Should You Tip In Hotel Club Lounges?

Should You Tip In Hotel Club Lounges?

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Tipping etiquette when traveling can be a complicated and controversial subject. The more you travel, the more confusing it all is. I’ve addressed the topic of tipping in airport lounges, and in this post I thought it would be interesting to address the topic of tipping in hotel club lounges. Should you tip in hotel club lounges, and if so, under what circumstances?

Tipping is a complex and confusing matter

Let me start by acknowledging that tipping in travel is never an easy thing to figure out:

  • There are often inconsistencies regarding who it is appropriate to tip and who it isn’t appropriate to tip, despite functions often being similar
  • When deciding whether to tip, my primary consideration is generally whether that person relies on tips to make a reasonable living; I then also consider the level of service provided compared to other functions I would tip for
  • With how global travel has become, there’s no denying that the US approach to tipping has spread around the world, so tips often become the norm even in countries where that wasn’t initially the case

It’s impossible to create any sort of standard system around tipping, as there will always be confusing inconsistencies. For example, why do we tip almost anyone that serves us a meal, except flight attendants? In hotel shuttle buses, do we only tip if the driver helps us with our bags? If so, is the simple effort of lifting a bag what justifies the tip, as opposed to the time spent driving the shuttle?

Tipping in hotel club lounges isn’t expected

First for some context, hotel club lounges are spaces that are available to select guests (typically either those who pay for it, or those with elite status in a hotel loyalty program). Hotel club lounges usually offer breakfast, all-day snacks, and an evening happy hour. The quality of these lounges varies significantly depending on the brand you’re staying at, and where in the world you are.

Access to a hotel club lounge can be valuable

Let me start by saying that tipping in hotel club lounges is never expected, including in the United States. If you go to a restaurant in the United States and don’t tip (assuming service is decent) you’re being a cheap jerk who doesn’t care about how others make a living. Meanwhile if you go to a hotel club lounge and don’t tip, you’re not being a jerk.

That’s because the attendants working in club lounges are typically paid a wage that reflects that they likely won’t get tips. Now, that might not be a great wage, but it’s not like the restaurant industry, where pre-tip pay is often below minimum wage.

My approach to tipping in hotel club lounges

For the purposes of this post, let’s focus specifically on the United States. Obviously the quality of lounges can vary hugely. An airport Marriott in the United States might have a pretty depressing evening happy hour selection, and you don’t even get complimentary alcoholic drinks. As a standard, you’re generally expected to bus your own tables, and place used plates and glasses on a tray for dirty dishes.

Marriott Seattle Airport club lounge
Marriott Seattle Airport club lounge
Marriott Seattle Airport club lounge

Meanwhile at a Ritz-Carlton club lounge, you can expect five food presentations per day, including evening snacks that could act as a dinner substitute, plus great alcoholic drinks that are included. Staff often try to get to know you as well, and provide personalized service.

Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island club lounge
Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island club lounge
Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island club lounge

So, what’s my approach to tipping in hotel club lounges?

  • If a lounge isn’t great and service is unmemorable, I typically won’t tip, since I don’t think it’s necessary
  • If a lounge attendant is very friendly and attentive, proactively clears plates and asks if they can get me things, I’ll usually try to leave a tip (around $5), assuming I have cash on me
  • If a lounge is fantastic (like at a Ritz-Carlton) and a server makes a point of getting to know you and your preferences over the course of your stay, I always try to tip a larger amount at the end of the stay, in appreciation of their service

Let me emphasize that I’m not claiming my approach is correct, but rather I’m just sharing how I view things.

I do have to say that some lounge attendants aren’t particularly attentive, and then also basically try to pressure for tips, where they’ll place money on the tray where you are supposed to put your used plates, in order to try to encourage guests to tip as well. I find that to be pretty tacky.

Meanwhile there are some really personable and hard working lounge attendants who get quite a bit in tips through providing great service, which is an approach I far prefer.

Bottom line

Hotel club lounges can be a great feature, and it can be tough to figure out when it is and isn’t appropriate to tip. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer. Personally I decide based on the level of service provided by the attendant. I’ll try to tip if they’re proactive about clearing plates, seeing if I want anything, etc. Meanwhile if the entire experience is self-serve and they’re not particularly friendly, then I don’t generally tip.

