Tipping Concierge....

[nasmith]

Hi- Just back from 10 days at Poly and AKL Concierge- and while there, we asked if it was okay to tip the concierge staff- we were told at both places that it was okay (In fact, a very nice gesture) and that they have a "shared tip" policy (any gifts or tips given to one CM are pooled and shared with the rest of the conceirge staff). So- if you are given outstanding service by your concierge staff- feel free to tip them.

If you prefer to send gifts as a thank-you, instead of tipping - then keep the "sharing" in mind when selecting your gifts - I noticed concierge trying to split up a gift basket of lotions and such amongst themselves (sneakily, of course) and they were having a hard time trying to do that equitably. Also- keep in mind that concierge is surrounded by cookies, chocolates and other desserts all day long (What do you think becomes of the leftovers??)
- so a gift basket of cookies (while a generous thought, and something I certainly would enjoy) may not be the best choice for them.
We tipped the concierge staff as we left for their outstanding service!! They were very appreciative. Just thought I'd write this thread, because I've noticed this topic come up frequently in the past...Jill

 

[Cris]

well it goes into a tip fund and then they will have a pizza party with it but that is the only way they share it.

 

[patattack]

Just a quick question as we are staying a BC concierge from 1/1 to 1/4. What is an appropriate amount for them & also for housekeeping service?

 

[sparp5]

We stayed at the BC concierge this Nov. This is how we handled the tipping. I left 4 dollars everyday for the maid in the mousekeeping envelopes and 2 dollars every nite for the turn down services (they were two different people). I sent a American Express gift card to our itinerary planner prior to our arrival and for the concierge staff since some we really never got to meet I made envelopes and tipped the ones that assisted us during our vacation (25 dollars per person). The service and the satff were excellent at the BC. After we got home I sent them off a gift basket for the whole staff nothing fancy just a token of our appreciation.

Enjoy you visit I'm sure you'll love the BC.

 

[princess angel]

hey Cris,... what do you mean?

I was under the impression that the concierge staff was not to accept cash tips...and alwasy go nuts trying to come up with unique ideas of gifts they will like and wont be a waste. however, what would anyone want more than $$$$...?

if it is true that they can accept cash, that would make my life easier, and the concierge staff happier!

Laura

 

[nasmith]

Laura- Last week while we were there, they had absolutely NO problem accepting the cash we gave them- in fact they seemed thrilled!!!

I was under the same impression as you- I had read the boards and thought that cash was a no-no (some folks posted about them having to decline a tip 3 times, others said they couldn't accept more than a certain amount, still others said no cash); but I am here to tell you that they certainly DO accept cash tips (in amounts to at least $50 since that's what we gave them on our last day). That's the reason I started this thread in the first place.

I wish I had done some envelopes like Sparp5 as that seems classier- but I didn't think about that in advance (just my mousekeeping envelopes)- but the concierge did say that they pool the money for group events and group presents (maybe more than pizza partys- although my Husband the pizza-fanatic thought a pizza party a day would be a swell thing!). Hope that helps- Jill

 

[Cris]

Well if they accepting the tips they should be turning them into there managers, it is under union contract that if they are a non tipped position they can be terminated for accepting a tip and not turning it in to a general fund that can be used for holiday parties.

 

[nasmith]

Chris- Sorry If I mislead you - everyone we tipped made it clear that the money was pooled, and shared by everyone else for group activites- so I'm sure that they were giving it to their manager - No one tried to pocket the money. They were still thrilled - so they must use it for something fun!! Jill

 

[Mad4Mickey]

I tried to tip 2 people that helped me out every single day at the WL Conceigre and they refused it . It was a only $50.00 each but they would not take it . I was thinking that the next time I go I would stop at one of the resturants and get some gift cards to bring with me when I checked in .
I will try to tip cash again next visit , maybe something has changed since Oct.

Wishing all a Tagged night
Mishell

 

[tnkrbell]

On are last two trips to Yacht concierge None of the staff in the lounge would take a tip from us!!!! My husband actually put a tip in someones pocket and they took it out and handed it back!!!!!!
As far as the front desk I never asked them to go beyond maybe making a ps for a resteraunt so I did not tip them or attempt too (Isnt that part of staying concierge??)
But I did make sure to write a letter to the manager to let them know the excelent staff them have!!
Cant wati to try out the bc concierge only a few more days!!!!

 

[nasmith]

We were there Dec. 19 - 29, 2003 - and saw other people tipping them cash - so that's when we asked (because I was under the impression that they didn't accept cash tips) and was told that they can accept cash tips (see above). It was no big secret- None of the concierge were pocketing the money or hiding it from their fellow employees - so I maybe it was a policy change?? Or a holiday thing?? I can only report our recent experiences! Have a wonderful trip Tink- wish I were going back now that I'm home with so much stuff to launder and put away! Maybe I need to plan another trip to cheer myself up!!! Jill

 

[tnkrbell]

Hi Nasmith, sorry about having to do the post trip laundry I HATE that also!! I swear sometimes I leave my lugage sitting on the floor in the bedroom till I NEED clothes!! lol You need to start planning another trip it will help you feel better.

I think you made a good point I bet because of the holidays it could be considered "gifts"???? rather then tips??
Ohwell I will try to tip again this trip and see what happens.
Ya know I still havent heard from the concierge staff not even by mail??? I made these new ressies before x-mas?? I better call and check to make sure everthing is ok.