Tipping at hotels

[JUJU814]

Well, first of all, and I'm sorry if I missed it already posted, but where did you read they made the same as other park workers?

Second, I think a mousekeeper should be tipped as opposed to the cashier because the mousekeepers are cleaning up after people in the bathrooms, picking up dirty towels, changing sheets people slept in and did lord knows what ese in etc. It's not the most pleasant job. Not that it's pleasant if a cashier has to deal with a jerk customer or something, but generally, mousekeeping is providing much more of a *service* than others.

You don't have to tip them and I'm sure hundreds and thousands don't. It's just 1)customary and 2) a nice gesture.

Kindness goes a long way. You don't HAVE to tip anyone. I like to tip. Ya never know if that $5 or $10 bucks you left for someone really made their day and could have really helped them out in some way.

I had a waitress once that accidentally spilled a whole glass of sprite on me. It was at Christmas time at the mall and she was sooooooo upset. She was *really* upset about it. I wasn't thrilled myself but I felt so bad for her having a bad day. I left her $20 for a tip on a $25 meal just because I wanted to and to let her know that I thought she was a really nice waitress..spilled drink or not.

Who cares. If you feel it is included in your costs, which it IS, then don't leave one. They're not going to hunt you down! LOL Neither will anyone here. But if asked and when discussed in a public forum, we all have our strong opinions!

Julie

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

Ok... this might be a dumb question but help me out here. I have never used the DDP before but will be using it in Sept since it was free. I have read , I think,that gratuity is added to your bill (18%) or is at least added as a recommendation on the bill when you pay. I realize for parties of a certain size that is done almost everywhere but what about smaller parties or individuals? I generally leave a 20% tip ( if all went well) but have left less if the service was not what it should have been. Any thoughts?

There's a whole thread on the Restaurants Board for Tipping Questions, because they tend to get heated, as you can see from this one!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1870320

To generally answer your question, if you are a party less than 6, your bill will have 2 "suggested" tip amounts printed on it, 18% and 20%. You can leave a cash tip in whatever amount you choose, or use a credit card or room charge to pay the tip. Write in the amount you wish to leave; the 18% and 20% are guidelines for the mathematically challenged or visitors that are not familiar with US tipping customs.

 

[livie1205]

I pick up after myself because I do not like having strangers in our room while we are checked in...that what I prefer...not that I like making my own bed I just dont want anyone in my room with all of our things...I hang the no service sign and leave it there...I also let them know at check in that we do not want maid service,we hang our towels and when we need new ones I go to housekeeping and ask for them.It has nothing to do with not wanting to tip it is about wanting privacy....I tip the last day when we check out.

I would never ever call a total stranger on a disney board that I have never met CHEAP for not wanting to tip anyone.....it is not my concern, I worry about MY family and what WE do not what someone else does on their vacation, and yes a few posts did sound like they were telling someone not to go on vacation....the nerve of some people I guess being in the south us ladies were always taught if you do not have someting nice to say dont say it....(or say it behind their back lol (just kidding)

 

[dbriggsq]

Maybe just me but I tip almost all service personnel.

Martin

But you don't tip people who serve you in a shop or load you onto a ride - these people can go 'above and beyond' - perhaps going into the back to look for something special for you or giving you and unexpected fastpass (as happened to me once). I'm sure I've read that these people are paid the same as housekeepers.

 

[dbriggsq]

I would never ever call a total stranger on a disney board that I have never met CHEAP for not wanting to tip anyone.....it is not my concern, I worry about MY family and what WE do not what someone else does on their vacation, and yes a few posts did sound like they were telling someone not to go on vacation....the nerve of some people I guess being in the south us ladies were always taught if you do not have someting nice to say dont say it....(or say it behind their back lol (just kidding)

Livie - thanks for this - I was beginning to think I was a monster

 

[ols386]

I had never even heard of tipping housekeeping until I joined these boards....so obviously I've never tipped housekeeping (at WDW or any other hotels), but I can say that I'm not going to begin tipping Mousekeeping just because some individuals on this site say that's what we're supposed to do, or because it's customary, or because it's nice, or polite, or whatever. It's fine for everyone to have their own opinion, or do whatever they want to do when it comes to tipping housekeeping......but to call people (that you don't even know), cheap because they don't tip housekeeping, or that someone should just NOT go on vacation if they are not going to tip, is narrow-minded thinking. So, next time I go to WDW.....maybe I'll tip mousekeeping....or maybe I won't. But whichever choice I make, it's my own choice to make.....just as it is with everyone else.

