Is it Expected to Tip in Your Hotel Room After a Stay in the U.S.?

When traveling in the U.S., especially when staying in hotels, it is customary and widely expected to leave a tip for housekeeping staff. This practice is deeply rooted in American culture, particularly in the hospitality industry. According to hotel room tips, you should generally leave between $1 to $5 per night depending on the level of service received and the size of your party.

General Practice and Exceptions

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect and how to handle this in a professional and considerate manner. If you find that the room is exceptionally clean, or if it is particularly large and messy, you may consider tipping a bit more to show your appreciation for their hard work.

The good practice is to leave the tip in a visible place, usually on the nightstand, along with a note indicating that it is for the housekeeping staff. Guests often follow this advice, but it’s important to understand the broader context of tipping in the U.S. hospitality industry.

Hotel Industry's Perspective on Tipping

There is another layer to tipping in the U.S. hospitality sector. The hotel industry is actively trying to classify housekeeping staff as ‘tipped employees’ to save costs. This means that instead of paying them a full wage, employers can pay a lower base salary, as long as combined with tips, the employees reach the minimum wage. Historically, this practice has been fraught with controversy, as evidenced by the backlash against hotel chains when their CEOs encouraged tipping housekeepers.

Why Daily Tipping is the Best Practice

In light of this, I recommend that you leave your tip daily in cash. This practice ensures that the housekeeping staff receives the tip promptly and directly. Leaving the tip in the room is not guaranteed to be taken, but it’s safer to follow the specific envelope provided by the hotel to ensure it is captured. Additionally, housekeeping staff can change from day to day, so it’s best to tip every day.

If the room is particularly dirty or cluttered, tip more to show your appreciation for their hard work. Always leave the cash tip in an envelope for the best results. Moreover, keeping the hotel management out of the tipping process is ideal to ensure that the staff receive the full amount.

Corporates and Out-of-Office Travel

Business travelers may find it challenging to tip due to a lack of per-diem or the inability to provide a receipt for out-of-pocket expenses. However, the standard practice should still be followed whenever possible.

Conclusion

In a typical hotel, tipping $1 per person per day is reasonable. For extended stays, you may want to increase the tip slightly. Ultimately, the decision to tip is a matter of personal choice and gratitude. A small monetary gesture can significantly impact their ability to provide for themselves and their families. If you have the means to travel, consider giving something to the housekeepers who work hard to make your stay comfortable.

Tips go a long way in enhancing their quality of life.