Hotel Tipping Guide — How Much to Tip for Every Service
The hotel tip calculator above covers all six common hotel services. Hotel tipping is one of the most commonly forgotten forms of gratuity, yet it makes a genuine difference to the staff who make your stay comfortable. Here's a full breakdown.
| Hotel Service | Standard Tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🛏️ Housekeeping | $3–5 per night | Leave daily — different staff each day. Leave on the pillow or desk with a note. |
| 🧳 Bellhop / Luggage | $2–5 per bag | More for heavy bags. Tip when they deliver, not just at check-in. |
| 🅿️ Valet Parking | $2–5 per retrieval | Tip when they bring your car back, not when you drop it off. |
| 🍽️ Room Service | 15–20% | Check your bill — many hotels add a delivery charge or gratuity already. |
| 🎩 Concierge | $5–20 | Tip for restaurant reservations, show tickets, or special arrangements. |
| 💆 Spa / Massage | 15–20% | Same standard as a salon. Check if gratuity is included in the package price. |
| 🚗 Airport Shuttle Driver | $2–5 per person | Or $1–2 per bag if they load luggage. |
| 🍹 Pool/Bar Server | 15–20% | Same as restaurant; they're serving you in a resort setting. |
Housekeeping Tips: Leave Daily, Not at Checkout
The most important hotel tipping rule: leave housekeeping tips daily, not as a lump sum at checkout. Different staff members may clean your room on different days, so a tip left at the end of your stay will only reach the last person who cleaned. Leave $3–5 per night on the pillow or nightstand — ideally with a note saying "Thank you" so it's clearly a tip and not forgotten change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do you tip hotel housekeeping?
The standard tip for hotel housekeeping is $3–5 per night in a standard hotel, and $5–10 per night at a luxury or resort property. Leave the tip daily, since different staff may clean your room each day. A note saying "for housekeeping" or "thank you" is helpful.
Do you tip a hotel valet when dropping off or picking up?
Tip the valet when they return your car, not when you drop it off. The standard is $2–5 per retrieval. If you're in and out multiple times during a stay, tip each time they bring your car back.
Should you tip hotel room service?
Yes, but first check your bill. Many hotels add a delivery charge or service fee that may include gratuity. If no gratuity is listed, tip 15–20% of the order total — the same standard as a restaurant.
Do you tip hotel concierge?
Tip the concierge for meaningful help: $5–10 for a restaurant reservation, $10–20 for a hard-to-get reservation or significant travel arrangement. No tip is needed for quick questions like "where is the gym?"