I should also acknowledge that sometimes I unfortunately don’t have any cash on me, in which case tipping can be complicated as well.

Do you tip in hotel club lounges? If so, under what circumstances?

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  1. Sali Guest

    I try to decide on wheter i should or not give a gratitude for their service, based on each experience. Most lounges i have visited were too busy, so could not experience too much of a personal service.

  2. MJ Guest

    I hate the US tipping culture. I rather have service charge added like much of Asia and I'd like to see service staff paid fair wages.

    I never tip in lounges, but coincidentally I did last week after a long stay in Indonesia where I gave each of the 5 lounge staff Rp200K in appreciation. I also didn't know if that was too much or too little, but wanted them to know I valued them.

  3. Not American Guest

    US tipping culture is wild.

    I bought a coffee in Hawaii recently, a cold brew in a walk-up-and
    -collect kinda cafe. Like Starbucks. The guy serving me flipped round the iPad and by default there was a 20% tip waiting to be added. 20% for pouring me a coffee from a jar.

    Another time I was in a US airline lounge where the bartender wouldn't serve people that didn't tip until everyone else...

    US tipping culture is wild.

    I bought a coffee in Hawaii recently, a cold brew in a walk-up-and
    -collect kinda cafe. Like Starbucks. The guy serving me flipped round the iPad and by default there was a 20% tip waiting to be added. 20% for pouring me a coffee from a jar.

    Another time I was in a US airline lounge where the bartender wouldn't serve people that didn't tip until everyone else had been served. This included tap water for children.

    On a US "gratuities included" cruise you will always be given a receipt and the option to tip some more.

    So the answer to should you tip in a hotel lounge? No. You're rewarding the hotel for paying their staff insufficient wages to live on.

    1. Edgar Guest

      Totally agree! Disgusting culture!

    2. Alan Diamond

      The same applies to restaurants as well. nevertheless nearly everyone tips and undoubtedly will for a long time to come.
      One of my biggest pet peeves with tipping, especially when done with cash, is that it allows the employees to effectively declare on their income tax, whatever they feel like. This just seems very unfair to hard working employees in other industries where tipping is not part of the culture. I've had some great...

      The same applies to restaurants as well. nevertheless nearly everyone tips and undoubtedly will for a long time to come.
      One of my biggest pet peeves with tipping, especially when done with cash, is that it allows the employees to effectively declare on their income tax, whatever they feel like. This just seems very unfair to hard working employees in other industries where tipping is not part of the culture. I've had some great service at a grocery store or a Home Depot, but to the best of my knowledge those employees never receive tips.

  4. Andy Diamond

    Please at least don't tip outside the US/Canada. In Europe, but also in most countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America, tipping is not expected. Don't bring a bad habit to these countries.

    1. Edgar Guest

      Exactly! Keep bad culture exclusively for bad countries and don't pollute the good ones.

  5. Thrawn Guest

    "Should you tip..." - "No"

    1. T- Guest

      Tipping is not so complicated. People make it more complicated than necessary. If you get good service, tip (in a restaurant or bar) everything else is up to one’s discretion.

    2. Guest Guest

      So you pay someone who’s already getting paid to do their job? Makes no sense. Tipping needs to disappear, it corrupts the attitude of the workforce. Tip Culture didn’t give birth to Good service.. it gave birth to bad service.

    3. Alan Diamond

      Exactly. An employee should be expected to give good service to everyone.

  6. Michael_FFM Diamond

    No you shouldn’t. This normalization of tipping everywhere is really irritating. What‘s next? Tipping my dentist? How about hotel corporations paying their employee decent wages.

    1. CK- Guest

      Don’t tip than. Be a jerk. That’s ok too.

    2. Guest Guest

      You shouldn’t be having to tip - that’s the point. Employment means being paid at least minimum wage. Most people are on an average salary and can’t be tipping for effing breathing.

