Tipping Mousekeeping

[ols386]

I don't tip because I can't afford to, I don't because mousekeeping is a non-tipped position. If others want to tip, feel free.

 

[cop502]

We are going in May. We had to book 2 rooms b/c of the amount of people that are going. We are staying at the POP and If I tipped $10 per day, I would be spending $140 for tips. That could pay for another day or so at the POP!

Call me cheap - I don't care, but if I go to a Holiday Inn or Mariott, I don't tip their housekeeping. It's their job and if they don't like it not getting tips then go find a different job. I think there are plenty of people in this economy that are willing to work with no tips. I worked for a company for 9 years (airline) with no raises, did we gripe - yes - did we do our job - yes - did I eventually leave for more money - yes!

 

[dbriggsq]

I'm sorry. Obviously you didn'y read the entire thread. I was referring to those who said they can't afford to tip. It' strikes me as odd that someone can afford a trip to Florida, stay on property, buy the food, souvenirs et al, and yet use the excuse "I can't afford to tip." It's either a lie or cop out that they can't afford the 5 or 10 dollars.

Now if they choose not to tip because it's an un-tipped position, that's fine, I don't think anything about it one way or the other. That is their choice. Either way it doesn't matter to me.

I just posted my thoughts on tipping. The first part of the post was why I felt it was good.

The last part was about people saying they couldn't afford it.

That's different than saying I choose not to.

As a family of 7 coming from the UK I would have to say we can't afford to tip housekeeping. If the norm is $1-2 per day per person that would add up to $100-$200 on top of $4000 air-fare and around $6000 room rate. These 'extras' would break the bank. We purposely avoid the 'belll boy' tip by bringing only the luggage we can carry ourselves. We have never bought any 'souvenirs'. I have had people say we shouldn't go to Disney if we can't afford to tip housekeeping - my reply would be 'how dare you say that' when housekeeping is a non-tipped position.

Again I would also say that if people continue to 'tip' housekeeping Disney may take advantage of that to make it a 'tipped' position and reduce the wages accordingly. Do you want that?

 

[3prettyprincesses]

We recently stayed at the GF, didn't tip and our housekeeping was wonderful! Everyday they left fresh towels, tons of soap, lotions, etc. and the turndown service always arranged my daughter's stuffed animals sweetly on the pillows. Frankly, I expected to see that kind of service, I am paying $350 per night to stay there. This isn't the Holiday Inn Express, know what I mean?

We've also stayed at really nice rooms in Las Vegas at The Venetian and I didn't tip there either. I assume that the cost of my hotel room includes cleaning it up. If I perceived that housekeeping went above and beyond, then I would call the front desk and praise them to no end. To me, that seems more likely to please a worker since praise for a job well done may certainly lead to a higher up opportunity or something. This is just my opinion. I could care less if people feel compelled to tip every night, that is fine with me. I'm just saying how I feel about the situaition especially since Disney isn't your "typical" hotel stay.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Funny, that's what my dd, 33, makes in a daycare facility.
You would tip daily because your housekeeper can quite possibly change over the lenght of your trip.


Rustyscupper, if I remember correctly, was a CM on the resort level...hence the knowledge regarding pay. I have also heard this pay rate posted...by someone also in a position to know.



Believe it or not, WDW housekeepers are paid fairly well considering what others in their profession are making. Is it a huge amount of money? No, absolutely not. But, it is what it is, whether or not you want to believe it.


This is about what housekeepers make on an hourly basis. This is why Disney has said that housekeeping is not considered a 'tipped position'. As someone else said, Disney expects all guests to have well cleaned, and maintained rooms....no need to tip. Everyone should be getting the exact same excellent service.
Now...before anyone questions me on how I know, for sure, that is it not a tipped position...I have asked management at BW, POP, BC, POR...they all said the exact same thing. Now, perhaps it's time they put signage up that says that...but maybe there is a reason they don't......
Do I tip??? Sometimes, if I have received extra good service, or if my housekeeper has gone out of his/her way to make my stay nicer. As a rule though, I stopped tipping years ago. And no, I have not noticed any decrease in service. In fact, some of the worst housekeeping I had was when I had started tipping on a daily basis...that came to a stop really fast!!!

Not to mention, there are many other countries where tipping is unknown..at least as far as hotel housekeeping goes. And sometimes in restaurants as well.

Thank you for posting this. I think it clears up a lot of the confusion over how much maids make, should you tip and so on.

