How Much Should You Tip Hotel Staff?
Hotel stays involve many small services that often go unnoticed. From clean rooms to luggage handling and local recommendations, staff effort adds up quickly.
Tipping at hotels is less about one big gesture and more about recognizing specific tasks. Knowing what is customary helps you tip fairly without guessing or overdoing it.
This article explains how much to tip different hotel staff members and how to handle tipping during group stays or international travel.
Hotel Staff Tipping Guide
Hotel tipping usually happens in small moments throughout your stay, not all at once at checkout. Different staff handle different tasks, and tips are best matched to the specific service provided.
The guidelines below cover the most common hotel roles and what is typically expected for each.
🛏️ Housekeeping
Per night:
$2-5
$5-10
Leave daily (staff may change) with a note saying “Housekeeping – Thank you!”
🛎️ Bellhop/Porter
Per bag:
$2
🏨 Concierge
🍽️ Room Service
Coordinating Tips During Group Hotel Stays
Hotel tipping is usually handled per room or per service, even when traveling as a group. Each room should tip its own housekeeping, and room service tips are handled individually.
Shared services, such as a concierge arranging plans for the entire group or a bellhop assisting multiple rooms, may require coordination. In those cases, one person can handle the tip and settle it later, or each room can contribute separately.
Clarifying this early helps avoid missed tips and keeps things simple throughout the stay.
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Editor’s Take
"I don’t usually stay at luxury hotels. I don’t use concierge, room service, or bellhop services. Because of that, I keep it simple and leave a small daily tip just for the housekeeper, depending on how much change we have - usually 1 or 2 EUR per day." - Martynas Baniulis
International Considerations
Hotel tipping customs vary widely by country. In some places, tipping is expected. In others, it may be unnecessary or even discouraged.
Before traveling internationally, check local customs or hotel guidance. This helps you avoid over-tipping while still showing appreciation where it’s customary.
Final Words
Hotel tipping works best when it matches the service provided. Small, timely tips are usually more appropriate than one large tip at checkout.
Tip daily when staff may rotate. Adjust for effort, complexity, and local customs. Coordinate in advance when traveling with a group.
Clear tipping habits show respect for the people who make your stay comfortable, without turning gratuity into a source of stress.
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