Tips for mousekeeping question

[jeejfig]

We are new to DVC and have our first trip in December and wondering what to tip mousekeeping. Usually we tip about $5/day when staying at any hotel, but since we will not be receiving daily service, what is appropriate (for good service) for the Trash and Towel service and then for the full cleaning service?

Thanks!!

 

[ruthma]

I am interested in this also. My 1st visit home is in 21 days at OKW. Tia

 

[OKW Lover]

As you note, there isn't regular housekeeping at DVC units. But also keep in mind that the units are larger (except perhaps a studio) than the normal hotel rooms so there is more to clean. Also recall that housekeeping is not considered a tipped position. Now with all of that firmly in mind, I'd say if you feel you do want to tip that you stick with your usual practice.

 

[ruthma]

OKW Lover you don't live far from me.

 

[AnnaS]

I like to tip a few dollars. We recently stayed in a studio. Three nights at VB - there were three of us. We did not receive T & T service. When we checked out, I left $6.00. Not enough? Too much? Not sure but I was comfortable with the amount.

We stayed 5 nights at WLVs and did received T & T. I again left $6. When we checked out, I left $6 again.

It all depends on the number of people and size of room for me.

 

[goofy4tink]

I have to get extraordinary service when staying on points to tip housekeeping. I didn't tip at any of the three resorts I was at (BWV, BLT, VWL) on this past trip. I got fresh towels and that was pretty much it.
As already noted, housekeeping is not considered to be a 'tippable position' by Disney. Housekeepers make as much as my dd does in her preschool position!!! But, if they go out of their way and provide me with something really special, then I am going to recognize that and act accordingly.
Others are going to say that they automatically tip..and that's fine. Up to each guest. But, I refuse to tip if the service is just so-so..that isn't getting anything accomplished other than to reward mediocre service.

 

[OKW Lover]

OKW Lover you don't live far from me.

Yes, not far at all. Nice to "see" you here!

 

[Dean]

We are new to DVC and have our first trip in December and wondering what to tip mousekeeping. Usually we tip about $5/day when staying at any hotel, but since we will not be receiving daily service, what is appropriate (for good service) for the Trash and Towel service and then for the full cleaning service?

Thanks!!

Tips are not expected nor suggested at WDW resorts and the CM there that do this are considered as non tipped positions. Also, timeshares as a rule do not hire housekeepers considering tips as part of their salary. There are exceptions in other countries but I can't think of any in the US (though there may be). You'll have to do what you feel comfortable with but I personally wouldn't tip them unless they do something extra. That said, they often do extra and I end up tipping anyway.

 

[jekjones1558]

DVCers hold varying views on tipping mousekeeping. Here is a poll that was done on this board regarding tipping (obviously not scientific):
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2120681&highlight=poll+tipping

I tip based on size of the room. I can tell you that mousekeepers DO appreciate a tip as an acknowledgement of their work. For a 1 bedroom I generally leave $10 for trash and towel and $20 for full cleaning. Sometimes I leave more if we have received exceptional service (sometimes our beds will be made, shoes lined up, etc. on trash/towel day). I also try to call the mousekeeping supervisor and/or write a note when I get home if we have really good service. Like most DVCers we do things like collect towels and start the dishwasher when we check out, but I consider this a courtesy to the next guests, who may be able to check in a bit earlier.
Mousekeepers start at $8.25/hour, so I don't feel they are overpaid:
http://disney.go.com/disneycareers/wdwcareers/hourly/index.html

I use these envelopes for tips:
http://www.themouseforless.com/downloads/trip/mousekeeping.shtml

There are lots of employees at Disney but few that add more to my stay than the women (no, I've never see a male mousekeeper) who clean my villa.

 

[dis-happy]

I always tip.....$5. on T&T and $10-$15. on check-out (I left $15. last time because we ate in the room for many meals and my toddler left a lot of crumbs). Still, I try to clean up (towels in bathtub on last day, start the d/w, etc).

Will say, that the small tip on T&T almost always results in extra towels and an extra box or two of washing machine soap. The housekeeping staff is appreciative of tips and tries to show it.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Well, I don't tip the bus drivers. I don't tip the CM at the ticket gate. I don't tip the CM who gets to pick up the garbage. I don't tip the CM who comes to fix the AC in our unit. I'm sure they'd all appreciate extra money.

Housekeepers are a non-tipped position. Unless they do something outstanding, I don't tip.