Does everyone tip Mousekeeping?

[grinningghost]

We tip - but if the room wasn't cleaned properly, I'd consider holding back on the tip. So far, we haven't had any problems with Mousekeeping - even though we haven't had any towel animals either. The only way I've even SEEN a towel animal is from photographs online.

 

[marijeff]

I tip. I, also, like to recognize the hard work of the mousekeepers and in return I would like a clean room with extra towels. If there is going to be anything 'extra', I feel it would happen with or without tipping.

 

[Darian]

Michelina-

I agree with you that I've never considered not tipping tipped positions either. But as has been mentioned many times on this thread - housekeeping is not a tipped position. They get paid the same as many other cast members at WDW. I always tip when it is customary AND warranted. And I don't think the folks who do tip are doing anything wrong, per se... it's just a personal choice.

But I also agree with several posters who have expressed their concern over the trend of non-tipped positions demanding tips. I find this tread towards "mordida" and bribes offensive and disturbing. If a person is not paid enough for their work, the employer should be pressured to raise wages, not to "shake down" their customers. Eisner's 40 million dollar bonus (from some years back) could have given two thousand employees a $20,000 a year raise. Its all labor expense anway... why is it ok (according to Wall Street) to pay that $40 mill to Eisner but irresponsible to spread it out to cast members?


Darian

 

[michygoomy]

Well, I now know I'm truly overplanning this vacation since I just spent a half hour reading about tipping mousekeeping. LOL

But thanks for starting this thread--whoever it was and how many years ago it started--because my DH were arguing over this issue just yesterday. (For the record--I fall on the tipping side and DH on the non-tipping side.)

I had never heard of tipping housekeeping until I started traveling for work--and even then, not until a few trips. I had no frickin idea! I grew up taking short road trips on a meager budget with the family--and stayed at all those motels that were mocked somewhere on page 3. I had no idea we were slumming....I thought we were just taking nice family vacations!

That said I do tip housekeeping now and plan to for this coming trip. The same with those crazy people who feel the need to carry my bags regardless of these two capable limbs that hang down each side of my torso (where are they when I really need them--dragging in 12 bags of groceries in 3 feet of snow?). I tip because of a grand insecurity that they will most likely mock my unsophisticated upbringing behind my back as I leave.

This post brought to you only partly in jest..........

 

[spedtcr]

We always tip a dollar-couple of dollars depending on how long we're there (DVC only has service every 3 days) and we have our towels in the tub, beds stripped after looking for lost toys, etc. We figure that if everyone even left $! (very little compared to what you spend on a Disney vacation), it would make a big difference in the housekeeper's meager pay.

 

[ducklite]

Originally posted by ilovefh
This is not correct. Disney offers very nice benefits!

Not like they used to--they've done a great job of hiring only casuals or perm PT but keeping the hours low enough that they don't have to offer benefits.

Anne

 

[eeyoreforever]

I didn't tip last time we were at CBR, but I didn't know that people did. I was thinking about tipping on our next trip, because I thought that most people do. I probably will not. Does anyone know how many rooms a person cleans during their shift? If she cleans a room every 30 minutes and works an 8 hour shift, that is 16 rooms. If each of those rooms left an average of $5 tip that is an extra $80 per day. If she makes $7/hour ($56) then for the day she is making $136. That comes out to an average of $17/hr. WOW! I think I'll go be a mousekeeper. That is my logic behind not tipping. Just my opinion. Also, I would really like to know how many rooms if anyone knows??

 

[Desnik]

When we planned our first trip to the GF, I had e-mailed the resort to find out about tipping. I was told that mousekeeping was NOT a tipping position, the bellhops are, and they mentioned a few others I can't remember right now. I was surprised so I called the resort and they confirmed that it is not a tipping position not at any of the resorts, I was told you do not have to tip them. Everyone always says to tip mousekeeping because they are under paid. How do we know if this is true? Does anyone know how much they make? I'm just curious.

