Tipping - Mousekeeping & Restaurants

[stacy87]

I'm sure this question has been asked already, but I haven't come across anything, so am hoping someone can help me!

I was wondering what is standard to tip the Mousekeeping staff per day? I understand most people set aside tips daily for staff in envelopes, so was hoping to get those ready for when we go.

Also, what is recommended for tipping in restaurants - and do you tip for counter service?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Kath2003]

I go with $1 per person in the room each day; more if you're messy

Tipping - 15-20% as standard; no need for counter service.

 

[howlongtillsummer?]

Beat me to it I am going to fill up my mousekeeping envelopes before we go if I can get enough change together.

 

[Kath2003]

Do many people leave envelopes? I leave a note saying "thank you" on the bedside table and a few bucks there on morning one. From then on I just replace the couple of dollars on the bedside table each morning. We don't leave cash lying around the room so it's obvious what is meant for the housekeeping staff.

 

[stacy87]

I go with $1 per person in the room each day; more if you're messy

Tipping - 15-20% as standard; no need for counter service.

Thank you! I'm a clean person, but not sure about my friend yet! lol So may end up tipping more for that!

 

[howlongtillsummer?]

I don't suppose you would have to leave an envelope - I just want to make some up with my daughter - there are some lovely ones to print online. Honestly I am sure they don't care what way the money comes to them!!

 

[2Tiggies]

I don't leave envelopes. Also don't leave cash lying around the room. I buy tourist type UK postcards and pop the change on it with a thank you addressed to Mousekeeping, which I leave on the bed nearest the door so it's obvious.

We are relatively clean and tidy, but as it is just 2 of us and I feel a bit bad leaving a meagre $2 per day, I usualy give a little more. That said, some days we really don't need anything done to our room and every 4-5 days I leave the sign on the door so that they don't bother.

Just a caution on the topic of tip envelopes: they are fine for House/Mousekeeping, but general advice is not to use them in restaurants as they often land in the trash by accident with napkins and paper. Best to give it to the server in hand if paying the tip in cash.

 

[2Tiggies]

I don't suppose you would have to leave an envelope - I just want to make some up with my daughter - there are some lovely ones to print online. Honestly I am sure they don't care what way the money comes to them!!

What website are you using for the tip envelopes? My DD doesnt know we are going and won't find out until we get to the airport. It had crossed my mind to take some nice little plain envelopes, stickers, pens and let her make them on the plane (pass at least one of the 9 hours .... ). Just wondering if I could find a few "outline" designs that she could colour in.

 

[orlandothebeagle]

Do you have a printer at home, you could print disney stuff on envelopes

 

[Shazzie B]

If you 'google' Mousekeeping envelopes you find a site called something like 'The Mouse for Less'. They have envelopes to print as well as other stuff, disney colouring, word searches etc that are ideal for amusing kids on the flight with a Disney theme.

http://themouseforless.com/downloads.shtml

 

[2Tiggies]

Oh thanks you two. I forgot about themouseforless! I used it a fair amount for our last year's trip. I remember all the cool stuff to make. Will pop on there this evening and look and see.

 

[wayneg]

For restaurants its usually 15-20%
Mousekeeping is not technically a tipped position, they earn a wage, unlike staff in dining rooms (they still earn a minimum wage but its minimal) so totally your choice if you want to leave them something but they don't expect it like the dining rooms.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Depends on the level and quality of service. I don't buy into the % thing necessarily, I just think it depends especially at restaurants on how you are looked after.
Cannot comment on 'mousekeeping' as we have never been mouse-kept, if you know what I mean.

 

[ScotScroogeMcDuck]

Is it ok to leave mousekeeping their tips in change or is that insulting??

 

[UKDEB]

Do many people leave envelopes?

We never have. We just leave dollar bills and have never returned to the room to find it still there!

Just a caution on the topic of tip envelopes: they are fine for House/Mousekeeping, but general advice is not to use them in restaurants as they often land in the trash by accident with napkins and paper. Best to give it to the server in hand if paying the tip in cash.

In the US it isn't usual to hand the tip to the server; rather to leave it on the table.

Is it ok to leave mousekeeping their tips in change or is that insulting??

Not insulting, but I'm not sure they'd realise it's for them. As I mentioned, we've never experienced a problem with housekeeping understanding that the dollar bills are there for them, but they never touch any change lying around. I suppose you could leave a note or use the envelopes.

 

[Kath2003]

I had never heard of using envelopes until I came to this board; to be honest I'm not about to drag 10 envelopes half way around the world

Also remember to tip bar staff - $1 per drink is pretty standard (although we sometimes tip by the evening rather than by the drink ).