 

[rainwatter]

But you don't tip people who serve you in a shop or load you onto a ride - these people can go 'above and beyond' - perhaps going into the back to look for something special for you or giving you and unexpected fastpass (as happened to me once). I'm sure I've read that these people are paid the same as housekeepers.

unless he's from "My Blue Heaven"......

but seriously, I was thinking the same thing. And for all of those posts "but they clean the toilet".... what about the people who clean the toilets in the park, talk about a NASTY job... and I bet the only tip they get is the loose change that falls on the floor.

Don't get me wrong, I am happy to tip the waitstaff (so they don't spit in my food) and the housekeeping (so they don't put itch powder in my sheets) but I would never call out another person who chooses to see/act differently.

 

[livie1205]

I had never even heard of tipping housekeeping until I joined these boards....so obviously I've never tipped housekeeping (at WDW or any other hotels), but I can say that I'm not going to begin tipping Mousekeeping just because some individuals on this site say that's what we're supposed to do, or because it's customary, or because it's nice, or polite, or whatever. It's fine for everyone to have their own opinion, or do whatever they want to do when it comes to tipping housekeeping......but to call people (that you don't even know), cheap because they don't tip housekeeping, or that someone should just NOT go on vacation if they are not going to tip, is narrow-minded thinking. So, next time I go to WDW.....maybe I'll tip mousekeeping....or maybe I won't. But whichever choice I make, it's my own choice to make.....just as it is with everyone else.

 

[JUJU814]

Ummm, I don't know about most of you, but I've stayed in many, many, many hotels/motels that have housekeeping tip envelopes in the room...like, almost every place I've stayed at EXCEPT Disney! It's still your own choice whether you use it or not, but am I alone here or was I seeing things? It's not something you're told at check in but the envelope has always been there...

also if you want to tip a housekeeper that is your CHOICE and not a tipped postion but do not tell others what they should do.When you pay for a hotel room in includes housekeeping (not that i use it) but I have never been told at check in please feel free to tip your housekeepers! NEVER...

As far as the bathroom attendants at the parks, when I go to a public restroom that has a bathroom attendant, I usually tip them too. Many even have tip jars. If I don't have a dollar bill on me, I don't sweat it.

When I was in europe you had to PAY to use the public restrooms!

Julie

 

[snykymom]

Sorry if you all thought my post was rude. But I stand by my position. I think it's more than rude to say, "Oh, I'll go on an expensive vacation, but since I'm on a budget, I'll stiff the poeple who can least afford it rather than adjust my plans."

(And yes, I do tip people who go above and beyond, including those who assist on rides, etc. And if they refuse the tips, which they frequently do, I'll ask for their name & their manager's name and write a note praising their service.)

Now, if someone like a Disney CM can tell me that mousekeeping is a non-tipped position, and that they get paid according to the same scale as cashiers, etc., I'll take back everything I've said.

 

[smidgy]

Don't get me wrong, I am happy to tip the waitstaff (so they don't spit in my food) and the housekeeping (so they don't put itch powder in my sheets) but I would never call out another person who chooses to see/act differently.

as a waitress, I would NEVER spit in anyone's food!!!! even if they treat me like an indentured servant! I have served customers who were just plain rude, cruel, and impossible. i still gave them the best service (even the repeat customers who I KNOW will act this way). I'm glad you thought you got a joke in at us service personnel's expense, but PLEASE do not perpetuate this attitude towards us hard working people. we are in this profession not only to make money but because we actually ENJOY it. 99% of my repeat customers come back because I gave them a fun, enjoyable dining "experience". (you can just "eat dinner" at home).

since this board is about tipping opinions, I DO feel free to "call out" someone who feels free to NOT tip. I will be, "oh, so friendly and smiley" to the customers who don't tip, or tip VERY little... AT work. but I WILL state my opinions on a tipping board. remember, the OP asked HOW MUCH to tip. suddenly, numerous posters feel free to post their opinions that they shouldn't tip. those of us that depend on tips for most of our income NEED to post our opinions to prevent erroneous info from interferring with our income. (It's a never ending battle... sigh!)