We are very clean and neat in our room. I could never leave a mess. The only thing I don't do is make the bed. We have stayed on site 5 times and have never received any special towel arangements or anything special. By the way, we always leave a tip. There are 3 of us so we usually leave $3 per day. I had never thought of leaving them a tip until I read it here. Also, I use those cute mousekeeping envelopes.

 

[beattyfamily]

I tip at all hotels, motels and resorts I stay in. Some hotels/motels even provide a housekeeping tip envelope.

Reading these mousekeeping threads is where I first ever heard of anyone NOT tipping housekeeping... I'm from NE as well, maybe that has something to do with it??

Also, I've never noticed this brochure some are mentioning that you get at check in regarding tipping...

Since there's a good % of people that do tip housekeeping, and some hotels in the world that expect it and even provide envelopes for it, I don't want to be in the % that doesn't tip. I wouldn't want to insult or upset my housekeeper.

I look at it this way, I tip those who come in contact with me and my things (skycap, shuttle driver, valet, bellhop, waitress, housekeeping). I tip the skycap for the same reason. I don't want him upset that I was one of the ones that didn't tip for my 5 or 6 bags and possibly mess with my luggage (and it ends up on the wrong flight), and I don't want mousekeeping disappointed or upset as they're cleaning my room, and touching or moving my things.

I do feel it's a personal choice whether to tip a position on the service they've provided. If they did a terrible job, then I tip accordingly.

It's my way of saying thank you and to be sure they know they are appreciated.

Why do we tip the person that cleans our room on the DCL and not mousekeeping? They're doing a VERY similar job aren't they? Here's the "suggested" tipping amount for the "Stateroom Host(ess)": 3-day = $10.75, 4-day = $14.50, and 7-day = $25.25.

When I read these threads, I always notice that the non-tippers seem to get a bit defensive, and offensive at the same time, as if they have to justify their position (which it seems Disney agrees with). If you feel strongly about your stand then you shouldn't have to defend yourself. I really don't see anyone 'attacking' non-tippers or insulting them either.

The only way I'd stop tipping mousekeeping is if Disney put their foot down and sent out letters to their guests, and put up signs in our room asking us to please not tip, and other ways to let us know, and also told me that the money I tip them goes directly to Disney and not the mousekeeper... If they let guests know this VERY clearly in a several ways rather than just this 'brochure' that I've never seen, then maybe I'd stop tipping them.

 

[NotUrsula]

Per an earlier poster's comment about union rules that prohibit tipping, I got curious as to whether WDW's resort are indeed union shops. As FL is a right-to-work state, union membership isn't a given.

According to the website of HERE, the hotel union, Disney hotels do use organized labor. http://www.hereunion.org/hotelguide/

The thing is, in a right-to-work state, employees cannot be penalized for refusing to join the union, so technically, any given resort employee at WDW might or might not belong to HERE. In some places, union members will wear lapel pins, but I'm betting that WDW does not allow that, since they have such strict uniform policies. How would any guest know who was or wasn't a member?

 

[tigger4ever]

We tip mousekeeping $1 per person per day...we are a family of 4. Before we leave for our vacation, I download clipart for "mousekeeping" envelopes and put $4 in each envelope for the number of days we are staying. We appreciate their cleaning up after us. We have never been disappointed - they do a wonderful and creative job!

 

[#1hockeymom]

I grew up learning how to tip, with the adage that if you can't afford to tip for service, you can't afford to be there. To the people that feel that mousekeeping is a non tipping job, I would be very interested in knowing where you are getting your information from.

I just came back from a great stay at the Swan Hotel in the world, and the current issue of Conde Nast Traveler was in my mail. Here is what is says about tipping. It caught my eye because I have been a lurker on this particular thread since it started.

<b> Question: What is the etiquette regarding housekeeping gratuities? Is the rule of thumb still a dollar a day? and can I wait till the end of my stay to leave a tip? (L.M.L. new york, new york)<br>
The going rate is from one to five dollars per day, depending on the quality of the hotel. Some industry insiders recommend leaving the tip daily rather than in a lump sum, in case the person who has been cleaning your room happens to have the day off when you check out. A couple of statistics worth considering when you're deciding how many bills to place on the pillow: Hotel housekeepers in the United States make an average of about eight dollars an hour, and, like food servers, depend upon tips as a significant part of their wages. But, unfortunately, only about 25-30 percent of hotel guests actually leave a housekeeping gratuity.</b>

Please don't flame me, I am quoting directly from the Conde Nast Traveler, July 2003.