      The birth of tipping was always gonna spiral out of control. Now there’s idiots like you who think tipping everyone and his dog should be mandatory.

  7. Mr?B Guest

    Probably would be telling people I am a bond trader these days. @ shaun

  8. Kevin Guest

    If you are having someone serve you, wether it be food or drinks, you should always tip the server! We as servers are not working for the paycheck. Many times that is just a nice bonus at the end of the week. This is just food for thought, the worse you treat your server, the worse service will be. Your minimal tip isn't a black eye on your server but rather a black eye on...

    If you are having someone serve you, wether it be food or drinks, you should always tip the server! We as servers are not working for the paycheck. Many times that is just a nice bonus at the end of the week. This is just food for thought, the worse you treat your server, the worse service will be. Your minimal tip isn't a black eye on your server but rather a black eye on you. You demand perfection from your server but you yourself lack the decency to treat them like a person. The next time you get poor service maybe you should look in the mirror and diagnose where the problem started.

    1. Alan Diamond

      Kevin,

      You really need to travel. I suspect you have never been to Japan where service is impeccable and if you leave a tip, it is likely the waiter/waitress will run after you believing you forgot to take your change.
      I can understand that the if you treat a waiter badly the service will be bad, but what does that have to do with tipping? Unless of course, it is a returning customer.
      ...

      Kevin,

      You really need to travel. I suspect you have never been to Japan where service is impeccable and if you leave a tip, it is likely the waiter/waitress will run after you believing you forgot to take your change.
      I can understand that the if you treat a waiter badly the service will be bad, but what does that have to do with tipping? Unless of course, it is a returning customer.
      So if I am not a returning customer, and I treat you as a human being, how does giving you a tip or not influence your standard of service? Do you expect a tip when you take my order?

  9. iamhere Guest

    I was thinking about this strategy for tipping those that go above and beyond. I am not sure that this makes sense either. It comes with the job and brand for a better experience at a Ritz or St Regis for example. This is what they're supposed to do. That compares to a Fairfield or Four Points where it is only of the basic service. You also can't compare an airport hotel in the US...

    I was thinking about this strategy for tipping those that go above and beyond. I am not sure that this makes sense either. It comes with the job and brand for a better experience at a Ritz or St Regis for example. This is what they're supposed to do. That compares to a Fairfield or Four Points where it is only of the basic service. You also can't compare an airport hotel in the US with a full service hotel or one in the US with one in Europe or Asia. In many situations even lower brands have a much better experience overseas but this varies between specific properties.

    1. Guest Guest

      If you go to a four seasons or ritz… everything is naturally more expensive, you gotta pay for wifi (30 euros a day!) in these places where it’s free in a lower rated hotel. So these high prices factor in outstanding service and overall better experience. Your example for tipping doesn’t feel justified to me. Pay people properly and get rid of tips

  10. Joe Guest

    NEVER. TIP. LOUNGE.

    move on

  11. Tony Guest

    I only tip the cleaners in airport lounges they are the ones picking up everyones mess all day.
    I dont tip when i visit the USA im eating out, going to bars etc. Thats 4-5times a day for atleast 2 weeks.

  12. sullyofdoha Guest

    My form of tipping is to leave a positive comment and name drop the service provider on tripadvisor.
    Giving tips in a hotel executive lounge is gauche.

  13. NYGuy24 Diamond

    Please stop tipping where it is not customary. It is bad enough there is tipping in the US which allows employers to suppress wages. Last thing we need is people trying to spread tipping to other jobs that aren't even paid tipped wages. Its unreal people feel the need to further spread what was started as a racist system. You aren't helping people when you do this. You are giving employers the ability to keep...

    Please stop tipping where it is not customary. It is bad enough there is tipping in the US which allows employers to suppress wages. Last thing we need is people trying to spread tipping to other jobs that aren't even paid tipped wages. Its unreal people feel the need to further spread what was started as a racist system. You aren't helping people when you do this. You are giving employers the ability to keep wages lower than what they should be. Everyone nowadays has their hand out for a tip. Its absurd and the people causing the problem are those who are tipping people in positions that aren't tipped positions.

    1. Joe Guest

      SPOT. ON.