 

[smidgy]

I normally tip at the end of the week, but friends were saying you should tip every day since you may not have the same cleaning staff. Also, how much for a family of 4 is appropiate? I tend to overtip. Thanks for any help!

see what I mean? she was NOT asking whether or NOT to tip. she was confused (as I once was) about the mousekeeping schedule. I also didn't realize that you had a dif. maid every day. now that I know, I tip on the few days we use the service, and nicely at the end. and she wasn't asking if it was a tipping position, just "how much?"

what a considerate guest!!!! she didn't realize she was giving "AD" space to those who advocate no tipping. so, NATURALLY, those who want to chime in and talk people OUT of tipping will get negative responses..

and, yes, tips should be considred in any budget, be it a disney vacation, a cruise, or just an evening out at, say Red Lobster, or a breakfast at Denny's.

 

[mhconley]

When I find someone cleaning a restroom I will actively engage them in conversation and I do tip them. It amazes me that most people ignore them like they don't even exist. Most I have talked to welcome the chat and my sincere thanks for their usually thankless job, and if they don't accept the tip in person I'll leave it on their cart.

As I said, I try to tip almost all service personnel that go above and beyond in their job. That includes especially helpful salesclerks, etc. If they do not accept the tip then I try to find another way to recognize them, a word to their supervisor, a comment card recognizing the person by name, etc. A little kindness goes a long way...

Martin

 

[dbriggsq]

Sorry if you all thought my post was rude. But I stand by my position. I think it's more than rude to say, "Oh, I'll go on an expensive vacation, but since I'm on a budget, I'll stiff the poeple who can least afford it rather than adjust my plans."

(And yes, I do tip people who go above and beyond, including those who assist on rides, etc. And if they refuse the tips, which they frequently do, I'll ask for their name & their manager's name and write a note praising their service.)

Now, if someone like a Disney CM can tell me that mousekeeping is a non-tipped position, and that they get paid according to the same scale as cashiers, etc., I'll take back everything I've said.

If you have a look at his page you can see the hourly rates for various employees.

http://www.disney.go.com/DisneyCareers/wdwcareers/hourly/

I thought this board was for people to express their opinions about various subjects and give their reasons for those opinions. That is totally different from criticising a person just because they have different opinions from yourself - especially when you know nothing about that person's background, circumstances etc.

I'm quite happy to listen to advice, suggestions, opinions, reasons and to give my own opinions but I am not happy to be called 'cheap' or told to stay at home - that is a personal criticism

 

[JUJU814]

So then housekeeping does NOT get the "same rate" as other staff. As a matter of fact, they are on the low end of the totum pole. This was taken directly from the web link:

Compensation:
The rate of pay for most of the entry-level positions is $7.25/hour for full-time, part-time and seasonal roles. Some areas have higher pay rates such as Food & Beverage and Outdoor Foods ($7.40/hour for full-time, part-time and seasonal roles), Security ($9.45/hour for full-time, part-time and seasonal roles), Bus Driver ($9.95/hour for full-time, part-time and seasonal roles), Character Performer ($8.50/hour for full-time, part-time and seasonal roles), Resort Guest Services ($8.25/hour for full-time roles) and Culinary ($8.50 - $12.95/hour for full-time and part-time roles).

It says if you click on housekeeping $7.75 an hour. That is not much more than Florida minimum wage and it is less than minimum wage in other parts of the country. Regardless, it is FAR from compensation enough to live on.

You are from UK right? I think there may be a cultural difference here in that it is understood that tipping is viewed differently over in Europe.

I don't understand how it's so "expensive" for you to go to Disney when your 1 pound is worth 2 american dollars! When I was at Seaworld in May I met many people from UK who said they were here for extended vacation and that it was so inexpensive with the pound:dollar right now. Airfare is expensive but other than that.... I don't think it's right for people to say "stay home" but can you undersand why it might seem odd to some to see someone spending thousands of dollars on a vacation to say they can't afford a few bucks to tip the service personell? It just seems part of a vacation budget...

