How to Properly Tip Hotel Staff in the USA

In the U.S., gratuities play a significant role in the earnings of hospitality workers. However, the norms for tipping hotel staff can be more complex than the straightforward 20 percent guideline often used in restaurants and bars.

When it comes to tipping in hotels, it can be difficult to know how best to show appreciation through gratuities. Room service may include a built-in tip on the bill, while other staff members might receive tips less frequently. In all-inclusive resorts, gratuities are often included in the overall fees, which can complicate things further. Your tipping approach may vary based on specific requests made of the staff, the services received, and the hotel's level of luxury.

Research indicates that approximately 70 percent of guests do not leave tips for hotel staff. Some choose not to tip intentionally, while many simply feel uncertain about whom to tip and when.

According to Emily Van Voorst, director of lodging at Enchantment Resort and Mii amo in Arizona, tipping should be left to the guests' discretion, depending on the service and overall hotel experience. Nonetheless, it's always a kind gesture to thank those who contributed to making your travel more enjoyable.

While there are no strict rules, we've consulted industry experts and tipping etiquette professionals for insights on whom to tip, how much to give, and what to do if you're short on cash. Continue reading for a handy guide to tipping in U.S. hotels.

Recommended tip for hotel housekeepers

For a mid-range or business hotel, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) recommends tipping housekeepers between $1 and $5 per night.

When staying at a luxury hotel, experts recommend leaving anywhere from $2 to $20 per day for housekeeping, with the higher end being suitable for hotels that provide daily cleaning and nightly turndown services, especially for larger accommodations like multi-bedroom villas.

If it takes housekeeping longer than the usual 20 to 30 minutes to clean your room, it's considerate to leave a bit more than normal. Situations that may require extra cleaning include food spills (like cereal ground into the carpet by kids), additional trash from in-room gatherings, or if you have a pet that sheds a lot.

Opinions vary on whether to tip daily or as a lump sum at the end of your stay. The AHLA suggests tipping daily since the housekeeper who cleans your room one day may not be the same the next. Justin Nels, managing director of Isla Bella Beach Resort in Marathon, Florida, believes tipping at the end is acceptable, noting that it shouldn't feel like a daily obligation. However, if a housekeeper provides exceptional service during your stay, it's thoughtful to offer a tip then.

Regarding how to leave tips, Jason Harrison, director of operations at Thompson Washington DC, mentions, “It’s always appreciated to hand the tip directly to the staff member, but leaving a note with kind words in the room can be very meaningful and often gets displayed on the refrigerator at home.”

Pamela Eyring, owner and president of the Protocol School of Washington, advises that if you choose to leave a tip in the hotel room, make sure it's in a visible spot. However, she cautions against placing it on the bed or pillow, as it might be accidentally lost when changing the sheets. Both Harrison and Eyring agree that leaving an envelope at the front desk to be distributed to the housekeepers who cleaned your room is also perfectly acceptable.

Recommended tip for hotel valets

Experts across the industry recommend tipping hotel valets between $1 and $10, with a higher amount suggested for valets who go above and beyond by providing snacks and drinks for your journey or offering helpful directions.

Recommended tip for hotel bellhops

Nels suggests tipping “$2 per bag or up to $5 per bag for hotel bellhops, depending on the size and weight of the luggage.” He noted that if the bellhop provides exceptional service, such as helping you settle into your room with a brief tour or bringing ice, consider offering a higher tip. Also, remember to tip the bell staff if you request their assistance at checkout.

Recommended tip for hotel concierges

Since the services provided by concierges can vary widely—from securing difficult-to-get restaurant reservations to creating a romantic atmosphere in your room with flowers—it's advisable to tip based on the level of service received. The AHLA also recommends tipping at the end of your stay.

Van Voorst recommends tipping hotel concierges “$10 for securing a spa booking or dinner reservation, and between $20 to $50 for organizing a detailed itinerary that includes arrangements with external vendors, tours, or activities.”

Recommended tip for hotel shuttle drivers

“Many people assume that complimentary shuttle drivers don't deserve a tip, but if they save you from an Uber, taxi, or Lyft fare to the airport or mall, consider tipping at least $5 per ride—especially if they assist with your luggage,” Eyring commented regarding shorter trips.

Recommended tip for massage therapists, trainers, and activity guides

According to Eyring, tipping for spa treatments and guided activities is straightforward—it aligns closely with what you would tip a restaurant server, typically around 15 to 20 percent of the service cost.

Should you leave a tip even if the room wasn’t cleaned during your stay?

The simple answer is yes, as housekeeping will still need to clean your room after you check out. Post-COVID, it's likely that cleaning protocols are more stringent, meaning there’s still considerable work to do even if the room was left tidy. If you usually tip housekeeping, it remains a good practice in this case, though you might consider a smaller amount to account for a single cleaning rather than daily service.

When is it appropriate to tip more?

“If you notice the impact of a staff member’s service, consider leaving a bit extra,” Harrison advised. “Hotel staff interact with hundreds of guests daily. A lot of effort goes into even the smallest details that enhance your stay, like remembering names, providing extra towels, making thoughtful suggestions, and anticipating needs. If you experience a ‘wow’ moment, a tip can serve as a ‘wow’ gesture for the team member who helped you.”

What should you do if you don’t have cash?

While cash is the preferred method since it goes straight to the employee, we’ve all experienced moments while traveling when cash isn’t immediately available.

Van Voorst mentioned that most hotels and resorts provide ATMs for guests or can guide them to a nearby reliable one. Some hotels also accept tips via credit card, so it’s wise to inquire about this option at the start of your stay if you plan to tip that way.

According to Van Voorst, it’s crucial not to leave food or gifts in the room, as they may be mistaken for personal items left by other guests. While you can give a gift directly to someone, it’s generally not advisable. Nels added, “I recommend tipping with cash unless you have a personal relationship with the individual. An unused bottle of wine shouldn’t replace a cash tip.”

If you find yourself without cash, a thoughtful alternative to tip could be leaving a positive online review.

“Many hotels have incentive programs that reward staff based on positive reviews mentioning their names, so recognizing a team member on TripAdvisor could provide them with extra acknowledgment and possibly a little bonus in their paycheck,” Harrison explained.

This article was first published online in 2022 and was updated most recently on November 29, 2023, to reflect the latest information.