What days to tip Mousekeeping

[lambdabeta]

It's a fact according to their contract which is available via a web search. In addition if they finish their section early, they get to leave work early with pay. Maybe that is why some of the rooms could use some extra attention.

I'm not saying do not tip, I just don't understand why humans do certain things.

Bill

Thanks for the quick reply. I agree with you. It does give one something to think about. I also don't understand why people tip at fast food places. I know we have Starbucks to thank for the idea. When I worked fast food as a young adult I never received or expected a tip for doing my job.

 

[Livelovedance]

I know I am in the minority but I decided to put in my opinion. We never used to tip housekeeping at any hotel. We didn't know it was a thing until we went to WDW in 2002. As I was doing research we discovered that people actually tip their housekeepers at hotels/motels. My parents certainly never did that. So now we tip $1/person per day, last trip we tipped $3/day for the two of us. I don't tip on check out because I expect that service with the cost of my room on check in. The housekeepers job is to strip the beds and clean the room in between guests. I have tried tipping more to see if I got better service and it has never worked for me. I also have not tipped at other hotels and the room was just as clean as if I did tip. So the way I see it whether I leave a tip or not doesn't seem to really reflect the service I receive. I leave a small tip because I appreciate what they do and I know they don't make a lot of money.

Just something to ponder for those that leave large tips. If everyone leaves $5-10 for mousekeeping for a neat room with only 2 people in it that is the equivalent of an extra $15 dollars an hour in addition to their current salary which is probably more than minimum wage because they are in a union. It takes about 15-20 mins to clean a neat room, which means they can do 3-4 rooms an hour. If the room is messy or needs more attention because of a large group it would take longer and they wouldn't be able to do at least 3 rooms an hour. That would warrant a larger tip IMHO.

I also don't feel it is my job to make up for people who don't tip at all. I don't give my waitress, driver, bell person or anyone else I tip extra to make up for what others don't do. I do believe in tipping for service above and beyond what is expected. I have just never seen that at WDW yet. I keep hoping that one day my DH and I will get some of this "pixie dust" we keep hearing about on this board. If and when I do I will tip extra, tell their boss and post it here.

I appreciate your post, and share your opinion on this topic! I didn’t know that tipping housekeeping was a thing either until much more recently! After realizing it, I tipped $3 a day at our last hotel (not a Disney hotel) for 2 people, and the housekeeper must’ve really appreciated it because we received elaborate towel animals each day!

I have no problem tipping housekeeping to show my appreciation for what they do, and I do not expect anything extra in return. As long as the room is clean we will be happy! However, my question on amount was solely because I wanted to compare to others and make sure that if I do leave tips that they aren’t low to the point where we seem unhappy with the service! I know it’s exclusively a personal preference topic, but it’s always nice to hear different perspectives!

 

[crazedprincess]

Hmmmm... we've always tipped around $1 a person but I've never noticed special treatment because of it. Our room has always been made up and towels/toiletries replaced regardless of what we leave for a tip. I think my hubby has even forgotten a few times and housekeeping still does the same job. We don't tip to get special treatment, we tip for a service done for us. Thanks, Bill, for your thought provoking posts!

 

[kwdw]

I typically tip $3 per day - either as a solo or a couple. That said - after our last experience with Disney housekeeping - I'm not so keen on it.

I tip because, well, I make more than they do, it's a service they are providing, and I appreciate what they do. I don't expect anything "extra" - just the same quality service I have expected from Disney housekeeping. I have occasionally left a note with a request (extra hangars; extra blanket) - and I've almost always gotten my request without having to also put in a call.

However - our service was so bad last trip - not so sure about my tipping in the future. They are happy to take my tip - and still forget to leave more toiletries (when we were clearly out of shampoo, happy to leave their cleaning supplies in our room, happy to put the DND sign ON my door and not clean at all (which we did not do and are 100% sure we didn't), and happy to pull up the covers and not even tuck the sheets in. I'm hoping this was a "one-off" experience - either one not going to stay employed at Disney long or someone having a really bad week.

