What Is the Appropriate Tip for Room Service?

If you ask most travelers how much they tip for room service, you’re likely to receive a puzzled look. While tipping is essential, the etiquette surrounding it can change depending on your location.

"Telling someone how much to tip can be quite uncomfortable because expectations differ so widely everywhere," explains Julie Danziger, managing partner of Embark Beyond in New York City. "This is particularly true for Americans, who may tip in ways that other countries find offensive."

There are no strict rules governing tipping, so prioritize what feels right for you. Don’t hesitate to consult your host or travel advisor for advice. Remember, we’ve all made mistakes in tipping at some point. Fortunately, there are some guidelines available to help you navigate tipping practices both at home and abroad. Continue reading for expert tips on tipping etiquette.

When Is It Appropriate to Tip for Room Service?

When you're in places where tipping is the norm, it's expected to tip for room service unless a service charge is already included in your bill. If you're traveling abroad where tipping customs might be less straightforward, Lizzie Post, co-president of the Emily Post Institute in Waterbury, Vermont, advises doing your research. "Make sure to look up the standards for the area," she suggests.

Tipping is common in Canada, much like in the U.S. It's also customary in regions such as the Caribbean, the Middle East, Mexico, and certain parts of Europe and South America, though the typical tip amounts in these areas tend to be lower than in the U.S. Countries like the U.K., Australia, and much of Asia generally have a less established tipping culture.

At luxury hotels like the Ritz-Carlton, guests should anticipate paying a gratuity in addition to any service charge, according to Danziger, who notes that such fees are seldom absent from bills. If you're uncertain about whether your hotel applies a service charge, simply inquire.

If you’re settling the bill with a card, Betty Jo Currie, founder of Currie & Co. Travels Unlimited in Atlanta, advises checking if the tip is included. For cash payments, you might opt to leave a small tip. "I usually leave around $5," she mentions, emphasizing how little these workers often earn. Just because a service charge and gratuity are listed doesn’t guarantee that the person who delivered your food will receive it.

"Inquire if the person is receiving tips directly from the bill," advises Danziger.

What to Tip for Room Service

Danziger suggests using the same tipping approach as when dining at American restaurants. "As Americans, we're generally taught to either double the tax or leave an 18% to 20% tip," she explains. If the food was ordered from the hotel, this method can be applied to room service as well. (If it wasn't from the hotel, you can still pretend it was, Danziger adds.)

The latest "Gratuity Guide" from the American Hotel and Lodging Association, released in 2014, indicates that a 15% to 20% tip is standard in the U.S. unless a room service charge is already included in the bill. In areas where tipping is customary but generally lower, a tip of 5% to 15% may be appropriate — researching the specifics beforehand is crucial.

This guideline applies equally to both full-service chains and boutique hotels. "One might assume that motels would offer less service and, therefore, require smaller tips," Currie notes, but that’s not the reality.

While Post emphasizes that tipping is ultimately a personal choice, she advises against basing your tip on the establishment's type. "It’s important to ensure that workers feel appreciated for their efforts," she explains. "If the venue is less upscale, don't let that lower your tip amount."

Currie concurs, stating, "If the service is good, my tip amount remains the same — and I encourage others to adopt this mindset as well."

What to Tip for Other Hotel Services

The typical tipping range for hotel bartenders and waitstaff mirrors that of room service: 15% to 20%, contingent on your satisfaction with the service. The AHLA suggests offering $1 to $2 per person to courtesy shuttle drivers and door staff. Housekeeping and bell staff should be tipped between $1 and $5 each time their services are utilized. Parking attendants should also receive a similar amount, but only when you pick up your vehicle.

The AHLA recommends tipping the concierge between $5 and $10 based on the extent of the service. For special item deliveries, the suggested tip is $2 for the first item and $1 for each additional item.