Tipping question

[dennyboy1]

Hi all (only 4 weeks now ) - just a quick question about tipping.

is there a defined percentage of the bill total that you have to leave? - or is it a matter of leaving say $10 at the end?

many thanks

 

[Shazzie B]

I've read that they put a 'suggested' tip on your bill about 18%

 

[Snowy-girls]

Everyone tips differently,but me i tip between 15-18% for sit down meals.At places like Golden Coral,Ponderosa-buffet style brekkies then about $2 at the end.If at a sit down meal we have had outstanding service then maybe a little extra.We also tip a $1 per person staying in the room per day to the maid.And if we were to be drinking in a bar/poolside then $1 tip for them as well.I also believe people tip $1-2 per suitcase if using this service( i don't so not sure on that one).x.

 

[dennyboy1]

so you only tip for sit down meals - what about counter service? - always leave some at the end for the room cleaners etc

 

[wayneg]

We always tip 15-20% for table service. upto $2pp for buffets (although I left $3pp at trails end at Easter)
Don't leave anything for counter service its not expected and never seen anyone do it.
Maid service I don't but many others do.
Tip what you feel the service is worth, don't feel pressured into it. I am happy to leave upto 20% as the service I feel is worth that at most places but I never eat at very expensive places, I wouldn't feel happy tipping 20% on something I have paid OTT on in the 1st place.

 

[Snowy-girls]

so you only tip for sit down meals - what about counter service? - always leave some at the end for the room cleaners etc

No you don't tip for counter service.It is best to tip the maids daily instead of at the end of your stay as you will probably not have the same maid for your length of stay.I don't tip the maid on the last day of our stay.x.

 

[Lizzybear]

15-20% seems to be what's recommended for sit-down meals, buffets you can just leave a few dollars (or at least that's what we did) No need to tip for CS meals

 

[stevefry]

We always tip 15% for normal table service and 20% for exceptional service.
We also do the same for buffet-style meals, if the waiter or waitress has been friendly and brought us lots of coffee etc.
I've read that in some cases, the IRS (U.S.A. Inland Revenue) taxes these workers on the assumption that they receive an average 15% in tips. This was confirmed by a waitress we talked to at Finnegan's restaurant in Universal Studios. She also said that a percentage of her tips were given to other employees, such as the kitchen staff member, who brought the main course to our table. When we asked whether the girl on the counter received anything, she replied: 'Oh lord no! We don't have to give anything to her! Looks like poor old counter-girl is bottom of the pecking order then.
Steve.

 

[Lizzybear]

Just to add: You only need to tip on the pre-tax total which will be shown on your restaurant bill

 

[disneyholic family]

We always tip 15% for normal table service and 20% for exceptional service.
We also do the same for buffet-style meals, if the waiter or waitress has been friendly and brought us lots of coffee etc.
I've read that in some cases, the IRS (U.S.A. Inland Revenue) taxes these workers on the assumption that they receive an average 15% in tips. This was confirmed by a waitress we talked to at Finnegan's restaurant in Universal Studios. She also said that a percentage of her tips were given to other employees, such as the kitchen staff member, who brought the main course to our table. When we asked whether the girl on the counter received anything, she replied: 'Oh lord no! We don't have to give anything to her! Looks like poor old counter-girl is bottom of the pecking order then.
Steve.

i typically give 20% for table service, 15% for buffet (depending on what the servers do, e.g., if they continuously refill my drink without my having to point it out to them, if they're very friendly, etc)

i do tip the housekeeping staff (daily - if there are two of us in the room i tip $3/day), but i know many people who don't...
my daughter will be traveling with just a friend in september and she already told me that she's not planning on tipping the housekeepers..

i also tip airport shuttle drivers (if they help load/unload the luggage - i just give them a few dollars).....

when i check in at the airport, if i use the porter service, i typically tip $5/bag, sometimes more/sometimes less, depending on the situation.

i once tipped a porter at the airport $20....i had 3 very very heavy suitcases that he helped me with.....
it was christmas and the guy practically kissed me was so happy.....and thanked me profusely.....it didn't cost me very much to make another person happy.....

 

[dc1964]

I always work out 15% of the bill in restaurants, unless the service has been poor in which case i have no qualms about leaving nothing, usually leave a dollar on the bar for each round of drinks i buy, not sure someone serving a beer deserves 15%. I ahve been with people who flatly refuses to leave a tip ( mother in law) so i have left it on her behalf.

 

[wayneg]

I ahve been with people who flatly refuses to leave a tip ( mother in law) so i have left it on her behalf.

My Uncle won't tip anyone, he just doesn't get it, his attitude is if they don't earn enough find another job. Never been with him to know if he just says it to wind me up but he won't tip in this country when we go out so I believe what he says.

 

[dc1964]

i wont be going with mother in law again ....thank god

 

[Snowy-girls]

i wont be going with mother in law again ....thank god

.I must be lucky my mother in law is absolutley wonderful.x.

 

[wayneg]

i wont be going with mother in law again ....thank god

Taken mine twice to Spain and twice to Florida, I said never again after last trip.
Am I mad, taking her to Florida again this Xmas and probably Alaskan cruise next May.
I keep telling her I am even paying for it, as its money that will come to us.

 

[higgy66]

Just to add: You only need to tip on the pre-tax total which will be shown on your restaurant bill

Didn't know that!

As for the in law debate - don't get me started - I'm still on medication from taking my MIL on holiday last year -

 

[wayneg]

Didn't know that!

As for the in law debate - don't get me started - I'm still on medication from taking my MIL on holiday last year -

Yes a lot don't know it. I had been a few times before I found out its the pre-tax price you tip on.

 

[disneyholic family]

anyone know whether you get a bill when you're on the free dining plan?
that is, even if you owe nothign......so that you know how much you ordered so that you can figure out what to tip...

 

[Snowy-girls]

Same here-also been before,before knowing you only had to tip on the pre tax.x.

 

[dc1964]

i did not know about the pre tax tipping thing either, however remember tipping is not compulsory but most times in the restaurants i have been the service has deserved tip......oh yes apart from CATTLEMANS on I drive....will never eat in there again.....worst service ever experienced.