 

[BK2014]

On my most recent stay, 1/20-1/27/18, I did not tip everyday. It was a DVC stay, and we only tipped on the day of checkout. The reason I do not tip everyday is that I do not want housekeeping everyday, despite the new policy. I tip on the last day because the entire mess that they are cleaning is mine. Yes, I realize they would have to clean the room for the next guest anyhow, but it is my way of saying thanks for cleaning the mess I have left behind.

I have looked up the contract between the union and Disney, and housekeeper make between a $10-$14/hr, and are, as stated in earlier posts, considered non-tipped positions. However, housekeepers at Marriott, a chain that actively encourages tipping their housekeepers, also starts at $10/hr. So even though their wages may be union negotiated it is not really ahead of the rest of the industry, and $20,000-$29,000 a year is not a lot for this largely thankless line of work. For what it is worth, the American Hotel and Lodging Association suggests a tip of $1-$5 a day.

 

[Catvondita]

With all respect I just don't get it. How did tipping a room cleaner become so popular and why do people feel the need to do so because others do it? We don't tip the bathroom cleaner in the parks, the bus driver, other people that are paid to do their job. Do you get paid a tip for doing your job? Disney and the housekeepers union realize that they may have a tough job so they raised their pay so that all housekeepers would get more money and not just some. In exchange it become a non-tipped position in their contract. While many do a good job, we often find our rooms poorly cleaned and with maintenance issues. Twice we entered our room to find the housekeeper(s) sitting on the sofa watching TV.

Bill

I tip because you never know someone's situation and I'm sure they have to deal with some nasty people and nasty rooms of people who don't tip. I don't expect other people to over tip or even tip at all ( to each their own) but I personally feel bad about not tipping something. Also because I can afford a few dollars out of my pocket so why not? But like I said everyone has different situations so I don't expect people to tip if they can't afford it.

 

[cktrotter]

We tip mousekeeping $10/daily. Last trip was 2016 & we had towel animals, I'm sad to hear that has ceased. We love them on the cruises!

 

[Deb & Bill]

On my most recent stay, 1/20-1/27/18, I did not tip everyday. It was a DVC stay, and we only tipped on the day of checkout. The reason I do not tip everyday is that I do not want housekeeping everyday, despite the new policy. I tip on the last day because the entire mess that they are cleaning is mine. Yes, I realize they would have to clean the room for the next guest anyhow, but it is my way of saying thanks for cleaning the mess I have left behind.

I have looked up the contract between the union and Disney, and housekeeper make between a $10-$14/hr, and are, as stated in earlier posts, considered non-tipped positions. However, housekeepers at Marriott, a chain that actively encourages tipping their housekeepers, also starts at $10/hr. So even though their wages may be union negotiated it is not really ahead of the rest of the industry, and $20,000-$29,000 a year is not a lot for this largely thankless line of work. For what it is worth, the American Hotel and Lodging Association suggests a tip of $1-$5 a day.

A few years ago, in the DVC resort specific newsletter that guests got when they checked in said that housekeeping was not a tipped position and only Bell Service, Food and Beverage servers and Valet parking should be tipped.

 

[disneynutz]

I tip because you never know someone's situation and I'm sure they have to deal with some nasty people and nasty rooms of people who don't tip. I don't expect other people to over tip or even tip at all ( to each their own) but I personally feel bad about not tipping something. Also because I can afford a few dollars out of my pocket so why not? But like I said everyone has different situations so I don't expect people to tip if they can't afford it.

There are many nasty jobs that people have decided to do for a living, do you give them money too? Again I'm interested how the idea of tipping became so programmed into people and how did housekeeping become the profession to tip. Tipping doesn't seem to result in extra or better service, I just find this interesting.