 

[iluvdoombuggies]

We stayed at AKL in October and we left a tip for the housekeeping every morning and when we got back to our room it was always still on the counter. They never took it. I even took it out of the envelope and just left it with a note and still they left it in the room. I gave up after a few days.

 

[nicoleakr]

I really love to know the answer to the orginal question. I personally tip because I am going to be in a business that relies on tips (graduating from *** school in July that is what I will be celebrating) however if they are not allow to keep them then to me there is no point. So how do we find out for sure

 

[nanabear]

I think tipping should be allowed for several reasons. But basically, it's a show of gratitude for the service they provide over and above what they normally get paid.

If we are all honest with ourselves, all of us would like extra recognition on our jobs if we are doing well. Sometimes that results in a pay raise. But when you get that recognition, you tend to feel better about yourself and your job.

Further, for those who say, "We can't afford to tip" how in the world can you afford to make the trip to Disney, stay on site, pay for the food, but can't afford five or ten dollars over the course of your stay?

You spend that much by accident at Disney. Seems if that is the reason you don't tip, then you probably can't really afford to go in the first place.

I just think it is a way to justify not tipping, IMO.

Also, I think as much as the tipping, also important is letting not only the maid know, but also the manager of the hotel and also the corporation know how good of a job they did. If they are recognized among their peers then this will also create more of a positive attitude within the ranks of the employees.

You are so very wrong about this, and I hope other readers don't make the same assumption. Personally, I'm offended, not angry, just offended.

Just because I can afford a trip to Disney deosn't mean I have plenty of available cash when I go. As a single, handicapped mother with few resources, I start saving a year or more before I can even make a reservation, then I make it almost a year inadvance and pay a little each month. So I take my daughter my daughter to Disney maybe once every 3-4 years (although the current economy will keep us away for longer now). We collect our loose change every day and work odd jobs her and there (babysitting, dog walking, etc.) and put that money into a savings account for a vacation. It isn't easy, but we cut out every uneccessary expenditure, My daughter has never had an mp3 player, computer, Nintendo, or Wii. We do not buy clothes often or eat out. It is our choice to save for a Disney trip that will leave us with memories we'll have for the rest of our lives, unlike material things.

When we get to Disney, we split many meals, do not buy any gift shop items, and don't rent any recreational vehicles, etc.

To say we should have enough money to tip just because we can be there is a comment made out of ignorance. Please think more before you make such careless remarks.

Other DISers, forgive me if I am "flaming" someone. It isn't my style. This comment was hurtful, especially when I work so very hard to give my daughter her WDW dreams while she is young. It makes me a hard worker and a thoughtful saver, not a wealthy person who can easily spend, spend, spend.

 

[TiggerCat]

You are apparently being judgmental of my statements and reading many, many things into them that are not there. Did I say anything about short-sheeting or extra Mickey soap? No, I did not. That's more than a bit silly.

I stand by my statement that somebody who can afford a Disney vacation can afford to tip. Whether they tip or not is their decision. If it's not any of your concern,feel free not to read or reply to threads about tipping.

I, too would like to hear a response to the OPs question about whether or not mousekeeping tips are pooled.

Hmmm, you'll have to provide the quote where I'm being judgemental. I believe that I have stated several times here that I respect your decision to tip. Hands down, no opinion offered. What I take exception to is you making the statement that "somebody who can afford a Disney vacation can afford to tip." This is absurd and presumptious on your part. You have no way of knowing what people can or can't afford so please don't judge. Oh, and as for the Mickey soap and short-sheeting, I guess my sarcasm is lost on you.

TC.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

You are so very wrong about this, and I hope other readers don't make the same assumption. Personally, I'm offended, not angry, just offended.

Just because I can afford a trip to Disney deosn't mean I have plenty of available cash when I go. As a single, handicapped mother with few resources, I start saving a year or more before I can even make a reservation, then I make it almost a year inadvance and pay a little each month. So I take my daughter my daughter to Disney maybe once every 3-4 years (although the current economy will keep us away for longer now). We collect our loose change every day and work odd jobs her and there (babysitting, dog walking, etc.) and put that money into a savings account for a vacation. It isn't easy, but we cut out every uneccessary expenditure, My daughter has never had an mp3 player, computer, Nintendo, or Wii. We do not buy clothes often or eat out. It is our choice to save for a Disney trip that will leave us with memories we'll have for the rest of our lives, unlike material things.

When we get to Disney, we split many meals, do not buy any gift shop items, and don't rent any recreational vehicles, etc.

To say we should have enough money to tip just because we can be there is a comment made out of ignorance. Please think more before you make such careless remarks.