I don't know, when I travel to Europe I try ahead of time to find out what is customary as I try to be respectful of other cultures. It IS indeed customary to tip housekeeping in hotels here in America. If you don't want to or don't feel it's necessary, fine, that is an individual choice, but that doesn't change the fact that it's customary and appreciated, and to an extent expected since most hotels in america even leave envelopes in the rooms.

The OP asked how much to tip, not IF to tip. If you are not accustomed to tipping for such things, then it's hard for you to understand why we would just as it's difficult for American's (in general..not all) to understand why non american's do not think it's called for.


Julie

 

[Freyja]

So then housekeeping does NOT get the "same rate" as other staff. As a matter of fact, they are on the low end of the totum pole. This was taken directly from the web link:

Compensation:
The rate of pay for most of the entry-level positions is $7.25/hour for full-time, part-time and seasonal roles. Some areas have higher pay rates such as Food & Beverage and Outdoor Foods ($7.40/hour for full-time, part-time and seasonal roles), Security ($9.45/hour for full-time, part-time and seasonal roles), Bus Driver ($9.95/hour for full-time, part-time and seasonal roles), Character Performer ($8.50/hour for full-time, part-time and seasonal roles), Resort Guest Services ($8.25/hour for full-time roles) and Culinary ($8.50 - $12.95/hour for full-time and part-time roles).

It says if you click on housekeeping $7.75 an hour. That is not much more than Florida minimum wage and it is less than minimum wage in other parts of the country. Regardless, it is FAR from compensation enough to live on.

You are from UK right? I think there may be a cultural difference here in that it is understood that tipping is viewed differently over in Europe.

I don't understand how it's so "expensive" for you to go to Disney when your 1 pound is worth 2 american dollars! When I was at Seaworld in May I met many people from UK who said they were here for extended vacation and that it was so inexpensive with the pound:dollar right now. Airfare is expensive but other than that.... I don't think it's right for people to say "stay home" but can you undersand why it might seem odd to some to see someone spending thousands of dollars on a vacation to say they can't afford a few bucks to tip the service personell? It just seems part of a vacation budget...

I don't know, when I travel to Europe I try ahead of time to find out what is customary as I try to be respectful of other cultures. It IS indeed customary to tip housekeeping in hotels here in America. If you don't want to or don't feel it's necessary, fine, that is an individual choice, but that doesn't change the fact that it's customary and appreciated, and to an extent expected since most hotels in america even leave envelopes in the rooms.

The OP asked how much to tip, not IF to tip. If you are not accustomed to tipping for such things, then it's hard for you to understand why we would just as it's difficult for American's (in general..not all) to understand why non american's do not think it's called for.
Julie

Excellent point. Where I come from (Iceland, Europe) tipping is not customary. However, I would never dream of not tipping in the US where it is customary (and usually I overtip, if there is such a thing, because I definately don´t want to stiff someone) and can´t imagine spending loads of money on a vacation to a foreign country and then not being willing to tip the service personel who expect it.

 

[dbriggsq]

So then housekeeping does NOT get the "same rate" as other staff. As a matter of fact, they are on the low end of the totum pole. This was taken directly from the web link:

Compensation:
The rate of pay for most of the entry-level positions is $7.25/hour for full-time, part-time and seasonal roles. Some areas have higher pay rates such as Food & Beverage and Outdoor Foods ($7.40/hour for full-time, part-time and seasonal roles), Security ($9.45/hour for full-time, part-time and seasonal roles), Bus Driver ($9.95/hour for full-time, part-time and seasonal roles), Character Performer ($8.50/hour for full-time, part-time and seasonal roles), Resort Guest Services ($8.25/hour for full-time roles) and Culinary ($8.50 - $12.95/hour for full-time and part-time roles).

It says if you click on housekeeping $7.75 an hour. That is not much more than Florida minimum wage and it is less than minimum wage in other parts of the country. Regardless, it is FAR from compensation enough to live on.

You are from UK right? I think there may be a cultural difference here in that it is understood that tipping is viewed differently over in Europe.

I don't understand how it's so "expensive" for you to go to Disney when your 1 pound is worth 2 american dollars! When I was at Seaworld in May I met many people from UK who said they were here for extended vacation and that it was so inexpensive with the pound:dollar right now. Airfare is expensive but other than that.... I don't think it's right for people to say "stay home" but can you undersand why it might seem odd to some to see someone spending thousands of dollars on a vacation to say they can't afford a few bucks to tip the service personell? It just seems part of a vacation budget...