Bill

 

[Catvondita]

There are many nasty jobs that people have decided to do for a living, do you give them money too? Again I'm interested how the idea of tipping became so programmed into people and how did housekeeping become the profession to tip. Tipping doesn't seem to result in extra or better service, I just find this interesting.

Bill

I mean here and there we try to tip or find some way to acknowledge the work. Like for our office cleaner we always give a Christmas present. Little things like that. Again we aren't doing anything we can't afford its just something nice to do for someone to show them appreciation. A lot of people don't tip and that's fine for them. I'll agree Mouse Keeping may not be dependent on a tip as they seem to make enough (as said by those on the boards). It's not like people who work in restaurants who basically rely on tips but I think it's just a habit people picked up as a way to say thanks. It's definitely an American thing though. I know in Asia if you try to tip people they can actually get offended.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

There are many nasty jobs that people have decided to do for a living, do you give them money too? Again I'm interested how the idea of tipping became so programmed into people and how did housekeeping become the profession to tip. Tipping doesn't seem to result in extra or better service, I just find this interesting.

Bill

It is interesting. My mom always tipped when we were kids so I do too. I think it is because like the bellhop or waiter, the housekeeper is waiting on you directly in a hotel. And then that everyone knows they do not make a lot of money. But it is interesting that some professions are tipped and some not. And it does seem to be expanding. One I wonder about is why do we dip on excursions on cruises? Most excirsions are fairly pricey but people tip as well. And then yes starbucks. It is still weird to me that people tip at starbucks, and yet I usually do too.

 

[disneynutz]

It is interesting. My mom always tipped when we were kids so I do too. I think it is because like the bellhop or waiter, the housekeeper is waiting on you directly in a hotel. And then that everyone knows they do not make a lot of money. But it is interesting that some professions are tipped and some not. And it does seem to be expanding. One I wonder about is why do we dip on excursions on cruises? Most excirsions are fairly pricey but people tip as well. And then yes starbucks. It is still weird to me that people tip at starbucks, and yet I usually do too.

Or if a place puts out a tip jar, people feel the need to put something in it. We were in a restaurant and the guy who does your stir fry had a tip jar. Tip you for making the food that I am paying for already???

Bill

 

[lambdabeta]

It is interesting. My mom always tipped when we were kids so I do too. I think it is because like the bellhop or waiter, the housekeeper is waiting on you directly in a hotel. And then that everyone knows they do not make a lot of money. But it is interesting that some professions are tipped and some not. And it does seem to be expanding. One I wonder about is why do we dip on excursions on cruises? Most excirsions are fairly pricey but people tip as well. And then yes starbucks. It is still weird to me that people tip at starbucks, and yet I usually do too.

As far as tipping on excursions on cruises it is like any other tour group. If you thought they did a good job with your tour you tip if not you don't. It is for service. What is interesting to me is they now solicit tips on excursions. I never tip at Starbucks, or any place like that. Just because you put out a tip jar doesn't mean I need to tip you for doing your job.

I do agree with Bill. It is interesting to me why people feel the need to tip so many people. Just because someone doesn't make much money is not a reason, or because someone else leaves a huge mess and doesn't tip. The definition of gratuity is a gift of money beyond the regular payment for someone who does a service for you. If that is why you are tipping the mousekeeper than I say have at it but all the other answers just sound like justifications out of guilt for something.

I have always been taught that a tip was given to waitstaff because they receive less than minimum wage salary and rely on tips to supplement it. I also was taught that you tip extra to someone who goes above and beyond for you. The person handing me my coffee at Starbucks is not that person. I am still on the fence about mousekeeping.

 

[BK2014]

I have always been taught that a tip was given to waitstaff because they receive less than minimum wage salary and rely on tips to supplement it.

See, this is the dilemma I have with waitstaff. I do tip. But why isn't tipping because they make less than minimum wage not the same as tipping someone just because they don't make much money. Either way, you're tipping based on their low income.

 

[lambdabeta]

See, this is the dilemma I have with waitstaff. I do tip. But why isn't tipping because they make less than minimum wage not the same as tipping someone just because they don't make much money. Either way, you're tipping based on their low income.

