Am I the Only One Who Doesn't Tip Housekeeping?

[jmclester]

Wait a minute! Last time I checked I paid for my hotel room (premium prices too, compared to "off-site). That payment affords me a clean room for a specified period of time. I also pay for tickets for park entry. Are we given the "option" to tip the ride operator that gives us an extra spin on the teacups or the JC skipper that makes our ride more enjoyable? Do we tip the bellboy at the TOT for giving us that extra stare? Point is, where do we draw the line? As someone mentioned before, tipping the housekeepers at WDW is not on the suggested tip list. Their salary comes from that aforementioned payment. If you feel cheap not doing it, by all means, do it. I, personally, have always been able to tuck my kids in tight and sleep very well (except for the excitement) and I have never, ever left a tip for housekeepers.
And okapi, I always tip table service restaurants servers. 15% for normal service (which I expect) and 20% for exceptional service (which is subject to my opinion....and no one elses). That is because, in America, restaurant servers are paid on a different scale than minimum wage. They also have to report those tips and pay taxes on them. I wonder how many mousekeepers report your after tax dollars to the IRS??? I won't even dignify the "sub-human" comment with a response.
It's Friday! Have a nice day!

 

[disneychrista]

I am really having a hard to understanding why there is so much "putting down" on those of use who CHOOSE not to tip someone who is not considered to be a tipped position.

IMO, there is NO REASON to tip the housekeeping. IMO, when you are paying for a service there is no need to PAY AGAIN for the same service. This is what you are doing by tipping. I do not pay the $25 to get my oil changed then tip the guy who changed my oil. I paid for the service.

As to the question about wait staff at table service restaurants. I do tip, but not based on the silly notion that the service I recieved is directly corralted to the cost of the food I purchased. I generally start out with a tip of $3 and go up or down from there.

 

[jmclester]

These viewpoints are indeed eye-opening. What a hot button!
I'm now curious, those who don't tip housekeepers at hotels, do you tip for table service at the restaurants?
If so, what percent?
If what I've been reading is correct, I could save a bundle if I can convince my DH to stop tipping.
I concur that it is choice, and indeed when was the last time anyone tipped they're friendly teller at the bank...but I am curious as to what ministry one goes into that does not ask for donations of their parishioners. I'm sure your congregation will be very happy to know that you'll only "ask 'em" for thank you and happy notes. I hope they place you in my area.
In the meantime, I now know why we're treated like KINGS at our resort from $1-$2 a day housekeeping service. Indeed, every morning as we're leaving we call housekeeping to let them know when the room's available and roughly when they can expect our return.
The sad part to this story is, however, in the term "mousekeeper" so unfondly named must be in your eyes sub-human, not because you choose not to tip them, but because you believe they do not earn it.

I'm also interested in knowing what it means to be treated like KINGS if you tip housekeeping. What am I missing out on?? Also, how many CSR's would it take to handle the volume of calls between 7:00am and 9:00am if all 1,920 rooms at the All Star Sports resort (assuming full capacity) would call the front desk to let them know their schedule every day? I would discourage anyone from doing this. Different story when checking out. I never check out of a hotel without letting them know I'm leaving.
Let's be real!

 

[meandtheguys2]

These viewpoints are indeed eye-opening. What a hot button!
I'm now curious, those who don't tip housekeepers at hotels, do you tip for table service at the restaurants?
If so, what percent?
If what I've been reading is correct, I could save a bundle if I can convince my DH to stop tipping.
I concur that it is choice, and indeed when was the last time anyone tipped they're friendly teller at the bank...but I am curious as to what ministry one goes into that does not ask for donations of their parishioners. I'm sure your congregation will be very happy to know that you'll only "ask 'em" for thank you and happy notes. I hope they place you in my area.
In the meantime, I now know why we're treated like KINGS at our resort from $1-$2 a day housekeeping service. Indeed, every morning as we're leaving we call housekeeping to let them know when the room's available and roughly when they can expect our return.
The sad part to this story is, however, in the term "mousekeeper" so unfondly named must be in your eyes sub-human, not because you choose not to tip them, but because you believe they do not earn it.

Maybe you didn't understand the information stating that wait staff is not paid a regular wage? I can think of many people who work hard, but I am not planning on tipping them either. Guess that this makes them all sub-human.

As for your comment re. ministers, it sounds as though you definitely have some of your own little issues to deal with. Maybe if you had met more young ladies like HC you wouldn't have such a narly attitude. Many people like to be "holier-than-thou", but this attitiude certainly takes the cake.

Hippychikali, I hope that you are not taking any of the silliness to heart. It is awesome that you volunteer your time, as well as being a full-time student. Much more than many others do to bless the world!

