Tipping at Universal resorts

[virginflyer]

I believe when you are in a different country, you should always respect that countries culture (when in Rome and all that) and being a UK resident, when in the US, sometimes it's difficult to know exactly how much to tip and the proper procedure for doing it.

We generally dont tip as much in the service industry over here. Not because we are reluctant to spend! but mainly because it just isn't our way of life and in servers etc get paid a fixed wage.

Therefore, what would you deem appropriate when tipping at the resorts?

This is a basic rundown on what we have done in the past and we would like advice if we are going wrong somewhere:

Meals - Usually 20%. Left in cash on the table at the end of the meal. Have also tipped 30% for outstanding service.

Valet at HRH - $5.00 to guy who returns the car. (should this also be when he collects it?)

Maid- $3-5 per day left on the drawer in the room.

In a Bar- As a general rule, I usually tip $1.00 per drink or 20% if we a running a tab. Would you usually leave the tip on the bar?

Taxis ????

Cheers

 

[daywalker]

For us:
Meals 15-20%. Leave tip on table but we use our CC more these days so just stick it on that.
Drinks, $1 a drink or 15-20% of the tab total. leaving the tip on the bar or if using CC as above.
Never used a Valet.
Maid usually $2 a night (two of us in the room and we leave our room tidy anyway)
Taxis usually 10%.

 

[johnvree]

At full server restaurants, tips are generally 15%. Buffets are a little less, I think 10%. We usually tip well too, especially for good service.

I give the valet $2-3 and house keeping $5 per day.

By the way, it is customary to tip people $100 for responding to posts on these boards. I will send you my billing info

 

[gopack]

When we were at HRH a month ago they were adding 15% tip to all bills at the poolside bar. We ate dinner out there every night. Some servers point out the fact that gratuity is included and some don't. I just wanted to make you aware of that!

 

[disneyfreakk]

you seem to have the tipping part down pat! However, you left out the bellhops..... $1 to $3 per peice of luggage ( depending on size ) If you are ever in a situation where you are unsure of whether or not to tip just ask " is it customary to tip?" the standard rate for a tip in the US is 15% - 20%.

Also do not feel as though you HAVE to tip for bad service!! If you are ever in a situation where the service is below par then dont tip. However, anytime we do not tip I always tell them why. They can not correct the problem if they are unaware there is one.

 

[kevin harrison]

Surely you don't give $5 to a car valet ?, bloody hell!, I'd be tipping $30 a day as I was always in and out of the hotel!! last time I was told to tip a $1 each time