Other DISers, forgive me if I am "flaming" someone. It isn't my style. This comment was hurtful, especially when I work so very hard to give my daughter her WDW dreams while she is young. It makes me a hard worker and a thoughtful saver, not a wealthy person who can easily spend, spend, spend.

I think you made an excellent point. You are striving to save what you can for a magical vacation for your daughter. It's your money and you can do whatever you wish with it. I'm sure your daughter is so very thankful to go to Disney as often as is possible for you to afford it! Just because someone can "afford" a vacay to Disney, doesn't mean they're obligated to tip housekeeping. It's a personal issue and I don't think people should judge whether or not they tip. I hope your next vacation to Disney is

 

[TiggerCat]

You are so very wrong about this, and I hope other readers don't make the same assumption. Personally, I'm offended, not angry, just offended.

Just because I can afford a trip to Disney deosn't mean I have plenty of available cash when I go. As a single, handicapped mother with few resources, I start saving a year or more before I can even make a reservation, then I make it almost a year inadvance and pay a little each month. So I take my daughter my daughter to Disney maybe once every 3-4 years (although the current economy will keep us away for longer now). We collect our loose change every day and work odd jobs her and there (babysitting, dog walking, etc.) and put that money into a savings account for a vacation. It isn't easy, but we cut out every uneccessary expenditure, My daughter has never had an mp3 player, computer, Nintendo, or Wii. We do not buy clothes often or eat out. It is our choice to save for a Disney trip that will leave us with memories we'll have for the rest of our lives, unlike material things.

When we get to Disney, we split many meals, do not buy any gift shop items, and don't rent any recreational vehicles, etc.

To say we should have enough money to tip just because we can be there is a comment made out of ignorance. Please think more before you make such careless remarks.

Other DISers, forgive me if I am "flaming" someone. It isn't my style. This comment was hurtful, especially when I work so very hard to give my daughter her WDW dreams while she is young. It makes me a hard worker and a thoughtful saver, not a wealthy person who can easily spend, spend, spend.

You are so bang on Nanabear! I don't know why people insist on judging others. You have no reason to feel that you have to explain or justify your situation. We all do what we need to do and if that means not tipping housekeeping than so be it. You may not be rich in cash but you are wealthy in many other ways. Hey, keep smiling.

TC.

 

[nanabear]

I'm the daughter of nanabear and my mom sometimes lets me read the dis. I saw the letter from the man who thinks we shouldn't go to disney world if we can't afford to tip.

My mom has been dealing with cancer for 4 years and she has lost her leg because of it. Her mom, my Nana, died of cancer 3 years ago and her dad, my Gramps, died of alzhimers not long after. What helped us get through was Mom taking us to WDW for the very first time to get away from it all. It made us relaxed and we laughed again and had fun. Now we go there because it reminds us that life still has happiness and adventures and dreams, as well as lots of really nice people.

Mom has raised me by herself while being a school teacher until she got sick. She worked hard and still does when she can. She never buys anything for herself because she wants to save to take me back to WDW again. Even if it takes many years, she will do it.

The man who said the mean thing doesn't know what he's talking about. My Mom taught me and her students that ignorance should always make us ask questions and learn but never, ever make judgements. He has no right to judge us.

I hope I'm not the only one who thinks this. If kids my age know enough to keep quiet when they don't know what they're talking about, that man (disfamilyguy???) should be smart enough to know it too. Maybe he'd be smarter if he listened more to kids!

PS-If you read this: I love you Mom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[nanabear]

I'm just saying it's not true. Unless they made the trip on their last dime it's just patently untrue. And I'm not judging anything other than the statement. They would just be better off saying, I choose not to. And that's fine.

Like I said, it really doesn't matter. I was just adding my opinion on a discussion board.

Maybe I should just refrain from doing that.

No one's asking you to refrain from making a comment. Just practice thoughtfulness, good judgement, and plain old human decency before you "speak", and I'm certain your comments will be welcomed.

It isn't that hard. If you love Disney and all that it stands for, surely you must have a kinder heart in there somewhere.

PS- Love you too mousegirl! Now, get off of the computer...

 

[AustinTink]

As a family of 7 coming from the UK I would have to say we can't afford to tip housekeeping. If the norm is $1-2 per day per person that would add up to $100-$200 on top of $4000 air-fare and around $6000 room rate. These 'extras' would break the bank. We purposely avoid the 'belll boy' tip by bringing only the luggage we can carry ourselves. We have never bought any 'souvenirs'. I have had people say we shouldn't go to Disney if we can't afford to tip housekeeping - my reply would be 'how dare you say that' when housekeeping is a non-tipped position.

