DVC Mousekeeping Gratuities??

[3Minnies1Mickey]

DVC members pay a housekeeping fee as well, it's included in their dues.

Thanks for the information. Our housekeeping fee is per reservation. With the amount of points I've purchased we get one per year included, and pay for any additional (or purchase more tokens from another owner).

 

[DenLo]

I too believe in tipping and I increase the amount of tip not only based on room size but by the number of people in the villa. So for a studio I usually tip $5 for 2, people and $7 - $10 for four on each cleaning day. For a 1 BR since it's two rooms, I start at $10 for two people on T&T day and on a full cleaning day I tip $15 to $20. And if there are more guests I add a $1 or $2 per person for each cleaning day. If the room is extra messy I'd add more.

 

[jelliott04]

I go both ways on this subject. I'll tip mousekeeping if I am staying on a cash ressie but I don't usually leave a tip for a DVC stay.

1) because it is included in dues
2) we haven't really had anything for mousekeeping to do over and above what their job is.

We stayed at OKW in a 1BR and someone knocked on the door, handed my husband some towels and some fresh trash bags and walked away. Tip for what?

I just don't see the point in tipping someone else for a service that I am basically doing. They walk in, put towels down and trade out trash bags. Maybe 3 minutes. I normally take out our trash daily if I can find a trash can to put it in. I start the dishwasher before we leave and generally tidy up.

Their cleaning before us and after we check out is their job and I don't think that is reason enough to tip.

Anything above and beyond we definitely tip but by staying DVC, there doesn't seem to be many opportunities for above and beyond.

 

[Dean]

Thanks for the information. Our housekeeping fee is per reservation. With the amount of points I've purchased we get one per year included, and pay for any additional (or purchase more tokens from another owner).

With many systems, esp those with VIP tiers, some housekeeping is included in the dues and others is pay to play. Same for RCI points if you reserve for less than a week.

 

[Ryansdad0727]

This thread is very interesting since we are trading into DVC from RCI, so I have no idea how housekeeping is covered on the DVC side. At our own timeshare we pay a housekeeping fee (I have 1 housekeeping token/year so above that I pay a fee depending on room size). I had to pay for housekeeping for the weeks I traded into RCI already.

We normally do short trips with our own timeshare (a long weekend at most) so we don't fee the need to tip above that. I'll probably tip for the trash and towel service mid-week unless we decide to take our own trash out. At the end of the week I guess I'll decide if I'll tip more depending on the state of our room. We are good about starting the dishwasher, wiping down counters, etc. before we leave anyways. Usually all we do is leave a few dirty towels.

When you transfer in from RCI there is a $90 charge at checkin. This is basically the housekeeping charge. I do not tip when i exchange.

 

[Dean]

When you transfer in from RCI there is a $90 charge at checkin. This is basically the housekeeping charge. I do not tip when i exchange.

The fee is $95 and it does not pay for anything that the deposited week didn't qualify for to start with. It's called a resort services fee but ultimately it's just a fee to generate funds to run the exchange department.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

With many systems, esp those with VIP tiers, some housekeeping is included in the dues and others is pay to play. Same for RCI points if you reserve for less than a week.

We don't actually own in RCI, we own Worldmark. We are just able to trade via them for an additional fee. The housekeeping fee we paid at exchange goes to cleaning the week I deposited, whomever deposited the 2 weeks I'm using has paid their own housekeeping "fee" to DVC. I don't mind tipping for extraordinary service or extra work, but in general I think its been covered.

The fee is $95 and it does not pay for anything that the deposited week didn't qualify for to start with. It's called a resort services fee but ultimately it's just a fee to generate funds to run the exchange department.

I view it as being able to get the onsite perks: transportation, DME, EMHs, etc.

 

[Dean]

We don't actually own in RCI, we own Worldmark. We are just able to trade via them for an additional fee. The housekeeping fee we paid at exchange goes to cleaning the week I deposited, whomever deposited the 2 weeks I'm using has paid their own housekeeping "fee" to DVC. I don't mind tipping for extraordinary service or extra work, but in general I think its been covered.

So had you used that week yourself you still would have had to pay the housekeeping? No one owns with RCI directly, they are merely an exchange company, actually two in one with weeks and points. I was pointing out that different systems handle it differently but that many charge extra housekeeping fees in certain situations. However, many also waive those fees for certain situations as well usually stays longer than a week and VIP situations. IF you assume a single full cleaning once a week has been paid for by the owners but that above that there are extra cost you'll have a good neutral position to look a this issue from. Some resorts use the housekeeping issue as a money making tool, esp some of those in Orlando that work a lot with RCI points. To be honest, the Worldmark resort in Orlando is definitely one of those.

