Forbes' luxury travel tipping guide
By Paul Johnson on Aug 23, 2006 in Travel Miscellany
Ever left pondering as to how much to tip? Then worry no longer. I’ve summised Forbes’ luxury travel tipping guide in the following list:
- Bellman: as a minimum, give $1 to $2 per bag
- Butler: tip according to hotel and errand
- Concierge: $5 to $10 per request is considered generous
- Doorman: suggests $1 for directions or for unloading a bag
- Front desk agent: suggests $1 or $2 for arranging a late check-out
- Limo driver: 15% if what you’re paying doesn’t already include gratuities
- Maid: $1 or $2 for extra toiletries, and at least $3 a night
- Personal shopper: 10% of total purchases is not unheard of
- Pool attendant/tanning butler: a few dollars for lotion application
- Room service: discretionary 15% to 20%
- Ski valet: $2 to $5 per person per day
- Spa technician: 18% is the industry standard, if it’s not already included
- Technology engineer: is it right to tip for something that should work anyway?
- Valet parking attendant: $1 or $2 per car delivery
Personally, I’m not so sure about following standard rules but a little guidance can’t harm. I like to tip in accordance with the service received. If it’s really good, I’ll tip more.