Again I would also say that if people continue to 'tip' housekeeping Disney may take advantage of that to make it a 'tipped' position and reduce the wages accordingly. Do you want that?

ITA! Especially the part about the bellboy. I've never had the bellboy take my luggage to the room.

 

[lirija]

I agree completely with the last few posts. Every time tipping comes up, the "judgers" come out of the woodworks. Why can't people state their opinions or state what they do without adding assumptions about others who do things differently? You simply cannot know everyone's situation.

By the way, on our last (and first) trip I used the envelopes with $5 in them each day, and guess what...service was average at best with no towel animals ever and shower gel was frequently forgotten. Basically we spent $45 for service I would have complained about elsewhere. I am not sure how we will proceed on our next trip, but I am definitely thinking twice about always leaving $5 each day. I would feel better if I knew for sure that is was the same housekeeper each day, so I could really tip based on the entire stay.

 

[PrincessKitty1]

I think you made an excellent point. You are striving to save what you can for a magical vacation for your daughter. It's your money and you can do whatever you wish with it. I'm sure your daughter is so very thankful to go to Disney as often as is possible for you to afford it! Just because someone can "afford" a vacay to Disney, doesn't mean they're obligated to tip housekeeping. It's a personal issue and I don't think people should judge whether or not they tip. I hope your next vacation to Disney is

Nobody has said you're obligated to tip, just that if you can AFFORD a trip to Disney, you can AFFORD 3 or 5 bucks a day to tip. It's always your choice whether or not you tip.

 

[PrincessKitty1]

As a family of 7 coming from the UK I would have to say we can't afford to tip housekeeping. If the norm is $1-2 per day per person that would add up to $100-$200 on top of $4000 air-fare and around $6000 room rate. These 'extras' would break the bank. We purposely avoid the 'belll boy' tip by bringing only the luggage we can carry ourselves. We have never bought any 'souvenirs'. I have had people say we shouldn't go to Disney if we can't afford to tip housekeeping - my reply would be 'how dare you say that' when housekeeping is a non-tipped position.

Again I would also say that if people continue to 'tip' housekeeping Disney may take advantage of that to make it a 'tipped' position and reduce the wages accordingly. Do you want that?

Wow, $10,000 for a Disney vacation but you can't afford to tip? I can't afford a $10,000 Disney vacation, but I can afford to tip.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Nobody has said you're obligated to tip, just that if you can AFFORD a trip to Disney, you can AFFORD 3 or 5 bucks a day to tip. It's always your choice whether or not you tip.

I don't think anyone is obligated to tip for housekeeping. BUT, I do think it's unfair to ASSUME that if you can AFFORD a trip to Disney, you can AFFORD to tip. Nanabear above clearly illustrated that point I believe. Again, I don't care either way if you tip or don't, what I do care about is if people make it seem that you SHOULD tip just because you are going to Disney. I realize we're all free here to express our opinion but I don't think it's very kind to make others feel that since they can pay for a Disney vacay then they can afford to tip. It's a personal choice.

 

[PrincessKitty1]

I don't think anyone is obligated to tip for housekeeping. BUT, I do think it's unfair to ASSUME that if you can AFFORD a trip to Disney, you can AFFORD to tip. Nanabear above clearly illustrated that point I believe. Again, I don't care either way if you tip or don't, what I do care about is if people make it seem that you SHOULD tip just because you are going to Disney. I realize we're all free here to express our opinion but I don't think it's very kind to make others feel that since they can pay for a Disney vacay then they can afford to tip. It's a personal choice.

Of course it's a personal choice. But I do understand that people would rather say "can't afford" than "don't choose to." We all make choices of what to do with our money and I stand by everybody's right to make that choice. Disney is a luxury, not a necessity. The people who truly are too poor to tip aren't going on Disney trips.

 

[TiggerCat]

Nobody has said you're obligated to tip, just that if you can AFFORD a trip to Disney, you can AFFORD 3 or 5 bucks a day to tip. It's always your choice whether or not you tip.

Forgive me but unless you are some kind of all seeing Oracle, how would you know what someone can afford? Seriously, do you not see how your statement is passing judgement on others? Believe it or not, there are actually individuals who don't have the same amount of disposable income that you seem to enjoy. You have no way of knowing what they can or can't afford. So please stop insinuating that an individual who says that they can't afford to tip is somehow being less than truthful. You tip - we get it. No one has shown any disrespect towards your opinion so why do you keep making those who don't tip appear to be villans?

TC.