I don't know, when I travel to Europe I try ahead of time to find out what is customary as I try to be respectful of other cultures. It IS indeed customary to tip housekeeping in hotels here in America. If you don't want to or don't feel it's necessary, fine, that is an individual choice, but that doesn't change the fact that it's customary and appreciated, and to an extent expected since most hotels in america even leave envelopes in the rooms.

The OP asked how much to tip, not IF to tip. If you are not accustomed to tipping for such things, then it's hard for you to understand why we would just as it's difficult for American's (in general..not all) to understand why non american's do not think it's called for.


Julie

Yes but they get the same as cashiers, park castmembers, counter service outlets all of which are non-tipped positions (and presumably we don't think about tipping those) which tends to support the view that housekeepers are non-tipped positions. There doesn't seem to be an logic in it.

I wasn't intending to tell the OP not to tip - just pointing out an alternative point of view in case they thought the HAD to tip.

Yes we're from the UK and do try to respect customs - we would always tip at restaurants but I long to see a reduction in the tipping culture not an increase, which is the way it seems to be going so if a position is a non-tipped position i.e. no tip required then I will not normally tip. That doesn't mean to say that I will not express my thanks in a non-monetary way and I will certainly not make that person's job any harder than it need be.

The cost of Disney for anything other than a 2+2 UK family is very expensive - particularly in our high season which is the only time we can go.
There will be 10 of us (5 children, 3 guests) so airfares, park tickets, hotels mount up. If we followed the suggested amount for tipping housekeeping it wouldn't be 'a few bucks' it would be nearly $250 (plus around $600 budgeted for restaurant tips) There are only so many extras that we can manage and I'm afraid that something has to go.

I believe that Walt himself was rather anti-tipping - I'm sure I've read it somewhere - so if it's good enough for him it's good enough for me.

 

[rainwatter]

as a waitress, I would NEVER spit in anyone's food!!!! even if they treat me like an indentured servant! I have served customers who were just plain rude, cruel, and impossible. i still gave them the best service (even the repeat customers who I KNOW will act this way). I'm glad you thought you got a joke in at us service personnel's expense, but PLEASE do not perpetuate this attitude towards us hard working people. we are in this profession not only to make money but because we actually ENJOY it. 99% of my repeat customers come back because I gave them a fun, enjoyable dining "experience". (you can just "eat dinner" at home).

since this board is about tipping opinions, I DO feel free to "call out" someone who feels free to NOT tip. I will be, "oh, so friendly and smiley" to the customers who don't tip, or tip VERY little... AT work. but I WILL state my opinions on a tipping board. remember, the OP asked HOW MUCH to tip. suddenly, numerous posters feel free to post their opinions that they shouldn't tip. those of us that depend on tips for most of our income NEED to post our opinions to prevent erroneous info from interferring with our income. (It's a never ending battle... sigh!)

I'm sorry you took offense. My tounge was firmly planted in my cheek, and for the record, I waited tables all through college, so I am not completely unbiased/uninformed in my opinion.

What I was really trying to do was point out that there were lots of really hard, thankless, low paying, jobs that do not tip. I'm not saying you should not tip, just pointing out the inherent inconsistancies in the system and to provide some food for thought.

 

[Brise Nannie]

Oh, and DH and I usually leave $3 per day for the two of us, which may not be enough (we've super neat though, so we don't leave much for mousekeeping to do).

We leave the same ($3/day for 2 people). We're very neat also. For some reason I feel the need to straighten up the room before Mousekeeping arrives.

 

[JUJU814]

That doesn't mean to say that I will not express my thanks in a non-monetary way and I will certainly not make that person's job any harder than it need be.

I agree with that! I think a friendly face and a "thank you" always speaks more words than an obligatory monetary tip. The old saying is true "ya get more with honey than vinegar!"

Anyway, I hope that you have a wonderful vacation with your family....I hope that everyone has a wonderful vacation.

I personally have high hopes of some serious family bonding for this upcoming trip. I don't think dear old Walt wants any of us to be stressed out about visiting Mickey!

Julie