      Given the shortages in staff right now, this is a genuine chance to end the (ridiculous and stupid) tipping practices in the USA.

      Here is the logic...
      If you don't feed the addicts your little tips, they will go elsewhere. Hotels will be forced to pay good wages.

      Done. And done.

  14. Steven E Guest

    As “tipping” is an American must do because of wages being so low and employers not paying an employee a decent living wage .If they were paid properly tipping would be unnecessary unless of course someone has given above and beyond service.

    1. Michael Guest

      I always tips during travel in Asia
      as lounge staff's in Asia usually provide outstanding service. such as MO lounge in Taipei Taiwan and Ritz-Carlton lounge in Hong Kong and MO lounge in Macau.

    2. Morley Guest

      Please don’t. You’re bringing the worst culture in your country to ours.

  15. dander Guest

    Wierdest tipping situation was when my wife used the toilet at a mcdonalds in Amsterdam. The lady mumbled something at the wife and she asked me for change to give the lady.

    1. Jesper Guest

      Holland and Germany tend to have attendants in the public restrooms. And it is considered right and polite to leave 0.5 to 1 euro when using the facilities

  16. Bob Guest

    I for one don't believe in tipping across the board. To say that people's lives are impacted because they rely on tips is exactly the reason those employees will continue to suffer financially. They are constantly "promised" by employers they can make sooo much more with tips. First, what everyone forgets is that there is an implication to skipping taxes, second frequently the boss squeeze their way into some of the tips. Rather than the...

    I for one don't believe in tipping across the board. To say that people's lives are impacted because they rely on tips is exactly the reason those employees will continue to suffer financially. They are constantly "promised" by employers they can make sooo much more with tips. First, what everyone forgets is that there is an implication to skipping taxes, second frequently the boss squeeze their way into some of the tips. Rather than the hope of lots of tax free tips in the USA those employees should absolutely have a livable wage and benefits. When these employees and unions no longer have tips and employers can no longer give these false promises then decent salary negotiations can happen. Advocating tipping is just prolonging their meager earnings.

    1. Arlington Traveler Guest

      You don't seem to understand how tipping works. The IRS assumes that waiters and bartenders will be tipped when bills are paid in cash. Also, with the move to credit cards increasingly most tips are through credit cards and yes employers report that to the IRS. If you don't tip, your basically stealing from waiters because they have to pay taxes on assumed tips. Second, depending upon the restaurant they are expected to "tip out"...

      You don't seem to understand how tipping works. The IRS assumes that waiters and bartenders will be tipped when bills are paid in cash. Also, with the move to credit cards increasingly most tips are through credit cards and yes employers report that to the IRS. If you don't tip, your basically stealing from waiters because they have to pay taxes on assumed tips. Second, depending upon the restaurant they are expected to "tip out" the bartender for alcoholic beverages and the "host" from their tips. You mention unions, and in the USA most service jobs are not unionized hence the crappy wages and working conditions. The way labor laws are structured even if a store's employees unionize, companies like Starbucks can get away with bad faith in negotiations. We would need both higher wages, and more labor friendly union laws for this to change. Basically on political reality (and Bob I want what you want) neither will happen anytime soon. So if you are a decent human being, you both continue to tip but vote in a way so that eventually it can be done away with.

  17. I don't tip unless I want to Guest

    How bout I give MY money to whomever I choose !!!! And I don't give a flip what ANYONE else thinks .

  18. crosscourt Guest

    @RIKU2 has a point. This is such nonsense. Next there will be a post on tipping in airline lounges.

  19. Italian Battalion Guest

    The USA is WAYYYY overboard on the tip stuff.
    Something needs to be done about this. Only place in the world that is this ridiculous.
    As a European who works in Asia and USA I find it ignominious and an unnecessary social pressure on people to have to leave tips everywhere.
    Employers should pay their staff fair wages.
    People in this country seem to feel so entitled sometimes even when it comes to a tip which is supposed to be a voluntary gesture.