 

[Hippychickali]

Hippychikali, I hope that you are not taking any of the silliness to heart. It is awesome that you volunteer your time, as well as being a full-time student. Much more than many others do to bless the world!

No, I'm not taking this too heart. I know that this isn't about me; there are much bigger issues behind this sort of slander. I'm more concerned about those who are in worse shape than me going to WDW and have to listen to people imposing themselves on others. I think it's really unfortunate that attitudes like this have to emerge when most come here for help in planning their vacations or to help others plan theirs.

Ali

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

My "Official" guidebook says that tips are "appreciated" by housekeeping and luggage handlers. The book says $1-$2 PER NIGHT for housekeeping (not per person). Again, it says the tips are appreciated - not encouraged or required or anything else. I am sure housekeeping staff are paid at least minimum wage. I also agree that they do not report their tips to the IRS!!

I already printed my cute envelopes, so I will go ahead and tip $2 or $3 per night as long as the condition of the room is acceptable. If I end up not having enough money at some point during the trip and I have to raid the tip envelopes then at least I will know I tried!

I read the thread about tipping the bellmen, and I have to say I would rather handle my own luggage and not tip. I would prefer not to make my own bed and vacuum, and if $2 makes a difference to someone who has a job I would not want, then good for me for tipping!

Do what works for you and don't apologize to anyone for your personal decision!

 

[TDC Nala]

I often end up posting what they write in the informational flyers they hand out in the WDW resorts. This one is from Port Orleans but the same language appears in all WDW resort flyers that I've seen (and I have a lot of them).

"Our guests frequently ask us what the custom is for tipping. At the Walt Disney World Resort, it is customary to tip the following positions for exceptional service: bartender, bell services, cocktail server, food and beverage server, and valet parker."

This does not say that you shouldn't tip housekeeping if you want to. By all means, do it, if you want to. It just notifies those who wish to know what's considered customary for tipping at WDW.

I don't always use valet parking or bell services, and I dont' see that as cheating the parkers and handlers out of a tip. I don't always need their services.

 

[okapi]

Thank you for your opinions and replies.
Hope everyone continues to enjoy their trips to WDW.

 

[beattyfamily]

I completely agree!! I think that's what we have to remember. We shouldn't make value judgements on other people about tipping.

Ali

Seem that we have remember that as I only see opinions and no judging.

 

[Hippychickali]

Maybe we weren't viewing the same thread but I seem to recall people saying that you must tip and if you can't afford to tip you shouldn't go to WDW. That is a judgement. Telling people that they should cut back in other areas to save money to tip is a judgement. You see, opinions don't tell people what to do or what not to do.

Ali

 

[Kevenswife2]

I'm the OP and I just got back. I did not leave any tips for mousekeeping and I did not come back to a herd of washcloth animals. I saw them in other rooms on my floor and considered leaving a tip IF I came back to find some, BUT I wasn't going to 'pay' just so they would make some.

Still had a great time...even without the cute little animals in my window.

 

[Hippychickali]

I'm the OP and I just got back. I did not leave any tips for mousekeeping and I did not come back to a herd of washcloth animals. I saw them in other rooms on my floor and considered leaving a tip IF I came back to find some, BUT I wasn't going to 'pay' just so they would make some.

Still had a great time...even without the cute little animals in my window.

Rah Kevenswife2! Way to stick it to the man!

Ali

 

[queenof4hearts]

We've tipped and we've not tipped. We have never received towel animals, even in concierge suites.

When I was a waitress we had to pay the 2% due to MC/Amex/Visa out of our tip if the tip was left on a CC. I don't remember the exact amt. but we definately had to pay. I was still grateful for the tip. Cash is always better.

 

[Tissa]

I always tip housekeeping. Two of us will be staying for 8 days @$2.00 a day. $16.00 total. I'll just save my leftover change to come up with that. I didn't even realize people didn't tip. I guess it's just personal prefference.

 

[peacefulgirl]

It is my feeling to tip ... I just "feel" its the right thing to do... I guess putting myself in their shoes, it would be nice to know your appreciated. Customer service is not always a FUN job and I feel for them.

And with the Holidays approaching, what a nice lil touch to leave something extra. Whether they do an extra good job or not, I can know I did the right thing... treated someone with respect and honor. Ant lil token, whether $ or candy or a note even, just to say, hey thanks!

This is just MHO, but I think it could be real fun too... to come up with cute idea...

I guess if you look at it, as if you were the maid ...

Just my thoughts .......

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I hate the whole tipping thing, even tho I once was a waitress, it is a bit deameaning however, that being said, I hate having an automatic tip included in the bill even more cause you are paying for whatever service you get, good or bad. I hate the fact that many servers are required to pay tax on tips that they were assumed to have gotten even though they might not have gotten as much or any.

