Hotel Tipping Guide: Who to Tip and How Much
Hotel tipping is about many small, cash gratuities to different staff rather than one big tip. Keep a few small bills handy. Tip housekeeping daily (not just at checkout) since a different person may clean each day, and leave it with a note so it’s clearly a tip. Abroad, these amounts often drop or disappear — check the destination guide.
Work out a room-service tip
Hotel tipping cheat sheet (US)
| Staff | Customary tip |
|---|---|
| Housekeeping | $2–$5 per night, left daily |
| Bellhop / porter | $1–$2 per bag ($5 minimum) |
| Valet | $2–$5 when your car is returned |
| Doorman | $1–$2 for hailing a cab or help with bags |
| Concierge | $5–$20 for reservations or hard-to-get tickets |
| Room service | 15–20% (only if not already included) |
| Shuttle driver | $1–$2 per person or per bag |
How much to tip housekeeping
Leave $2–$5 per night for housekeeping, toward the higher end for suites, resorts, or messy stays with kids or pets. Tip daily rather than in one lump at checkout, because housekeepers often rotate and the person who cleaned on day two may not be there on day four. Leave the cash in a visible spot with a short “Thank you — housekeeping” note so it isn’t mistaken for lost money.
Room service and resort fees
Room-service bills frequently include an 18–20% “service charge” plus a separate delivery fee. If service is already added, an extra tip is optional. A resort fee is not a staff tip — it’s a property charge — so it doesn’t replace tipping housekeeping or bell staff. Read the itemized charges before adding more.
Tipping at hotels abroad
US hotel tipping norms don’t travel. In much of Europe small rounding or a euro or two is plenty; in Japan tipping is not customary and can confuse staff; in many countries a service charge is built in. Check the relevant country guide before you assume US amounts apply.
Related tipping guides
- How much to tip a hotel housekeeping
- How much to tip a bellhop
- How much to tip a valet
- How much to tip a hotel concierge
- How much to tip a room service
FAQ
How much do you tip hotel housekeeping?
$2–$5 per night in the US, left daily with a note. Tip more for suites, resorts or especially messy stays.
Do you tip the valet every time?
Tip $2–$5 when your car is returned. A tip when dropping off is optional but can mean better placement.
Should you tip room service if there’s a service charge?
If an 18–20% service charge is already on the bill, an extra tip is optional. A separate delivery fee is not a staff tip.
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Reviewed 2026-08-10. Tipping is customary, not mandatory; adjust for your budget and service quality.