I view it as being able to get the onsite perks: transportation, DME, EMHs, etc.

You can view it however you prefer, the reality is it does not provide a single benefit that the member who deposited wouldn't have had simply using the week themselves. It's simply an extra fee to DVC for the option to exchange in on top of the RCI exchange fee. ASAMOF, the member would have gotten benefits that you won't as an exchanger like free internet. Still a good deal though which is the important thing.

 

[CarolMN]

OP,
As you can tell there is a wide difference of opinion regarding tipping mousekeepers. This subject is debated regularly on this board. I am among those who chooses to tip my mousekeeper..............
DH and I usually stay in a 1 bedroom. We tip about $10 for trash/towel and about $25 at checkout. If we have kids with us we usually leave a little more. ................. I do this because I think mousekeeping is a hard job (I have seen what some rooms look like at checkout) and I value good service. Since mousekeepers start at only $8.25/hr, I am sure that a little acknowledgement is appreciated.
If we stay in a larger room we tip more. And, yes, we do gather all towels, start the dishwasher, etc. when we check out. That is part of good timeshare manners.

We do the same things, except we do not tip for Trash & Towel service. We try to leave as little as possible for the Housekeeper to do. It feels right plus it creates a better chance of the next guest getting in early.

I consider a tip for the Housekeeper as just a part of the vacation cost.

 

[Dean]

We do the same things, except we do not tip for Trash & Towel service. We try to leave as little as possible for the Housekeeper to do. It feels right plus it creates a better chance of the next guest getting in early.

I consider a tip for the Housekeeper as just a part of the vacation cost.

Some timeshares resorts will even charge you if you don't do certain things. We've gotten in the habit of the following:

• stripping beds and pilling those in their own pile near the door.
• pilling the towels, etc in their pile near the door
• separate pile for pool towels if applicable.
• Empty trash
• load and run dishwasher.
• Turn off icemaker
• turn off lights, TV's, etc.
• Getting out by the check out or arranged time.
• Letting them know we're out so they can get started.

 

[Ryansdad0727]

We don't actually own in RCI, we own Worldmark. We are just able to trade via them for an additional fee. The housekeeping fee we paid at exchange goes to cleaning the week I deposited, whomever deposited the 2 weeks I'm using has paid their own housekeeping "fee" to DVC. I don't mind tipping for extraordinary service or extra work, but in general I think its been covered.


I view it as being able to get the onsite perks: transportation, DME, EMHs, etc.

We own Worldmark also. How many points do you own? How do you like it?
We live in Texas so most of the resorts are far away but we love skiing at Red River NM and the lift is right behind the resort.

 

[csharpwv]

Yes, agreed, but don't you tip those who do a service for you like your barber or hair stylist?

I totally agree with you.

I find it kind of obnoxious when people 'look down' on people who tip people who do not have to be tipped.

I like to tip housekeepers, wait staff, the person who cuts my hair, coffee shops, etc etc etc WHEN I feel like the person has indeed performed a very personal service or has gone above and beyond to provide a superior level of customer services.

My wife and I once tipped 100% of the cost of our bill because our service was so outstanding, and our waiter was so friendly, service focused, and very professional.

Do we do that often? YES we tip 20-30% more often than not. It's not because we have a ton of money to spare - it's because we REALLY enjoy doing it! People that work in the service industry aren't there to get rich, and for the most part that will never be rich working in the service industry, and a lot of service industry employees are transitional. College students, students trying to pay for school, young parents trying to make ends meet and people who just really enjoy what they do!

If they go out of their way for me - I am going to return the favor - it's only fair.

With that being said - we have left $0.00 tips before as well. More than once - if we do not feel like the individual made us a priority, and made sure to serve us fairly, and in a timely fashion, we will not tip.

For instance the last time we were at a local chain restaurant we waited over 20 minutes for refills, our order was incorrect, we didn't get plates with our appetizer, and we had to wait over 20 minutes for our check, and when it came it was incorrect, so we then had to wait another 10 minutes or it to be corrected. We were there for over 2.5 hour FOR LUNCH. We have never been so close to just getting up and walking out without even offering to pay the bill. The manager was aloof and couldn't have cared less.

So - we are fair - and very generous when deserved!

