Feeling Tipsy

Although I have done my time working in the hospitality industry, I think my tipping knowledge might have gotten a little bit rusty over the years. I know how to tip at dinner, but what about the spa or the valet, and do I really have to tip the doorman?

On a recent trip to the Hotel Coronado in San Diego, I was confronted by my cheap, inner scrooge. With outstanding service lurking behind every corner, I became bewildered (and, I admit, a bit obsessed) with the question of who and what to tip.

CNN Money recently provided a solution in the form of a guide by the Emily Post Institute on what are the customary gratuities for various services.

Let’s first assume you are going on short weekend trip to a resort. One of the things that you wish to do is visit the salon or spa. When you pay the bill on your $150 hair cut, don’t forget about the additional 15%-20% that is now the acceptable tip. Oh, yes, and the shampooer gets a $2 tip too. And your newly manicured nails and relaxing massage will also cost you an additional 15%-20%.

Fully coiffed and dressed for an elegant dinner out, you and your date attend a nice restaurant. A $5 tip is suggested for reservations made by the hotel concierge who made the dinner reservation for you.

Before you eat, you stop by the restroom to wash your hands, and a smiling lady hands you a towel. You hope that she is just a friendly patron until you spot the tip jar on the counter, and you drop another dollar.

Your food server expects to receive at least 15% of the bill, excluding tax for adequate service, and 20% for very good service. The sommelier who opened that bottle of wine for you, I am told, should also receive 15%. So you knew that already? Well, what about that bar you stop by later that night? Post tells us a bar tab tip should run between 15% to 20% of the tab, with a minimum of 50 cents per soft drink, and a $1 minimum per alcoholic drink.

Later that evening when you pick up your coat at the entrance, don’t forget to tip the coatroom attendant who also expects $1 per coat.

Before you check out early the morning, don’t forget to tip your housekeeper $1-$5 per night, and the parking attendant $2 to bring your car to you. The bellhop wheels your luggage behind you and also expects $1 per bag.

Is your head starting to spin?

Now after you drop off your car at the rental station, you will probably need a Taxi to take you to the airport. Above the cost of the Taxi, an additional 15% is standard, with an additional $1-$2 if he assists you with your luggage.

Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted, broke, and thinking about staying home next time…Nah

Written by Karen