Gratuities in the Villas

[sjcampbl]

I have seen a few threads on the other boards regarding gratuities, but am wondering how this applies to DVC (1st trip coming up in January).

Are there bellmen like at the hotels? How is your luggage handled at OKW and VWL as well as the other resorts?

There seems to be a real passion for tipping the maid service. Since we don't really get more than a trash/towel service, does this apply?

Is there valet service at any of the resorts (OKW & VWL specifically)?

Thanks.

 

[DebbieB]

All the DVC resorts have bellmen.

Valet car service is at DVC resorts attached to a WDW resort (BW, WL, BC). OKW does not have it and I don't believe SSR does either.

It's up to your discretion if you want to tip housekeeping.

 

[tjkraz]

WDW does not consider housekeeping to be a tipped position. That said, many people DO tip, while others do not and really shouldn't feel any obligation.

Even if you only get the T&T service during your stay, just remember that someone does clean your room before you arrive.

If you search the boards, you'll turn up extensive threads regarding tipping validity and amounts for housekeeping, valet and bellmen.

 

[kathleena]

Agreed that WDW does not consider housekeeping to be a tipped position.

This last trip I called housekeeping and asked, if the position is not tipped what happens if a tip is left.

They said

1) Leave a tip if you have exceptional service and want to recognize it, otherwise they consider it non-tipped (as opposed to valet and bell services who are paid less per hour and make it up in tips)

2) The cash tip will go to the person who cleans the room and finds it. So if the exceptional service was for a prior cleaning - be sure you get the name of the person you want it to go to and leave it for them. I would do this with the front desk personally!

With this answer - I will still not tip T&T. I just can't see tipping because someone takes out the trash (which we usually do anyway) and changes the towels. I haven't decided if I will change my mind about tipping for full service. I'm not sure that cleaning the room to my expectations would be "exceptional service". But I did make the call to see if I should reconsider, so that's what I'm doing.

I know a lot on the board tip all the time and I respect their decision, but so far I'm not convinced.

 

[jekjones1558]

As you have probably deciphered, tipping of mousekeepers is completely a personal decision, so whatever you decide will be fine. I feel that virtually every maid on earth is underpaid, so I just printed out envelopes to leave our tips during our upcoming trips. If you choose to tip it is fun to use these envelopes. Here is a link:

Mousekeeping envelopes