Tipping for in-room dining

[MickaMaizie]

Since they add 18% service charge and then a $3.00 delivery charge do you leave a tip? If so how much do you tip? Thanks for your help

 

[skiwee1]

I don't tip because it is included.

 

[RoLaren]

I don't think that the 'service charge' is a tip the server gets, is it? I always tip as I would dining in a restaurant. A little more if the service is extra special.

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by RoLaren
I don't think that the 'service charge' is a tip the server gets, is it? I always tip as I would dining in a restaurant. A little more if the service is extra special.

On the Poly room service menu it lists an included fee that says it is gratuity. To me, gratuity is a tip.

 

[dreamflight99]

Most all hotels/resorts offering room service began including the tip as a standard charge some years ago, as most persons were NOT tipping.

Therefore, most room service charges will include, a delivery charge (*for the property), state taxes, and a gratuity or "SERVICE CHARGE" for the server.

Of course, you may add additional gratuity if you feel so inclined (I usually do, as I find 18% insufficient for the preparation and delivery of such a special/convenient service. I also order things such as champagne, etc., which is usually opened and poured by the room service attendant. I tip cash whenever I do this, which is greatly appreciated.

I also tip on every "complimentary" service I receive. For example, I am flying Upper Class on VA airlines this Winter, RT from LAX to LHR. I just called the Premier service team reservation number, to schedule my complimetary/inclusive Limousine service to/from the airport. There is no limit on this service, which is amazing/wonderful (includes the entire STATE of Calif to the nearest Metro airport..and the same for all of London). I will be picked~up at my door, and delivered to the Virgin Area at LAX, likewise in London. I will be using it a total of four times, and will be sure to "tip" generously each time. I sincerely appreciate the luxury/convenience such a service provides. Many people deem this a pre-paid part of the excessive price charged for such a level of service and/or class of travel. I, on the other hand, "appreciate" this service, and do not view it as merely an entitlement. The airline makes the money, and the person driving the limo "depends" on gratuity for additional income (sometimes VITAL income).

Hope this helps!

TTFN...DF99

 

[kirkharrod]

The Waiter's rule of thumb is:

The amount of spit in your next order of food is inversely proportional to the amount of tip you left on your last order.

 

[CaliforniaDreamer]

Dreamflight99, I totally agree with you. Tips must be given regardless of whether the guest is paying for the item or not. If there is a discount for some reason, the tip should be based on the actual cost of the item. I also think people who share meals should tip as if they had ordered normally.

And I've heard that cash is preferred to adding the tip to a credit card.

BTW, I sent you a long PM describing my Virgin Upper Class suite experience to London several days ago. Did you get it?


(ooh, the news just said cell phones are now banned in public libraries! Yea!)

 

[webray]

The 18% is a tip the server gets, the $3 service charge he probably doesn't. Our room service server got a great tip this weekend..as hubby didn't realize the tip was included and tipped him all over again..ugh!

 

[MamaQuack]

I always tip extra for room service. We often get breakfast in our room at the YC. Over the years we have met and come to know a wonderful "room server". He literally gets things to us within 10 minutes but often in 5 - no matter how busy, or what time of day. He is a saint. At Christmas he actually refused a $20 tip until I insisted it would be his gift. Over the years he has told me that yes cash tips are much appreciated and that they do not receive the full 18%. I too agree with other posts that room service is a wonderful treat and, good service should always be rewarded.

 

[Bracho]

The way I do things is if I call and order something or I place an order for the next morning, if it arrives early (or on time in the morning) then I chip in a few more $$$ for the effort. If it arrives late, they get what has been added to the bill. Everyone needs a few extras bucks in the pocket every now and then and living in Las Vegas, the value of a tip is well known.

 

[dreamflight99]

Originally posted by CaliforniaDreamer
Dreamflight99, I totally agree with you. Tips must be given regardless of whether the guest is paying for the item or not. If there is a discount for some reason, the tip should be based on the actual cost of the item. I also think people who share meals should tip as if they had ordered normally.

And I've heard that cash is preferred to adding the tip to a credit card.

We AGREE! And, on Everything from complimentary resort shuttles (aside from WDW transportation), car rental shuttles, etc. I ALWAYS tip! I tip bellman for hailing me a cab in San Francisco, take-out orders from restaurants (as the person/bartender/etc. has to go "prepare" the take-out order and insure everything is perfect), and even tip valet "coming and going" (^_^). CASH Gratuity...makes the WORLD GO 'ROUND!

I have not read my pm's....I'll do this ASAP! TIA for the message/info.

DF99