posted 03-13-2004 01:00               

We also leave unopened food, paper products, etc., plus opened but not-gross foodstuff. No half-eaten sandwiches, open sodas, or anything like that. We always group the stuff together in one spot, i.e. all the fridge items on one shelf, non fridge items on one shelf in a cabinet or just on the counter. That way, if the maids aren't allowed to take it, it's easier for them to throw away.

I don't consider leftover food part of the tip, just an extra that they (or someone) can hopefully use.

posted 03-13-2004 05:09            

quote:

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Originally posted by debraxh:
Interesting topic: we always tip if service is provided. Daily maid service = daily tip; mid-week service = 1 tip; no service = no tip.

We also leave unopened food, paper products, etc., plus opened but not-gross foodstuff. No half-eaten sandwiches, open sodas, or anything like that. We always group the stuff together in one spot, i.e. all the fridge items on one shelf, non fridge items on one shelf in a cabinet or just on the counter. That way, if the maids aren't allowed to take it, it's easier for them to throw away.

I don't consider leftover food part of the tip, just an extra that they (or someone) can hopefully use.

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I follow exactly the same tipping and food procedure except for the opened leftover items - I throw those away.

posted 03-13-2004 09:30               

Another lesson I learned was that housekeeping staff probably will not understand my written requests that I place next to my tip. I wrote a note stating that we needed 4 pool towels rather than 3 that were left. I also left a $5 tip by the note.
When we came back to the t/s that day, the note and the tip were still there but not the extra towel. The housekeeping staff did take the $5 tip left by my wife on the bathroom counter and yes they did make the beds and clean the bathrooms. I found the same housekeeping staff cleaning another unit and approached and asked for some more pool towells. The woman I spoke to did not understand until I pointed to the towells on the cart. She gave me 3. She had always left 3 during our first week. The second week, friends arrived to stay in the extra bedroom.

I have learned that housekeeping staff are more than willing to go the extra if they understand what it is that I want. I must make my requests to them in a fashion that they understand. In other words, I can not assume that they speak or read English. The personal touch has always worked best for me.

posted 03-13-2004 20:47               

We just came back from our Highlands Inn t/s and Carmel was unusually warm this last week. I asked the maid service to leave the roman blinds down at the conclusion of her work (to keep the sun out and keep it cooler) When we returned, the maintinance staff was in the room because they had a work order the blinds wouldn't go up...

Communication is problem number one possibly in the whole world.

posted 03-14-2004 07:56               

quote:

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Originally posted by rubycat33:

Problem number two is there is never an easy way to tip the people that do the work. We are out before they start, and retuen after they leave. Money left on the dresser is understandable not touched. What is one to do?

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Ruby, we always leave the tip money on a pillow, and it has always been taken.

posted 03-14-2004 16:24               

In hotels, I leave $2-$3/day, a little more on check-out. (At 10 rooms, the maid would stand to make $20-$30 additional). In timeshares, if towel/garbage service is provided, I offer $2. If full midweek cleaning, I leave $5 (the maid would have less units in a timeshare). If you're going to tip at the beginning of your stay, ensure the maid will be assigned your room all week. Some hotels rotate or you may have a replacement cleaner on your regular's day off.

Housekeeping's pay at hotels is usually better than minimum but nothing great. Benefits in big hotels are very good though.

posted 03-17-2004 17:38            

Interesting the one resort told you to bring the left over liquor to the desk, obviously they planned to make use of it, but wonder what the housekeepers thought. BTW don't leave my tip in any kind of beer, prefer rum !