Because waitstaff make well below minimum wage. The average hourly rate for a waitress is $5/hour versus $10 per hour for a housekeeper. The average hourly wage for waitstaff is $11 an hour with tips per the bureau of labor statistics. That is the difference. So you are not tipping based on their low income, waitstaff rely on tips to even get to what a housekeeper is making. Yes it can be lucrative because of tips if you work at a high end restaurant but that is not what the average waitstaff makes. You can tip housekeeping if you like but it is not for the same reason as waitstaff.

 

[Luckybee]

Perspective is a wonderful thing. I'm in my 50's now and in my first job after my 1st degree in my early 20'sI travelled quite a bit for work. I was told back then point blank to not "stiff" anyone incl housekeeping at hotels the company sent us to since it reflected badly on the company. Obviously we have always tipped housekeeping and had no idea that some considered it a non tipping position and that some do not do so. I mean Im not surprised that there are people who dont tip housekeeping, (just like im not surprised some don't tip servers either)rather Im surprised that some dont because they consider it to be a non tipped position. Could it be that it is written in the collective agreement as such because there are those who don't tip, as opposed to Dis expecting people not to ?

 

[lambdabeta]

Perspective is a wonderful thing. I'm in my 50's now and in my first job after my 1st degree in my early 20'sI travelled quite a bit for work. I was told back then point blank to not "stiff" anyone incl housekeeping at hotels the company sent us to since it reflected badly on the company. Obviously we have always tipped housekeeping and had no idea that some considered it a non tipping position and that some do not do so. I mean Im not surprised that there are people who dont tip housekeeping, (just like im not surprised some don't tip servers either)rather Im surprised that some dont because they consider it to be a non tipped position. Could it be that it is written in the collective agreement as such because there are those who don't tip, as opposed to Dis expecting people not to ?

No I don't. I don't think it is written that way because some people tip or don't tip. Other tipped staff sometimes don't get tips but Disney is not telling people not to tip them. A PP stated they were told by Disney that housekeeping is a non tipped position and shouldn't tip them but to tip waitstaff, valets and bell services. Tipping housekeeping is something that a lot of people never did. It may be because you worked for a good company. I am in my 50's and didn't know I should tip housekeeping until I was 40 years old. Neither did my DH. I wasn't taught that by anyone and I have heard that from other people on Disboards.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Do you tip mousekeeping on the day you check out? I have envelopes all made up and want to make sure to get the cash ready and I dont want to miss a day. We check in at 3pm 20th check out the 26th early so I would leave tips for 21-25th right?

I enjoy making creative envelopes too! (It's actually a Universal year for us, so this time, they're minions.)

I tip daily, and a bit more on checkout day. As some other posters mentioned, my reasoning is that I may have different housekeepers on different days (so I don't want to leave it all for the end) but the room takes the longest to do on the last day (so I up it a little bit).

 

[mab2012]

Just something to ponder for those that leave large tips. If everyone leaves $5-10 for mousekeeping for a neat room with only 2 people in it that is the equivalent of an extra $15 dollars an hour in addition to their current salary which is probably more than minimum wage because they are in a union. It takes about 15-20 mins to clean a neat room, which means they can do 3-4 rooms an hour. If the room is messy or needs more attention because of a large group it would take longer and they wouldn't be able to do at least 3 rooms an hour. That would warrant a larger tip IMHO.

If you think that's excessive, try doing that same back-of-the-envelope arithmetic for character buffet servers. Crazy.

 

[lambdabeta]

If you think that's excessive, try doing that same back-of-the-envelope arithmetic for character buffet servers. Crazy.

However character buffet servers don't get paid at least $10/ hour it is more like $5/hour per their union contract. And I tip them just as much as I would tip any other server at a restaurant or buffet. It is based on the level of service they provide and the total of my bill. I don't think it is excessive or crazy.