Hotel Tipping Guide: How Much to Tip Housekeeping, Bellhops & Concierge
Navigating hotel tipping in the US can be confusing—there are dozens of staff members who may provide service during your stay. This practical guide breaks down exactly who to tip, how much, when, and how to do it properly so you never feel uncertain.
Housekeeping: $2–5 Per Night (Standard) / $5–10 (Luxury)
Tip daily, not just at checkout. This is the most important housekeeping tipping rule. Different staff members may clean your room each day—leaving a lump sum at checkout means only the last day's housekeeper gets tipped.
- Standard hotels (Holiday Inn, Marriott, Hilton): $2–5 per night
- Luxury hotels (Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, St. Regis): $5–10 per night
- Extended stays (5+ nights): $2–3/night is acceptable due to the cumulative amount
How to leave the tip: Place bills on the pillow, nightstand, or desk with a note saying "Thank you" or "For housekeeping." Without a note, staff may assume you left your own money and won't take it.
Bellhops & Porters: $2–3 Per Bag
- Standard luggage: $2–3 per bag, $5 minimum even for one bag
- Oversized, heavy, or fragile items: $3–5 per item
- Multiple trips or floor deliveries: $5–10 total
Tip when bags are delivered to your room, not when they are first collected at the curb. If the same bellhop handles both, tip at the room delivery.
Concierge: $5–$20+ Depending on Service
Concierge tips scale with the complexity and value of the assistance provided:
- Simple directions or recommendations: $5 or no tip (basic info)
- Restaurant reservations: $5–10
- Hard-to-get reservations or event tickets: $10–20
- Complex arrangements (private tours, car service, itinerary planning): $20–50
- Repeated help throughout your stay: $20–50 at checkout as a thank-you
Valet Parking: $3–5 Per Retrieval
- Tip when your car is returned to you, not when you drop it off
- Standard: $3–5
- During busy periods, bad weather, or special events: $5–10
- If the valet parks your car in a particularly inconvenient spot that requires extra time: $5+
Room Service: 15–20% (Check for Auto-Gratuity)
Always check your room service bill before adding a tip. Many hotels automatically add 18–20% gratuity or a "delivery charge" to room service orders.
- If gratuity is included: no additional tip needed (though $2–3 cash for the delivery person is a nice touch)
- If gratuity is NOT included: 15–20% of the order total
- The "delivery charge" is often a hotel fee that does NOT go to the server—ask if unsure
Other Hotel Staff
- Doorman (hailing a cab): $1–2
- Doorman (carrying bags from car): $2–5
- Pool attendant (setting up chairs, bringing towels): $2–5
- Spa staff: 15–20% of the treatment cost (see spa tipping guide)
- Shuttle driver: $2–5, or $1–2 per bag
- Turndown service: $2 per evening (usually at luxury hotels)
Hotel Tipping Quick Reference Card
- Housekeeping: $2–5/night (daily)
- Bellhop: $2–3/bag ($5 min)
- Concierge: $5–50 (based on service)
- Valet: $3–5 per retrieval
- Room service: 15–20% (check bill first)
- Doorman: $1–5
FAQ
Do I tip at Airbnbs or vacation rentals?
No. Airbnb hosts set their own cleaning fees. There is no expectation to tip unless a separate cleaning staff is visibly working during your stay.
What if I never see the housekeeper?
Leave the tip on the pillow or desk with a note. You do not need to hand it directly to the person.
Should I tip the front desk staff?
Not typically. Front desk staff are salaried. Tip only if they go significantly above and beyond (resolving a major issue, upgrading your room as a favor)—in that case, $5–10 is generous.