    1. Arlington Traveler Guest

      It's not that they feel entitled it's USUAL & CUSTOMARY. With the move to self serve ordering through electronic kiosks, it's hard not to tip even on carryout. They are programmed that way so the owner can pay their employees less. Don't blame the employees, blame the owners. However, until we have higher minimum wages this isn't chaning.

  20. Al Guest

    Obviously not. Tipping etiquette is simple - stop doing it and force employers to pay their stay appropriately.

  21. Josh Guest

    I am sympathetic to the evolution in tipping culture - particularly for people working in the service industry these last few years. If anything, it’s made me more aware to people who at least merit our appreciation, even if you make the decision not to tip in that case.

    You tip your bartender, so I suppose you probably should be tipping your barista who is dealing with hot steam and long lines of tired people....

    I am sympathetic to the evolution in tipping culture - particularly for people working in the service industry these last few years. If anything, it’s made me more aware to people who at least merit our appreciation, even if you make the decision not to tip in that case.

    You tip your bartender, so I suppose you probably should be tipping your barista who is dealing with hot steam and long lines of tired people. Ever have a great meal and have a few extra bucks to burn? A lot of restaurants will let you buy the kitchen staff a round for $20. They will often come thank you in person and that karma goes a long way.

    But I’m a little hard-pressed to justify tipping the guy who puts out the mass-market Chardonnay and packaged cheese every night from 5-9. I guess if he went above and beyond, served me, or mixed a drink or recommended a local restaurant? I would probably start tipping out of guilt if others did, but my gut does not yet say to tip the lounge buffet attendant.

  22. riku2 Guest

    it is a bit of a joke that when you visit the USA you're supposed to know about the employment contracts/pay situation of people you encounter in the service industry: do tip: hotel housekeeping. don't tip: hotel lounge staff. do tip: airline lounge staff. don't tip: flight attendants. do tip: restaurant staff bla bla

    1. Shaun Guest

      Whenever I travel abroad I try to learn local customs....as to try to fit in and also not offend. That's a two way street.

    2. Arlington Traveler Guest

      Google is your friend. Whenever, I travel I just do a quick search. What I find is that Latin America tends to follow the American model of tipping, but with some carve outs (tipping is not expected for taxi drivers). Europe tends to be a non tipping culture. Asia too is non tipping for the most part, but in Asia service charges are not uncommon. That is slowly changing though and I've read in many...

      Google is your friend. Whenever, I travel I just do a quick search. What I find is that Latin America tends to follow the American model of tipping, but with some carve outs (tipping is not expected for taxi drivers). Europe tends to be a non tipping culture. Asia too is non tipping for the most part, but in Asia service charges are not uncommon. That is slowly changing though and I've read in many Asian destinations, tour guides much prefer American's to Europeans and especially Australian's as they know they will be tipped vs likely not tipped.

  23. Aussie Guest

    US tipping is out of control. US hospitality workers do not provide better service than the rest of the world. In fact, they’re worse - I don’t need them hovering over me like a hawk asking if I need an ice tea refill every 5 mins. If I want it I’ll ask for it.

    There are restaurants in the US (the very tiny minority) that specifically do not accept tip and pay servers a living...

    US tipping is out of control. US hospitality workers do not provide better service than the rest of the world. In fact, they’re worse - I don’t need them hovering over me like a hawk asking if I need an ice tea refill every 5 mins. If I want it I’ll ask for it.

    There are restaurants in the US (the very tiny minority) that specifically do not accept tip and pay servers a living wage, so it is doable. This system needs to go down. Service staff in the US are glorified prostitutes.

    Tipping in a hotel club lounge??? Are you serious fml.

  24. Steve Guest

    So many aspects to this.

    IME, most US-based lounges have a tip jar. But I do not tip unless the server (if existent) brings me an alcoholic drink or provides otherwise over the top service. I also do not tip in a place like the IAD Marriott (last visit was several months ago) - the lounge is pretty much non-existent as compared to pre-COVID. However, breakfast is now an order off the menu in the...

    So many aspects to this.

