Not sure if this is the right place for my question-please advise. Recently in Europe at check out there was an option to add a gratuity for the front desk staff. It made me wonder, in the US if in those situations when I am trying to upgrade based on "status" if it would be helpful, and/or rude to offer a gratuity to the desk staff, as they often can find something better. Any advice or experiences?
Thanks.
Sometimes it works (like Vegas), sometimes it's frowned upon or against the rules (my experience in Cancun, for example). I wonder whether the additional gratuity amount might be there for when front desk staff arrange dinners, etc. as a form of concierge services or other services not offered elsewhere?
I travel 50 week per year. You have hotels, restaurants, shuttles, coffee shops, etc.
My company doesn't reimburse for tips. Where do you draw the line?
I only tip for extraordanary services.
I've never ever tipped for service for an upgrade... I will tip restaurants, cafes , Taxi's etc.etc if the service is excellent.
Generally, there is no need to tip anyone when traveling in Continental Europe.
I have never tipped a front desk staff even in the States where tipping reigns.
Simple answer to the question asked...
No.
If I am staying on a club floor where there staff also serve food/drinks then I put a tip on when I check out.
As for giving money to obtain an upgrade, many hotels would fire the staff if found out
This question has been asked numerous times on the Las Vegas forum as some people claim that by using the "$20 Trick" they will get a room upgrade at some of the big casinos. Some people claim it works and others don't. Attached is one of the Vegas forum posts on this subject (there are lots of similar posts on that forum).
It does help in States. Never tried in Europe and Asia. I don't think it will help in Far East.
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