I do leave a tip of $2 a day for my mousekeeper mostly cause I feel guilty being there having a great time while they have to neaten up after me (I try to leave little for them to do though) but mostly cause those few dollars add up to make a big difference in their standard of living.

If I cannot afford to tip, a reasonable but not outrageous, amount I will stay home. If I cannot afford a tip I cannot afford the meal or whatever either. JMO

I tend to tip a bit less at the fancy restaurants and a bit more at the simple ones for the pure fact that they have the same amount of work to do and I think the lower paid (since they get a percentage of the bill) employees need the bit extra. I once figured out how much an hour some waitstaff at the higher end DW restaurants were earning and it was mind boggling. Based on how many tables, average bill etc. it was well over $40 an hour and that was not even a busy time of day.

Heck, I guess I just plain do not know what I think about tipping. Is a complicated thing. Guess I had better to get some twenties for my mailman, newspaper carrier etc.

Disagree with me if you will, I do not mind, I often disagree with myself but please do it gently as I am fragile. (grin)

SG/Linda

 

[disneychrista]

I hate the fact that many servers are required to pay tax on tips that they were assumed to have gotten even though they might not have gotten as much or any.

If a server gets less then the 8% allocated tips then all they have to do is show their records if they are audited. A serve NEVER has to pay tax on tips that they do not get. Now that said if a server is getting less then an average 8% I think it is time for them to find a new job.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I were a server way back in the olden days and was working when the tax rules changed and in those days we were assumed to have gotten a certain amount, I think it was less than 10%.

If I could get 8% off six tables with an average bill of $100 in about an hour I would be a very happy woman. I have often watched my servers and counted how many tables they had and I know that the average table has 4 people and even discounting what the child's costs would be it would still be a not insignificant amount. From the tone of many posts on the DIS everyone tips 20% or more and that would be bringing the average hourly wage into the $100 an hour range. Boggles this poor midwestern mind. Of course, the expectations for the waitstaff are quite a bit more than that expected out here in the real world IMHO. Even for that kind of dough I would still be the worst waitress on earth. I was more a Roseanne type waitress. LOL

Wonder how many rooms the average mousekeeper cleans? $2-4 per room would add up to how much in a week? How about us all moving to DW and getting job and then we could afford to do more?

SG/Linda

 

[Desnik]

We have tipped and not tipped in the past. We have stayed DVC the last couple of times and didn't tip because we only had housekeeping come once for trash/towel day. My feeling on this is they are not considered a tipping position by Disney so I don't tip them. I do tip them if we've made a mess, which is never the case because we are really neat and clean, even on vacation! I tip if I call housekeeping for extra linens and such.

We usually valet park the car so we tip them on drop uff and pick up. $2 each time. This added up on this past trip! We also tip bellservices when they pick up our luggage. Usually we give between $5-$10 depending on how many bags we have. When I go on vacation I hate to feel like I have to tip everyone who gives me assistance in some way!!LOL It could really get out of control! When we were at the GF we felt like we were tipping everyone we were in contact with!

Do what's best for you and don't feel guilty if you don't tip housekeeping! It is NOT a tipping position!!

 

[mega13]

I'm amazed at all of the different opinions on this thread. Honestly, the bottom line is whether you are generous for those less fortunate. My boyfriend and I are going down in January, and while we are by no means rolling in the dough, here we are able to take two weeks off and visit a fun, frivilous resort where we'll think nothing of paying $40-50 for dinner each night. I am often grateful for my lot in life, and I feel that I am blessed for what I have. I was a waitress once many moons ago, and yes, I made $2.65/hour. And most nights (after 10 hours) I ended my day with an average of $60 in tips (before tipping out the bartender and hostesses). You do the math - it totally wasn't worth it for how hard I worked. But I was putting myself through school. Most of my friends in the restaurant were single moms, or like me - going to college. Now that I have my degree and a better job, I'll go out to eat and remember how grateful I was back when I was a waitress, when someone left me a nice tip. It meant I could fill up my gas tank or pay an extra bill. Those little surprises were what kept me going day after day, even when utilities almost got shut off and I thought it would be easier just to give up.

So on my WDW vacation, I will most definitely choose to tip Mousekeeping. Providing a little extra bonus for a job well done may put a smile on that person's face, and after they go home exhausted from their "not so magical day" at a WDW resort, they might be grateful for my little surprise. For as difficult and mundane as waitressing was, I'm sure housekeeping is even worse. These people spend day in and day out cleaning up after us, and they don't get paid well. If I had a maid at home (who would make MUCH more than a Mousekeeper) I'd certainly be giving that person a bonus on special occasions or holidays to show them they are appreciated.

Well, this is going to be a very special occasion, and our holiday. The least I can do is show my appreciation for those taking care of us.