I know this sounds stupid, but I just usually leave a tip on the pillow for housekeeping. Is this considered bad form? Do I really need special envelopes?
I usually just leave any tip under that little triangular folded card thingy with the housekeepers name on it. No confusion there, and they ALWAYS take it.
Loose money on a pillow may seem obvious to you or me, but it should be with a written note if left behind. These envelopes are nice to use as it keeps the "Magic" going even with the staff. My kids take the hint and insist we take care of the "neat lady that leaves them surprizes to come home to."
Ok, possibly I'm a little slow here but I don't generally tip the housekeeping staff when we stay at a hotel. Aren't I paying for the room already? Do you guys do this everywhere or just at a Disney hotel(not the envelopes, the tips I mean)?
HI,
I can't speak for everyone, but I believe most of us tip housekeeping because unlike most resorts, these people go WAY beyond just cleaning your room. They take the time to do alot of little extra's, such as turn down service, or making characters out of your towels, or rearranging your Disney Beanie Babies!! It seems to be the rule of thumb, to tip 1-2 dollars per person in the room, each day. Also, it is best to tip daily, as the chance of the SAME housekeeping staff, will most likely NOT be assigned to your room daily. For me personally, I tip $10 per day, as there are 5 of us. Hope this helped.
Oh ouch, I 've been undertipping, - with three of us in a room, I guess I'll be increasing to about 5.00 daily. When I have gone on cruises, they do recommend about the same for just two people.
Tipping is completely OPTIONAL!! Mousekeeping is not considered a tipped postion, so the maids are being paid a standard wage (not a % of minimum like tipped positions). While I agree that if you feel the mousekeeping staff is doing something special or out of their way to make your stay a bit more "magical" then go ahead and tip. But if they are just doing "their job" do not feel obligated to tip them because others do or it is made to seem like you "have to."
This is always such a controversial topic! We have never tipped in a hotel before - and we have stayed in some very expensive and exclusive places before. The whole concept of tipping to me has gotten so out of hand that it has now become an income supplement for staff - that being said, I have a question: Why don't we tip the characters! Talk about going above and behind their duties on a daily basis - they have to deal with excessive heat and humidity, kids puking on them, yelling at them, and screaming at them, not to mention break up a few scuffles here and there! I think if anyone deserves to be tipped, it is these dedicated people who truly make our Disney vacations so magical!
Just a thought as I read your tipping inquiries, Tiger
I tip because I CHOOSE to do it. I also tip at other hotels when I stay for long duration (more than 2 days) AND I get good service. It actually is suggested at almost every resort location I have ever stayed at. It is merely SUGGESTED though... and no one is forcing anyone to do it.
On our most recent trip I tipped the first three nights --- never got anything special just the usual. Stopped tipping and got the the same service. Tip is for something extra. When I didn't receive it I stopped.