SiegfriedRoy
SiegfriedRoy
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January 30th, 2020 at 1:30:52 PM permalink
I am having a debate with my friend on how much to tip at various situations in Vegas. I’ve realized that I differ in tipping pilosophy in many ways. I am not going to open a can of worms on tipping dealers, but based on below assessment, am I off? Do I need to recalibrate?

Hotel housekeeping : $2 a day
Valet attendant : $2-$3
Bell man : $1-2 a bag and no less than $5
Comp Limo: $50 if going to or from the airport, and $30 - $40 around town based on distance
Cab hauler : $1
Fancy restaurant : 18 - 20%
Buffet : 10% - 15%. If it’s self-serve drinks, I tip 10%.
Cocktail waitress: $2 a drink or $3 a drink if I want her to keep bringing drinks
Poker dealer : $1-$3 a game I win

Am I over tipping or under tipping? I don’t mind recalibrating.
rsactuary
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January 30th, 2020 at 1:53:48 PM permalink
I've never had a comped limo but your rate seems outrageous.

All the others are fairly reasonable, but for cocktail waitresses, I"m typically a dollar a drink.
SOOPOO
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January 30th, 2020 at 1:56:47 PM permalink
Quote: SiegfriedRoy

I am having a debate with my friend on how much to tip at various situations in Vegas. I’ve realized that I differ in tipping pilosophy in many ways. I am not going to open a can of worms on tipping dealers, but based on below assessment, am I off? Do I need to recalibrate?

Hotel housekeeping : $2 a day
Valet attendant : $2-$3
Bell man : $1-2 a bag and no less than $5
Comp Limo: $50 if going to or from the airport, and $30 - $40 around town based on distance
Cab hauler : $1
Fancy restaurant : 18 - 20%
Buffet : 10% - 15%. If it’s self-serve drinks, I tip 10%.
Cocktail waitress: $2 a drink or $3 a drink if I want her to keep bringing drinks
Poker dealer : $1-$3 a game I win

Am I over tipping or under tipping? I don’t mind recalibrating.



If those numbers work for you, so be it. I tip less, he tips more, The thought that if I have a $700 silly expensive dinner for 4 that the waiter has earned $140 is crazy to me. For his 8 tables that night he makes $1k? And at Cracker Barrel for the same number of plates the bill is $80, and that waiter only gets $16? I think there are around 10 threads on this already by the way.....
Ace2
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January 30th, 2020 at 2:12:26 PM permalink
An Uber from the airport to the strip is $16 including tip.

$50 for a “free” ride seems nuts.
It’s all about making that GTA
SiegfriedRoy
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January 30th, 2020 at 2:22:15 PM permalink
Quote: Ace2

An Uber from the airport to the strip is $16 including tip.

$50 for a “free” ride seems nuts.



I don’t always take it. I use it when I’m traveling with a big group of 5-8. I know it still cost more, but it’s less of hassle and easier to swallow when the cost is divided.

As far as SOOPOO, when you go to a nice restaurant, how much do you tip?
SOOPOO
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January 30th, 2020 at 2:52:15 PM permalink
Quote: SiegfriedRoy

I don’t always take it. I use it when I’m traveling with a big group of 5-8. I know it still cost more, but it’s less of hassle and easier to swallow when the cost is divided.

As far as SOOPOO, when you go to a nice restaurant, how much do you tip?



I feel I am ruled by rules I don't agree with. I tend to tip 15+% on the after tax amount, so somewhere between 16 and 17%. Last big bill was around $670 after tax. I left $105. Most of my colleagues/friends would have left between $125 and $150.
I get these great sushi and sashimi lunch specials for like $12. I'll leave a $3 tip. The waitress always remembers me and brings me a side of spicy mayo.
Lovecomps
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January 30th, 2020 at 2:55:29 PM permalink
Quote: SiegfriedRoy

I am having a debate with my friend on how much to tip at various situations in Vegas. I’ve realized that I differ in tipping pilosophy in many ways. I am not going to open a can of worms on tipping dealers, but based on below assessment, am I off? Do I need to recalibrate?

Hotel housekeeping : $2 a day
Valet attendant : $2-$3
Bell man : $1-2 a bag and no less than $5
Comp Limo: $50 if going to or from the airport, and $30 - $40 around town based on distance
Cab hauler : $1
Fancy restaurant : 18 - 20%
Buffet : 10% - 15%. If it’s self-serve drinks, I tip 10%.
Cocktail waitress: $2 a drink or $3 a drink if I want her to keep bringing drinks
Poker dealer : $1-$3 a game I win

Am I over tipping or under tipping? I don’t mind recalibrating.




