[apollo11]

15 - 20 % seems to be the rate, I know.

I am spending a week in Chicago then on to Hawaii and then a cruise around the Hawaian Islands then UK.

Who gets tips, who doesn't ? When do I need to tip?

Eg Someone opens a door - tip?

Someone deals with an enquiry -tip?


Going on 6 August so advise at your earliest convenience please.

[ghporter]

At your hotel, assuming you're at a fancy one, the folks that handle your bags should get a tip, usually per bag, plus a basic tip-what I've seen is $5 plus $1 per bag, and give 'em the $5 for showing you to the room and opening it up for you, even if you don't have any luggage.

The concierge should get a tip commensurate with the services provided. Calling you a cab is (to me) part of the job, but arranging theater tickets, booking a limo and such are not, so tip accordingly-I'd think working out a $200 theater package would be worth $20 for their effort.

The doorman at a fancy hotel will be opening the door for you for your whole stay. But if he goes to the street and gets you a cab, that's worth a dollar. I personally like the idea of expressing my satisfaction with services like what the doorman does by slipping him a nice tip as I leave-a week's stay with great door service would be worth $20 to me.

Restaurant tips generally go by standard rates, but if you get outstanding service (especially when the place is busy), feel free to show your appreciation of your waiter going above and beyond, by exceeding the "going rate" for his tip.

What cruise line is your Hawaii cruise on? Their web site should have some sort of help with standards for tipping-and a good cruise line will provide the kind of service that makes you think your fare was a bargain, so be prepared to show how happy you are with the service. More help is available on Cruise Critic In particular, this article examines the subject in depth. I've only cruised on Royal Caribbean, and their service has always made me wonder why I couldn't give significantly more than the "recommended" amount. Their tipping guidance breaks things down by day or meal, and looking at it that way, their suggestions are very much in line with the advice I gave above for hotels. Remember, a cruise is the same thing as booking a 3 star (or higher) hotel PLUS the travel, so if you get 3 star service, tip accordingly.

Enjoy your holiday, and let us know all about it when you get back!

[Black_Rain]

sorry it's late... but you should tip most people that do something courteous for you. If you can tell they put effort into it, i usually tip them..

although my gf yells at me for being too good a tipper

so i could be wrong

[Mastrap]

Originally Posted by ghporter 

At your hotel, assuming you're at a fancy one, the folks that handle your bags should get a tip, usually per bag, plus a basic tip-what I've seen is $5 plus $1 per bag, and give 'em the $5 for showing you to the room and opening it up for you, even if you don't have any luggage.

The concierge should get a tip commensurate with the services provided. Calling you a cab is (to me) part of the job, but arranging theater tickets, booking a limo and such are not, so tip accordingly-I'd think working out a $200 theater package would be worth $20 for their effort.

Both of these are, in my opinion, extremely generous. Personally I would half the above tips.

[IceEnclosure]

15-20% would be spot on in a restaurant.

kudos to you for inquiring.