    IME, most US-based lounges have a tip jar. But I do not tip unless the server (if existent) brings me an alcoholic drink or provides otherwise over the top service. I also do not tip in a place like the IAD Marriott (last visit was several months ago) - the lounge is pretty much non-existent as compared to pre-COVID. However, breakfast is now an order off the menu in the bar area. While the breakfast is free, I do tip the wait person as I know the wait staff is being paid based on tips (many others pay for breakfast).

    Earlier this month, I was in lounges in two hotels in the Middle East. Both had excellent dinner service and I tipped the equivalent of $5 each time. One had excellent breakfast service in the lounge and one in the restaurant. Same tip.

    And then we can write about tips in airport lounges! (Where interestingly enough, the LH and SQ lounges at LHR had no sign of soliciting tips, but the UA lounge had a tip jar on the bar.)

  25. PJJTraveler Guest

    Many times the employees at a lounge are also Concierge and will help with bookings/reservations and other Concierge practices. This was especially true prior COVID when all Regency/Concierge/Executive Lounges were open. Sometimes they have not only will suggest or make recommendations but also secure that hard to get reservation, which I truly believe deserves a tip. I have also had several experiences when I arrived as the Regency Club employees were putting away the food...

    Many times the employees at a lounge are also Concierge and will help with bookings/reservations and other Concierge practices. This was especially true prior COVID when all Regency/Concierge/Executive Lounges were open. Sometimes they have not only will suggest or make recommendations but also secure that hard to get reservation, which I truly believe deserves a tip. I have also had several experiences when I arrived as the Regency Club employees were putting away the food and snacks and they would put together a very nice plate(s) with cheese and other items for me to take to my room. This extra level of service and attention deserves a tip.

  26. JT Guest

    Generally, no, not necessary considering the fees and taxes already included in your per night stay costs. However, if the service or person is exceptional, then yes a tip is in order.

  27. D.A. Guest

    If I am a frequent guest and know the club lounge attendant(s) or if I ask for an "outside the norm" request, I tip. It pays for itself in spades in the long-term IMO.

    If there is no service or no lounge attendant, no tip.

  28. Grey Diamond

    The extremes on any tipping discussion always intrigues me. From the, 'If you don't tip, you are a monster!' to, 'tipping is only a US thing.'

    Of course US style tipping is only a US thing, but many countries have a tipping culture to some extent. But the highest tipping one tends to see outside of North America is 10% at restaurants. And that is only in some places. And unlike the US, in...

    The extremes on any tipping discussion always intrigues me. From the, 'If you don't tip, you are a monster!' to, 'tipping is only a US thing.'

    Of course US style tipping is only a US thing, but many countries have a tipping culture to some extent. But the highest tipping one tends to see outside of North America is 10% at restaurants. And that is only in some places. And unlike the US, in most countries, it tends to be more about paying with a round(-ish) number and leaving the employee the change. And even when it is common to tip, it is virtually never expected the way it is in the US and you won't be chased down the streets for failing to leave a tip. (Maybe unless you are an American, when many people working in tourist areas know that Americans tend to tip)

  29. Creditcrunch Diamond

    Tipping is a cultural US phenomenon and one I wish they could keep in the US but saying that it’s out of control there too. My US friends when visiting the UK often feel uncomfortable when we’re in a pub and don’t tip the bartender, they feel they need to run out of the place before someone chases them after that tip.

    1. NYGuy24 Diamond

      Nothing ticks me off more than going to a country that does not have a tipping culture and seeing other Americans who insist on tipping. It is to the point where you go to certain western chain hotels in countries with cultures that don't have tipping yet all the employees have their hands out because Americans taught them to expect tips.

  30. West Coast Flyer Guest

    All Americans must be trillionaires given how much tipping they seem to do.

    1. Eskimo Guest

      Given how much tipping trillionaires seem to do, why are they still underpaid?

      Problem was never about tipping but all about pushing the responsibility to the customer for a fair wage.

      Tips are supposed to be on top, not to compensate.

  31. Ryan Guest

    I stayed 4 nights at the Hyatt Regency Merida which has a decent enough lounge and primarily one guy efficiently running the whole show. I gladly gave him $10 on my last night there and he gladly accepted it. $10 is nothing for me and could mean quite a lot for him, and why not give a little thanks to him so he can surprise his kids with a treat when he gets home or...

