A Guide to Hotel Tipping (Published 2020) (2024)

With daily fees (parking, gym or the dreaded resort fee) seemingly increasing both in quantity and in amount, it may be hard during your hotel stay to shell out gratuities as well. But traveling is one of life’s luxuries, said the etiquette columnist Karen Cleveland, and it’s important to tip the staff who help make it happen.

“My approach in life,” she said, “is if you can afford a service, you can afford the gratuity.”

Many hotel staff earn the minimum wage, Ms. Cleveland said, and tips can add meaningful income. “There’s no downside in being generous in tipping.”

Erika Richter, communications director for the American Society of Travel Advisors, recommends the practice, but notes that “tipping is very much a personal thing.” Specific amounts should be adjusted depending on the service you receive and the location and type of property where you are staying, she said.

Here are hotel-tipping suggestions from frequent travelers, Ms. Cleveland and the American Society of Travel Advisors.

Getting there and situated

SHUTTLE DRIVER Taking the shuttle from the airport or from the hotel to downtown? Five dollars per person for the driver should cover it. Add a few extra dollars for luggage.

PORTER If you are storing bags with the hotel porters before or after your stay, tip a few dollars per bag when you leave them and when you retrieve them, to thank everyone who helped you.