Concierge-tipping (as opposed to cow-tipping...)

[Greg K.]

My wife and I will be ensconced at the BWI Nov 1-Nov 10, on the concierge level.

We've had one or two phone conversations with a nice fella down there who has set up some dining plans for us -- including, significantly, breakfast at the Castle with Cinderella.

Is he expecting a tip for this? If so, how much? How's this work? Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[mom_rules]

check out Deb's site www.wdwig.com
in the Anita Answer section - they answered
this question quite nicely.

 

[las3888]

I checked out the response on the Anita Answer section...I have to say there is some kind of discrepency with her updated answer...I have a dear friend who 'retired' down in Florida and works in GF concierge. He originally worked GF front desk. FRONT DESK employees are not allowed to take tips---if offered by the guest three times, they can accept it, but it goes in a 'jar' to have a party or something like that with the other CM's. When my friend was promoted to concierge, he is now allowed by all means to accept tips.

 

[taylor1293]

It's my understanding that they are not supposed to accept tips.

Unless they do something exceptional for you, I wouldn't think of even offering a tip. After all, you are already paying extra for their service.

Have fun!

Teresa

 

[Lewisc]

Taylor--With Disney concierge you're paying for premium room location as much as anything else.

In general you're supposed to tip the concierge if they preform specialized services. The typical example is (in NYC) securing broadway show tickets. Getting you PS for V & A's or Cindy's is a similar service.

 

[taylor1293]

Lewis -

I agree that you are paying for (in some cases) room location and food offerings, but you are also paying for their services.

Unless it is something exceptional, IMO a tip shouldn't even be considered.

Teresa

 

[Lewisc]

Taylor--All of the tipping guidelines say concierge should be tipped if they get you hard to get tickets (Broadway show tickets are the example given). My point is if concierge is able to get you a last minute PS at V & A (or a similar event) a tip is appropriate.

Not suggesting routine tipping is necessary but let's face it, the extra money is for room location, ego, food etc. I doubt much of the $ goes to staff.

 

[taylor1293]

Lewis - WDW isn't in New York and Disney's guideline for concierge tipping is different.

If you read my posts you would have seen that I noted that "if they do something exceptional" you should consider offering a tip.

I wouldn't tip for a last minute at V & A. But I would tip if it were the Captain's Table. I wouldn't tip for a CRT either. That doesn't make me right or you wrong, it just means we view it differently.

As far as the salaries of the concierge staff, that is no concern of mine. If they feel their jobs aren't paying them enough, they are free to exercise their right to "employment-at-will" and look for a position elsewhere.

When we do tip (dining, maid service, valet ect), we tip quite well IF the service deserves it. However, I refuse to tip because some "guideline" says I should.

Teresa

 

[sherry8253]

I have read that you are not supposed to tip the concierge staff. We are scheduled to stay in concierge in AKL in Dec and several of the concierge staff have been very nice to me on the phone. They called to see if there was anything they could do for me and they have very promptly responded to my e-mails. This will be our first concierge experience. My question for fellow posters is - Do you think it would be appropriate for me to take a 'goodies' gift basket with selections from my home state of Pennsylvania such as Hershey's chocolate, Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels, etc? Thanks in advance for your opinions.

 

[Bellefan66]

Sherry,
I think it's a lovely idea! Similar to what we do at Christmas time.I bring "goodies" around town to my "friends" at the bank who do extra's for me, my hair stylist etc. I think it is very appropriate.

 

[taylor1293]

Sherry,

I think that a gift basket is a great idea and I'm sure they'd truly appreciate it!

Teresa

 

[RAV]

We always tip concierge staff members who provide good service.

 

[mom_rules]

I think your idea of a "goodie basket" that can be shared with all the concierge staff is a wonderful idea.

I am under the impression that individual concierge staff are not allowed to accept tips-they must pass them on to their managers. So a little something for everyone is most thoughtful.

 

[las3888]

I stll maintain that concierge CM's do and are allowed to accept tips...I heard from the horse's mouth ( my friend who is a CM in GF concierge). A job in concierge is considered a promotion...not because of an increase in pay (there is a very very small increase in the hourly wage) but because of the ability to receive a well-earned tip.

I think in general, tipping a concierge should be up to your discretion..for me it is if/when a special service is performed.

I think a gift basket is also a nice gesture...