    I stayed 4 nights at the Hyatt Regency Merida which has a decent enough lounge and primarily one guy efficiently running the whole show. I gladly gave him $10 on my last night there and he gladly accepted it. $10 is nothing for me and could mean quite a lot for him, and why not give a little thanks to him so he can surprise his kids with a treat when he gets home or just buy himself a couple drinks to relax.

    To the jerks below, you'd be surprised how good it feels giving.

    1. Jerk Guest

      You just tipped the lounge attendant and that makes you feel godly and think anyone who doesn't tip is a jerk? So do you tip everyone who provides you a service? If not, you're a jerk for not tipping too (according to yourself, good sir). If you do, then it's no longer $10 but more like $50 a day just on tips, and call me a jerk but I can find better ways to spend $50 ;)

  32. Steven M Guest

    Personal rule of thumb has been if staying multiple nights at a property in far-flung places with excellent lounge service e.g. a Marriott in Kazakstan or Rwanda to tip $5 per day at the end of stay — and given in an envelope with the words "Thank You!" written on it.

    As to those who write "There are millions of jobs available in the US so if not happy with your pay, find another job."...

    Personal rule of thumb has been if staying multiple nights at a property in far-flung places with excellent lounge service e.g. a Marriott in Kazakstan or Rwanda to tip $5 per day at the end of stay — and given in an envelope with the words "Thank You!" written on it.

    As to those who write "There are millions of jobs available in the US so if not happy with your pay, find another job." sorry to hear you are so self-entitled. Hopefully servers quickly recognize what sort of person you are and accordingly you find yourself increasingly eating at home. Servers put up with horrendous crap during these past three years and deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and extra money.

  33. Samo Guest

    Tipping culture doesn't help anyone but shareholders. It's bad for customers and it's bad for the staff as it leads to deteriorating employment conditions.

    Don't export this nonsense outside the US please.

  34. La Douche Guest

    I always love posts on tipping because it shows how many of lucky's readers are tremendous douche bags. Lol.

    1. Alan Diamond

      Actually the only douche bags on the post are the Americans who believe they need to export their culture.

  35. Santastico Diamond

    “Tipping is a complex and confusing matter
    Let me start by acknowledging that tipping in travel is never an easy thing to figure out” - I disagree, just don’t tip. Nothing complex about it.

    “When deciding whether to tip, my primary consideration is generally whether that person relies on tips to make a reasonable living” - Their choice working there. They are free to find another job if not happy with their pay. There...

    “Tipping is a complex and confusing matter
    Let me start by acknowledging that tipping in travel is never an easy thing to figure out” - I disagree, just don’t tip. Nothing complex about it.

    “When deciding whether to tip, my primary consideration is generally whether that person relies on tips to make a reasonable living” - Their choice working there. They are free to find another job if not happy with their pay. There are millions of jobs out there.

    “I then also consider the level of service provided compared to other functions I would tip for” - People should do their best no matter what. High level of service should be default and not because you may get a tip

    “With how global travel has become, there’s no denying that the US approach to tipping has spread around the world, so tips often become the norm even in countries where that wasn’t initially the case” - Total BS!! This is the stupidity of Americans thinking people in other countries work expecting tips.

    1. Kai Guest

      Lucky should try to tip in Japan and see what they will react.

    2. Tom Guest

      Australians are insulted if you try and tip them.

      In a hotel I only tip in the bar and restaurant.

    3. shaun Guest

      Coming from someone who was probably handed everything to him and thinks he worked for it. My guess you took over your dad's business. You're a mini DT. Why don't you try and actually live in the employee's shoes who get those tips? Do you think the amazing club lounge attendant at a RC can just go get another job making what they make in the lounge....helped by their tips? Many people have been dealt...

      Coming from someone who was probably handed everything to him and thinks he worked for it. My guess you took over your dad's business. You're a mini DT. Why don't you try and actually live in the employee's shoes who get those tips? Do you think the amazing club lounge attendant at a RC can just go get another job making what they make in the lounge....helped by their tips? Many people have been dealt a tough hand in life....yet can deliver an amazing vodka martini. They take pride in their jobs and really try to add to the customer's experience. No one says you have to tip.

