Imagine you’ve just checked into your hotel, grabbed your keys, and finally made it to your room. (It’s pretty nice, right?) Of course, you aren’t alone. There’s a good chance that a smiling bellhop—with all your luggage in tow—is just a few steps behind you. It’s in that minute that you are faced with a bit of a predicament: Do you tip? How much should you tip? What if you don’t have any small bills on hand?
Sure, a gratuity is a small token of your appreciation, but it can be a tricky thing to navigate. But while it’s easy to get caught up in who (and how much) you should tip, Kristen Kellogg reminds you to never lose sight of the “why.”
“The biggest misconception is that tipping is purely about obligation,” explains Kellogg, who is the co-founder of Salt + Wind in California. “In reality, it’s about building relationships that enhance your travel experience and also the lives of those making your stay comfortable and memorable.”
That said, you’re here to learn about the logistics of tipping—and we would never leave you hanging. Read on to learn Kellogg’s best tips and tricks, but remember: A little bit of gratitude goes a long way.
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Know Your Rates
According to Kellogg, you’ll always want to tip during moments of service—be it the housekeeping staff who delivered a delightful turndown service to the concierge member who managed to score that impossible dinner reservation. “It ensures your appreciation reaches the right person and often enhances future interactions during your stay,” she shares. While proper tipping protocol varies by destination—it’s rare in Europe, but a huge part of hospitality culture in Mexico—Kellogg shared a cheat sheet for great rates in the United States:
- Bellhop: $2-$5 per bag
- Housekeeping: $3-5 daily. (“With a personal note,” Kellogg adds.)
- Concierge: $10-$30
- Doormen: $2-5 for hailing a cab; $5 for luggage assistance
Translation? If a hotel employee does something nice for you, tip them—and tip them promptly. “Some guests think one large tip at checkout covers everything, but tipping throughout your stay often results in better service,” Kellogg says. This especially holds true for housekeeping as tips are typically not split evenly amongst the staff. “Daily tipping ensures your specific housekeeper receives recognition,” she adds.
Go Digital
Don’t have any small bills on hand? Don’t sweat it. Since the pandemic, more people are turning to contactless payments. “I’ve noticed guests becoming more intentional about tipping and what they should be tipping when I have a call with them three or so weeks before they travel,” Kellogg notes.
Though slipping a doorman a Lincoln is a slicker move than asking for their Venmo, it’s totally kosher tip digitally. Simply tell the staff member you’d love to send them a small thank you and ask for their preferred cash app. Just don’t forget to write a friendly note of gratitude before you hit send.
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Prepare to Be Rejected
Really. While most hotel staff members will happily accept gratuity, you might notice that some politely decline the offer. Don’t worry, it’s not personal. “Some luxury resorts have also adopted no-tipping policies to create more inclusive experiences,” Kellogg explains. “When this happens, I encourage clients to respect the policy while still finding meaningful ways to show gratitude.” For example, you can leave a glowing review and refer to some top-notch employees by name. That way, their supervisors know they offered top-tier service.
Keep It Budget-Friendly
If you do the math, you might realize all that tipping adds up—which isn’t exactly ideal for anyone who is trying to plan a budget-friendly getaway. However, Kellogg insists thoughtful appreciation doesn’t always require the big bucks.
“A handwritten note expressing specific gratitude, like mentioning the staff member’s name, means immensely more than you’d imagine,” she explains. “Small tokens like local chocolates or postcards from your hometown create genuine connections.” Still want to give a monetary tip? Kellogg says intentionality is priceless. “Even one to two dollars given with sincere thanks outweighs larger amounts given hastily,” she explains.
Ultimately, hotel staff want to make sure your stay was comfortable and enjoyable. So knowing they did their job and it was appreciated by their guests? Well, that’s the gift that keeps on giving.