Have a wonderful day!
Debbie

 

[awatt]

#1hockeymon is accurate. I read the same Conde Naste article on the plane flying back two days ago.

 

[dznyntnh]

I fall on the non-tipping side.

I do not even like to tip waiter/waitresses. I have a problem paying a couple hundred dollars for a meal and being expected to subsidize the help as well. I realize that tipping servers is expected and I tip the minimum unless I feel the service has been above and beyond. If you are adequate you are doing your job ( and you get the minimum) if you really give excellant service then I am generally moved to tip more.

I don't feel the need to tip housekeeping, because, in spite of what any magazine says, it is not a tipped position. Servers are considered a 'tipped position' because employers are allowed to pay them less than minimum wage assuming that tips will make up the difference.

Other positions, like housekeeping, we have changed to tipped positions because they are service oriented and tipping is our way of either recognizing good service or paying a bribe to prevent bad service.

My problems with tipping are not so much about the tips themselves, its the expectation that you 'have' to tip and you have to tip so much. I refuse to be dictated to by anyone. I won't do business with anyplace that includes the tip in the bill or price, because I've then lost my power to ensure good service.

I'm just venting here, I have this same argument all the time with members of my family. I'm not a cheap person, I have no problem going out to dinner with friend and dealing with a $200+ bill, I just hate being told what I'm 'supposed' to do.

 

[ilovefh]

Hotel housekeepers in the United States make an average of about eight dollars an hour

This right here is why I do not tip.

To the people that feel that mousekeeping is a non tipping job, I would be very interested in knowing where you are getting your information from.

There are brochures in the hotel rooms stating which WDW positions are tipped. Also, if you read a few posts up, Desnik's post says.....

When we planned our first trip to the GF, I had e-mailed the resort to find out about tipping. I was told that mousekeeping was NOT a tipping position, the bellhops are, and they mentioned a few others I can't remember right now. I was surprised so I called the resort and they confirmed that it is not a tipping position not at any of the resorts

And I can only guestimate....but I know CP housekeepers make $6/hr. I also know that when I went FT as a seater I made $6.50/hr.

I think tipping is a personal decision..but I do not because if I did tip housekeeping, I'd feel obligated to tip everyone that is doing a good job. They girl who flipped my burger, the girl who put toilet paper in the bathroom at MK, and the CM who was nice enough to check backstage for the shirt I wanted. I cannot afford to tip all of these people!! And the worst part is....they all get paid around the same rate and they all work equally as hard!

 

[sandyneck]

I never have even thought about not tipping housekeeping. I guess it is because my Dad always did. I usually leave a $5.00 tip the first day and have always gotten top notch housekeeping service. I then leave 3-4 dollars per day and usually a 20.00 when we check out. Even if it is not considered a "tip" position, can you imagine what those poor people have to clean up after at times!! If I can brighten their day at all, I am all for it.

 

[Darian]

Great post ilovefh!

From beattyfamily "When I read these threads, I always notice that the non-tippers seem to get a bit defensive, and offensive at the same time, as if they have to justify their position (which it seems Disney agrees with). If you feel strongly about your stand then you shouldn't have to defend yourself. I really don't see anyone 'attacking' non-tippers or insulting them either."

Really now? Thats funny, thats exactly what I thought about the "pro-tipping" folks! LOL Lets be nice here, and please no more back handed or subtle insults - even the gentle name calling is unncesessary. I have watched people on both sides of this thread get called cheap, inconsiderate, spendthrifts, ignorant, rubes, fools, hard hearted, insensitive, cruel, uninformed, untraveled and tight fisted... all with a smile in the style of "Gee, its so nice they are finally putting some style into the larger dress sizes." Which is nothing more than an insult veiled with a compliment. So please play nice.