 

[mom of princessx2]

I find it kind of obnoxious when people 'look down' on people who tip people who do not have to be tipped.

I don't think anyone here is looking down on people who tip. In fact usually in the tipping threads (and there are alot) it is just the opposite.

I actually think it is a bit strange that so many ask this question. Do we ask how much we should tip our waiter or hairdresser. No, but almost daily people ask how much to tip housekeeping. I think all tipping is very personal and you should do what you feel is best. Whether it is $10, $5, or nothing is up to each individual.

 

[mom of princessx2]

Yes, agreed, but don't you tip those who do a service for you like your barber or hair stylist?

Yes, I do. And I also didn't say I didn't tip Mousekeeping. But I didn't say that I do either. I simply made a comment regarding your statement stating we should tip because they clean the room.

 

[Dean]

I totally agree with you.

I find it kind of obnoxious when people 'look down' on people who tip people who do not have to be tipped.

I like to tip housekeepers, wait staff, the person who cuts my hair, coffee shops, etc etc etc WHEN I feel like the person has indeed performed a very personal service or has gone above and beyond to provide a superior level of customer services.

My wife and I once tipped 100% of the cost of our bill because our service was so outstanding, and our waiter was so friendly, service focused, and very professional.

Do we do that often? YES we tip 20-30% more often than not. It's not because we have a ton of money to spare - it's because we REALLY enjoy doing it! People that work in the service industry aren't there to get rich, and for the most part that will never be rich working in the service industry, and a lot of service industry employees are transitional. College students, students trying to pay for school, young parents trying to make ends meet and people who just really enjoy what they do!

If they go out of their way for me - I am going to return the favor - it's only fair.

With that being said - we have left $0.00 tips before as well. More than once - if we do not feel like the individual made us a priority, and made sure to serve us fairly, and in a timely fashion, we will not tip.

For instance the last time we were at a local chain restaurant we waited over 20 minutes for refills, our order was incorrect, we didn't get plates with our appetizer, and we had to wait over 20 minutes for our check, and when it came it was incorrect, so we then had to wait another 10 minutes or it to be corrected. We were there for over 2.5 hour FOR LUNCH. We have never been so close to just getting up and walking out without even offering to pay the bill. The manager was aloof and couldn't have cared less.

So - we are fair - and very generous when deserved!

I think the problem with tipping a non tipped position is that over time, it will become a tipped position and actually hurt those you're trying to help. The other issue, as pointed out earlier in this thread, is that neither you nor anyone else tips everyone that performs a service for you. TO BE CONSISTENT you'd have to tip every single person who does a service from the cashier at WM to the receptionist at the professional office. It's a horrible system overall. I'm sure someone will bring up the wages of the positions in question where it's likely that many of them (valet and wait staff exp), make more than the person they are serving. I can't speak for WDW, but I'm told it's not uncommon for a valet to make 6 figures or a good Timeshare salesperson a quarter mil or more.

 

[jstarcze]

Yes, I do. And I also didn't say I didn't tip Mousekeeping. But I didn't say that I do either. I simply made a comment regarding your statement stating we should tip because they clean the room.

Apologies if I offended you, it wasn't my intention to comment on whether you tip or not. I was only saying that the title of the job and the resulting work done in accord with the job title doesn't influence whether someone might tip another person for a service rendered. It's the service that is done that influences whether someone might decide to leave a tip.

 

[mom of princessx2]

Apologies if I offended you, it wasn't my intention to comment on whether you tip or not. I was only saying that the title of the job and the resulting work done in accord with the job title doesn't influence whether someone might tip another person for a service rendered. It's the service that is done that influences whether someone might decide to leave a tip.

I was not offended . I can appreciate everyones opinion and tipping threads can bring out alot of opinions!

 

[csharpwv]

To even suggest that eventually that people will tip cashiers etc is total bull.

If someone is providing a service it is not simply a transactional encounter. The cashier on main street is taking my money - and making sure that I found everything I wanted to buy - and taking my money. That is a transactional relationship.

I agree with the other poster that says that if someone is going to clean the TOILET after my family and I (it's usually just DW and I as we don't have kids) then they deserve a tip IMHO.

I believe that very person should have to work retail, food service, or another service type position before pursing a professional career. Everyone would treat those people a LOT better if everyone could relate.

I can relate to those employees whose soul job is to make things clean, fresh, and welcoming when I arrive, while I stay, and when I depart so they have a little extra motivation to do something great for the next guest.