      I'm a bond trader, so it's not like I'm voting for Bernie Sanders. I'm lucky to be able to afford pretty much any vacation i want. But I also started at 12 years old as golf caddie. I understand and have respect for people who have the day to day jobs....like lounge workers, I've been to many club lounges and appreciate that sometimes the people helping us really make the experience and should be rewarded for it.

      At the end of the day, you are going to die with that $100 bill in your wallet and people still thinking you're an a$$hole.

    4. Santastico Diamond

      FYI, I grew up poor, had to eat free meal at my public school and worked hard to get a degree at one of the most prestigious Ivy League schools in the country. So, go f… yourself and wipe your ass with my bill.

    5. shaun Guest

      So you're the guy who forgot where he grew up. And not only that....you became the very guy who obviously mentally brain f'd you growing up. Full circle i guess. And congrats on the Ivy League education. I know the first thing I would do if I went to Harvard or Yale is not tip.

      Pretty much everyone I work with went to those schools....many on scholarships...and they all tip. SO my thinking is...

      So you're the guy who forgot where he grew up. And not only that....you became the very guy who obviously mentally brain f'd you growing up. Full circle i guess. And congrats on the Ivy League education. I know the first thing I would do if I went to Harvard or Yale is not tip.

      Pretty much everyone I work with went to those schools....many on scholarships...and they all tip. SO my thinking is your whole persona is bs. If you ever want to prove me wrong I'm happy to meet you at Ohare.....Lucky or Gary can even set it up. but you've been a f'n tool troll for a decade and I'd love to put you in your place. But you are a pu$$y. Lucky has my email address....prove me wrong.

    6. Santastico Diamond

      I love trolls that play hard behind a computer screen.

    7. Shaun Guest

      The guy whos been a sniveling kunt for 10 years on flyer blogs saying I'm a troll is funny. How about you be a man. I'll meet you anytime. Physically mentally....any way u want. But you won't. You talk a big game but you won't ever put your $100 where your mouth is.

    8. Santastico Diamond

      You are still a guest in this blog. LOL!!!

  36. Santastico Diamond

    And here we go again!! Absolutely no tipping from me. Zero. None. BTW, I only carry a $100 bill on my wallet for emergencies. It has been sitting there for over 10 years. So I never have cash even if I wanted to tip anyone. There are millions of jobs available in the US so if not happy with your pay, find another job.

  37. Bob Guest

    I tend to wait around sitting on the toilet for the restroom cleaners at airports to make sure I tip them.

    It makes their day.

  38. Kai Guest

    No, under no circumstances would I tip in a hotel lounge.

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shaun Guest

Coming from someone who was probably handed everything to him and thinks he worked for it. My guess you took over your dad's business. You're a mini DT. Why don't you try and actually live in the employee's shoes who get those tips? Do you think the amazing club lounge attendant at a RC can just go get another job making what they make in the lounge....helped by their tips? Many people have been dealt a tough hand in life....yet can deliver an amazing vodka martini. They take pride in their jobs and really try to add to the customer's experience. No one says you have to tip. I'm a bond trader, so it's not like I'm voting for Bernie Sanders. I'm lucky to be able to afford pretty much any vacation i want. But I also started at 12 years old as golf caddie. I understand and have respect for people who have the day to day jobs....like lounge workers, I've been to many club lounges and appreciate that sometimes the people helping us really make the experience and should be rewarded for it. At the end of the day, you are going to die with that $100 bill in your wallet and people still thinking you're an a$$hole.

2
La Douche Guest

I always love posts on tipping because it shows how many of lucky's readers are tremendous douche bags. Lol.

2
riku2 Guest

it is a bit of a joke that when you visit the USA you're supposed to know about the employment contracts/pay situation of people you encounter in the service industry: do tip: hotel housekeeping. don't tip: hotel lounge staff. do tip: airline lounge staff. don't tip: flight attendants. do tip: restaurant staff bla bla

1
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