The Conde Nast Traveler is often referred to as "The Nasty Traveler" magazine for its legendary contempt for nearly all things American. Its funny how they can write in glowing terms about travel to some third world despotic rat hole, heaping praise on the place, but have little but condecension & criticism for America. Too bad really, they have wonderful photography. In any case, one shouldn't take what they read in CNT very seriously.

Darian

PS: As a guest of WDW, I'm not the one who sets wages and benefits for the employees. If you believe those wages or benefits are inadequate, then don't go there. Complain to Disney managment if you DO go there. Your tips to non-tipped employees just help preserve the status quo....

 

[beattyfamily]

Since you quoted me, I'll reply...

Originally posted by Darian
[q]Really now? Thats funny, thats exactly what I thought about the "pro-tipping" folks[/q]

I guess both sides think the same way then...

But why do you feel the need to say things like "please no more back handed or subtle insults" and "please play nice"?

Who hasn't played nice or has insulted you as a non-tipper on this thread? Quotes please?

"your tips to non-tipped employees just help preserve the status quo"

I don't feel I'm preserving anything except my family's history of tipping housekeeping since I was a tiny tot.

[q]I have watched people on both sides of this thread get called cheap, inconsiderate, spendthrifts, ignorant, rubes, fools, hard hearted, insensitive, cruel, uninformed, untraveled and tight fisted... all with a smile [/q]

Wow, you saw all that name-calling on this thread? Weird, I didn't.

But, I have seen insults on other threads on this same topic calling those who tip housekeeping ignorant, fools, uninformed, show offs, Donald Trump and so on...so I guess it goes both ways then.

 

[Morticia]

But, I have seen insults on other threads on this same topic calling those who tip housekeeping ignorant, fools, uninformed, show offs, Donald Trump and so on...so I guess it goes both ways then.

I thought that's what Darian was saying??????

 

[Darian]

Hi there beattyfamily,

A back handed insult is when someone says something that seems nice on the face of it, but actually contains either a direct or implied insult. People lie the same way... by crafting their statement so it gives one impression but really means something else. They can later deny they lied because they didn't explicitly say the statement their words implied. A famous example of this is when Clinton lied through his teeth on national television about having sex with Monica Lewinsky.

I don't believe for an instant that anyone on the DIS is trying to be dishonest about their opinion regarding this delightful issue of tipping. No accusations about lying here. However, most people on the DIS are kind and thoughtful and do try to be polite. That desire to be polite causes them to phrase things in indirect ways but which quite clearly communicate their thoughts and feelings about tipping housekeeping - yet in a way that avoids directly calling people names. Some poster's motives may not be so altruistic, but I'd say thats the case for most folks on the DIS.

There are so many "pro-tipping housekeeping" posts that go on and on about the virtues of tipping... how its so kind and helpful, that its the RIGHT thing to do, that it distributes income to those less fortunate, that its generous, courteous, cultured etc etc to do that and how they can't imagine how anyone could not want to be those wonderful things. Or they can't understand why those poor, lost souls who don't tip housekeeping would not want to be good and decent and tip. The clear, glaring and oh so obvious implication being that those who don't tip housekeeping are black hearted misers, who spit on the lower servant classes, have no class, breeding, and are greedy beyond measure.

Its possible you are a sweet and kind and innocent person who was just oblivious to the snide implications of some posts. I do hope that is the case. In any case, I'd like to believe the best. If you like, I can go back through the previous 10 pages of this thread and pull out a few of these comments. But the resulting post will be long and boring. Even more boring than this one!

If I were to say to you (after seeing you in your new dress) that "What a lovely dress!!! Its so wonderful they are finally putting some style into the larger sizes..." you would rightly be offended because even though I had complimented your dress, I had indirectly called you fat. But if you confronted me on that, I could say I never said anything about you being fat. Which even though I hadn't explicitly said that you were fat, it was clearly implied by the statement. The same is true about statments made on this thread about tipping... very few (if any) explicit statments, but a lot of things implied.

All the best to you!

Darian

PS For the record, I've never seen beattyfamily or any of her dresses... the discussion of her and her dress was completely hypothetical.