Mousekeeping

[MamaCrush]

Hopefully this question isn't out of line, but how much should we tip Mousekeeping??? I don't want to insult them by leaving too little! And, when do you put out the envelopes and where is a good place to do so??

 

[Deb & Bill]

Housekeeping is not a tipped position, so no need to tip them anything. Unless they do something special for you.

If you are staying 7 nights or fewer, you'll only get them on your fourth day to replace the towels and remove the trash.

 

[jekjones1558]

There is a lot of diversity of opinion on the subject of tipping. Here are the results of a poll on the issue:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2120681&highlight=tipping+poll

The non-scientific poll shows that some tip nothing but many do tip. On previous threads DVCers who tip seem to leave anywhere from $5 - $20 on trash/towel day and $10 - $35 on check-out or full cleaning day. Folks generally tip less for a studio and more for a 3 bedroom. So whatever you decide to do you will be in good company.
I print special Disney mousekeeping envelopes before I leave home so there is no mistake that the money is a tip. I leave it either on the kitchen counter or the bathroom vanity. Here is a link to the envelope template:
http://www.themouseforless.com/downloads/trip/mousekeeping.shtml

 

[SamSam]

You will find varying opinions on tipping. I believe in tipping housekeeping for a variety of reasons. Basically this is what I tip (less than some, more than others):
Studio-full cleaning- $5.00
One bedroom - full cleaning - $10.00

It is just Dh and I, and we always keep our room very neat; otherwise we would tip more.

 

[disneynutz]

Do what ever feels right to you.

Personally, we don't tip anyone unless they "plus it" as Walt used say.

 

[iluveeyore]

We didn't use to tip - I will be this year. I just wanted to pipe in on behalf of the maids themselves - I worked for exactly 6 weeks as a housekeeper in a local four star hotel, and let me tell you it's the hardest job you can imagine. I know it doesn't seem like much changing sheets, cleaning a bathroom, etc. But I was on a time limit, did a minimum of 11 rooms in a 7 hour shift, and I was beat. Everything hurt and I was exhausted. I had to leave due to me being 'older' and my body couldn't handle the bending, the scrubbing on your knees and the time limit. The mousekeepers that do a full clean work hard - the jacuzzi tubs alone are brutal on the back (I know, I did 9 in one shift). You have to remember that they're not only cleaning your room, but doing it all day long. Now I have a lot more respect for how much hard work is involved, especially for those that do a good job. And finding a tip is like Christmas morning - really puts a spring in your step as you're only getting a few bucks per room with the hourly wage they make.
And don't just leave cash laying out unless it's the day you check out - if I saw money on the desk during a 'stayover', I was never sure if it was for me or the guest just left it out. A thank you note or an envelope labelled with the money is less confusing.
So for our two week stay in a two bedroom, our mousekeeper will be getting a tip in a cutely decorated envelope with a thank you note for the hard work they do!!!!

 

[MamaCrush]

Thank you so much for all the responses. This gives me all the information I need to consider. But in this economy, and with feeling so blessed to even be members of DVC and traveling to Disney several times this year, I guess I'd like to do something nice for those who make my stays special.

 

[MamaCrush]

I print special Disney mousekeeping envelopes before I leave home so there is no mistake that the money is a tip. I leave it either on the kitchen counter or the bathroom vanity. Here is a link to the envelope template:
http://www.themouseforless.com/downloads/trip/mousekeeping.shtml

Thanks so much for the link! I'll definitely use one!

 

[wdw1972]

Housekeeping is not a tipped position, so no need to tip them anything. Unless they do something special for you.

If you are staying 7 nights or fewer, you'll only get them on your fourth day to replace the towels and remove the trash.

This is correct. I used to work for Marriott Hotels (exec mgt) and I can assure you housekeepers are NOT tipped positions. They make at least minimum wage, just like the people at McDonald's. If they clean your room, then they're doing the job they're paid to do.