Another one which always troubles me, is: do you tip the valet guy when he takes your car away, or only when they bring it back? We always do both as I hate to think of anyone being left out. We always leave a tip for the maid each day. Still not sure what is the right amount for that, either. We usually leave $3 a day. Is that enough?
I'd hate to tip short, but I really only want to give a really good tip when we get outstanding service - like the valet guy who jumped into one of the resort cars at PBH to take us across to Tcoup Chop in the mother of all thunder storms. There were no water taxis, no cabs and no buses. We asked him to get us a cab and he just said, "I'll get a car". We gave him $20.
Is $1 a bag still considered the going rate? We were paying that when we first started visiting the US over 10 years ago. And are you expected to tip more if you're staying in an upmarket resort? I think dh tipped the guys at PBH $15 each way for our 2 cases and 3 small bags (cosmetic case, camera bag and small holdall). Checking in to and out of hotels is a big expense for us!