAYS tip based on the local norms. Do not export your tipping culture elsewhere, you are ruining it for everyone.
I ordered room service a few times at the Conrad NY recently to make use of my daily F&B credit. Gratuity was included in the bill, which made that part of the bill simple. Otherwise, I never order room service.
Here’s your tip, bring me my food promptly and warm and I won’t call ICE. Lol
You're an asshole. Lol
Vile.
Great way to get food poisoning, too, especially if you order more than once.
There's almost always a 'tray charge', which means that you have specifically paid for the delivery. Unless you're rounding up to the next Euro or something, tipping isn't just unnecessary but positively daft.
If there's a service charge already on the bill, I never tip additional, regardless of the country I'm at. If not, I go by what the local customs are for tipping.
In this case (Germany), there's nothing exceptional about the service that is provided, other than bringing the tray with food to the room. So, I probably would've not left a tip. If I had additional requests that required the employee to make another...
If there's a service charge already on the bill, I never tip additional, regardless of the country I'm at. If not, I go by what the local customs are for tipping.
In this case (Germany), there's nothing exceptional about the service that is provided, other than bringing the tray with food to the room. So, I probably would've not left a tip. If I had additional requests that required the employee to make another run to my room, maybe, as it's no different from tipping someone for servicing your table at a biergarten.
I have to admit though, I'm definitely getting tip fatigue. Even when traveling to countries that don't have a tipping culture, being asked for tips because of my accent from waitstaff is getting annoying.
Yep - That's exactly right. Without even going into how ridiculous it was to pay $100 for two sodas, a burger and a salad, hotels shouldn't double dip. If you charge the service charge, there is no need to tip. The end.
My question though: is there a system ensuring the service charges end up with the people performing the service, and not the hotel coffers? I think (sadly) that I know the answer, but interested if anyone has any inside info.
If there is a service charge and/or delivery charge then no tip, all other scenarios £5/$5 or whatever the equivalent is in the country cash to the delivery person.
You ARE THE PROBLEM.
In many countries $5 equivalent is more than a day's wage.
STOP DESTROYING THEIR ECONOMY.
Nope… to qualify my comment the hotels I stay in and order room service are small boutique non chain hotels that don’t add all the usual rip off fees so a tip is appropriate, if I am in a chain then I will not use room service or touch the mini bar I only tip housekeeping.
How is giving $5 to some impoverished hotel staff in a third world country destroying the economy?
I'm Australian, so I hate tipping and don't understand it, but your response is slightly unhinged.
"I truly don’t think there’s a correct system here"
There is.
DON'T TIP.
Is this the real Eskimo, or the impersonator? -- O.G. 1990 asking.
The US is a country full of beggars. Everywhere one goes you have people running behind you for a tip. Richest country in the world but can’t figure out how to pay its people a decent living wage. Shameful.
"Richest country in the world but can’t figure out how to pay its people a decent living wage."
Also can't figure out how to provide quality healthcare without bankrupting people, or simply letting them die.
Why do other countries pretend they have some moral superiority over tipping.
Their own stores and restaurants are also asking for tips. About half or more of every store I go to in other countries ask for a tip.
It's hilarious that they pretend they don't engage in it.
Yes, restaurants and stores frequented by tourists in many countries will try to fleece you for tip. But tipping is not institutionalised into every aspect of life, like it is in the US. I don’t know why it’s called tipping “culture” when it’s such an uncultured thing to do.
Tipping itself isn't the problem, the pre-established expectation thereof is. A lack of regulations in minimum wages is the US' problem.
And yes, it's fair to say that societies where a living wage is ensured are superior. Not just in a moral way, but in every way
I never tip when visiting the US, even at restaurants. I always get very dirty looks and have been directly asked for a tip by waiters. I usually just tell them if they don’t think they’re getting paid enough they should talk to their employer about it, and leave.
EXACTLY!!! If they don’t like what they are getting paid then get an education and learn a skill!
In many countries being a waiter is an honourable, sometimes lifelong, profession. Working at a fast food drive through is not the same thing as working at a Parisian restaurant. It is a skill. Most people cannot do it well. Those who can do it well do it very well. As an aside, jobs for people with undergraduate degrees in many fields of study are disappearing.
Please don't tell us you are German and help us safeguard that country's reputation. If you are from another European country, that's OK.
I totally agree -- traveling is all about telling other countries and cultures what is wrong with them and how they can improve.
@ChrisNYC
Does Maduro in America consider traveling?
Is his travel method "telling other countries and cultures what is wrong with them and how they can improve."?
@ChrisNYC - there’s nothing cultured about the American tipping culture.
Stop tipping! It's really that simple, end of story.
That's does feel very 'you only live once' and 'swag' and '4/20' of you.