SO, what's the next thing - you won't want to top you valet? You won't want to tip your wait staff? etc etc

We are talking a few dollars here for most people. For both of our Wilderness Lodge Concierge stays (one we paid for - another was a free upgrade) we tipped $5.00 a day - and we had FANTASTIC service. WE had multiple towel animals, soft music, and other really nice things that went above and beyond every day of our stay.

We still tip now that we are DVC members, and we always will as long as the level of service is up to Disney standards! If a room is not clean when we check in, we will NOT tip the person that comes to clean our room after the fact. The room should have been clean to start with.

So standards are standards - and NO - I will never tip a cashier for simply taking me money. And frankly, I think putting a housekeeping staff member in the same job classification as a cashier is VERY ridiculous.

The cashier isn't cleaning the shower, scrubbing the toilet, or going above and beyond to make sure that our room is in tip top shape before, during, and after our stay.

And I am going to use this last opportunity vent about people who think that housekeeping is there to clean up after them. If you wouldn't do it at your own home (throwing trash on the floor) don't do it when you are on vacation.

 

[taaren]

I believe that very person should have to work retail, food service, or another service type position before pursing a professional career. Everyone would treat those people a LOT better if everyone could relate.

This is something I say often to everybody I know. Well more along the lines of you should be required to work a service job in order to use services, and if you don't you don't get a card that allows you to eat out and use retail, instead stay at home and order everything off the internet so people don't have to be subjected to your non-understanding of what the service industry is like.

To even suggest that eventually that people will tip cashiers etc is total bull.

I don't think that was the point Dean was trying to make. Not to put words in his mouth, but I think the point was that its a systemic flaw. My soapbox: Americans have more tipped positions and get worse service than many other countries that have gratuities built into the system because then those service people consider it worthy of being a career rather than something to help them squeak by while moving onto something better. I, for one, would rather pay a built-in-gratuity to a professional waitperson than have to figure out how much to tip the out-of-work actor/actress who is waiting my table atm and more interested in their next audition than being a professional restaurateur.

 

[Dean]

To even suggest that eventually that people will tip cashiers etc is total bull.

If someone is providing a service it is not simply a transactional encounter. The cashier on main street is taking my money - and making sure that I found everything I wanted to buy - and taking my money. That is a transactional relationship.

I agree with the other poster that says that if someone is going to clean the TOILET after my family and I (it's usually just DW and I as we don't have kids) then they deserve a tip IMHO.

I believe that very person should have to work retail, food service, or another service type position before pursing a professional career. Everyone would treat those people a LOT better if everyone could relate.

I can relate to those employees whose soul job is to make things clean, fresh, and welcoming when I arrive, while I stay, and when I depart so they have a little extra motivation to do something great for the next guest.

SO, what's the next thing - you won't want to top you valet? You won't want to tip your wait staff? etc etc

We are talking a few dollars here for most people. For both of our Wilderness Lodge Concierge stays (one we paid for - another was a free upgrade) we tipped $5.00 a day - and we had FANTASTIC service. WE had multiple towel animals, soft music, and other really nice things that went above and beyond every day of our stay.

We still tip now that we are DVC members, and we always will as long as the level of service is up to Disney standards! If a room is not clean when we check in, we will NOT tip the person that comes to clean our room after the fact. The room should have been clean to start with.

So standards are standards - and NO - I will never tip a cashier for simply taking me money. And frankly, I think putting a housekeeping staff member in the same job classification as a cashier is VERY ridiculous.

The cashier isn't cleaning the shower, scrubbing the toilet, or going above and beyond to make sure that our room is in tip top shape before, during, and after our stay.

And I am going to use this last opportunity vent about people who think that housekeeping is there to clean up after them. If you wouldn't do it at your own home (throwing trash on the floor) don't do it when you are on vacation.

As Taaron noted, I do feel the system is flawed and there is no clear place to draw the line on who you tip and who you do not. To be more simplistic and closer to home and as pointed out earlier in this thread, there are many others at WDW who provide a service directly for the DVC members that you or I do not tip and often make less than the housekeepers. While I agree there are standards, they apply to those who are in tipped positions and who's final pay assumes they will be tipped. That is not the case for housekeeping at any timeshare in the US that I can think of and only part of the hotels. I know of a number of exceptions out of the US. I think if we want to use the standards as the guide in this case, that would mean not to tip rather than to tip but I could see how it could be interpreted either way.