Housekeeping: On target
Valet attendant: None since I limo but $1 is enough. Same for the cab hailer.
Bel man: One target:
Limo: $20 one way
Restaurant: It all depends on how good she is/isn't.
Buffet: Zero. They are to disgusting to go to.
Cocktail waitress: $1 per drink while gambling.
Poker dealer: On target
The best things in life are not free.
IndyJeffrey
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January 30th, 2020 at 4:03:15 PM permalink
Quote: SiegfriedRoy

I am having a debate with my friend on how much to tip at various situations in Vegas.



Boy oh boy I wish we were a society where gratuities were not expected, rather a pleasant surprise.

Imagine the resort who raised their room rates $5/night and passed along 100% of the $5 to housekeeping. You better believe that cleaning staff would be motivated to do a great job as to not lose that job. Sigh.
ThatDonGuy
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January 30th, 2020 at 4:14:15 PM permalink
Am I the only one who tips housekeeping $5/day?
ChesterDog
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January 30th, 2020 at 4:20:11 PM permalink
Quote: ThatDonGuy

Am I the only one who tips housekeeping $5/day?



My friend always tips housekeeping $5/day, but from this site I learned that $2/day is typical.
Ace2
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January 30th, 2020 at 4:37:14 PM permalink
Quote: IndyJeffrey

Boy oh boy I wish we were a society where gratuities were not expected, rather a pleasant surprise.

Imagine the resort who raised their room rates $5/night and passed along 100% of the $5 to housekeeping. You better believe that cleaning staff would be motivated to do a great job as to not lose that job. Sigh.

Tipping seems to get more and more out of hand in the USA.

I think I receive just as good (or better) service from the “never tip these” people as from the “always tip these” people.

Wouldn’t it be nice if all restaurants/bars raise prices 18%, increase salaries and eliminate tipping. Let’s just agree on a price from the beginning.

One of the things I like about traveling abroad is that tipping is rarely expected. But if a service was very good you might leave something. There 100 euros means 100 euros. Here 100 means 130 after tax and tip.
It’s all about making that GTA
SiegfriedRoy
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January 30th, 2020 at 4:46:14 PM permalink
Quote: Ace2

Tipping seems to get more and more out of hand in the USA.

I think I receive just as good (or better) service from the “never tip these” people as from the “always tip these” people.

Wouldn’t it be nice if all restaurants/bars raise prices 18%, increase salaries and eliminate tipping. Let’s just agree on a price from the beginning.

One of the things I like about traveling abroad is that tipping is rarely expected. But if a service was very good you might leave something. There 100 euros means 100 euros. Here 100 means 130 after tax and tip.



You could not have put it any better. I get outraged by food trucks expecting tip for just giving me my damn food. I wish we can just do away with tips as well.
onenickelmiracle
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January 30th, 2020 at 5:06:11 PM permalink
I tip more than $2 a day because I trash hotel rooms pretty badly and feel guilty. Those women are trying to feed their kids and they deserve something for cleaning my mess up.
I am a robot.
Mosca
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Johnzimbo
January 30th, 2020 at 7:24:52 PM permalink
Quote: ThatDonGuy

Am I the only one who tips housekeeping $5/day?



I do as well.

$5 for housekeeping
$2 for valet, $5 if the weather is awful and pickup is outside
$2/bag, min $5
20% at restaurants
I don’t take limos
Don’t know what a cab hauler is
$1 a drink in the casino, but I only drink water there
$5/hour at table games, win or lose.

I’m generally a good tipper. But I’ve been fortunate in life; not that I’m wealthy, but that I’m content. It doesn’t cost me much to be generous, so I try to be.
A falling knife has no handle.
Hullabaloo
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January 30th, 2020 at 7:30:00 PM permalink
Quote: onenickelmiracle

I tip more than $2 a day because I trash hotel rooms pretty badly and feel guilty. Those women are trying to feed their kids and they deserve something for cleaning my mess up.



I'm completely the opposite. As long as it's only a few days I never have any need for anyone to come into my room, and I'd prefer they didn't. Before I vacate the room I clean everything up so it's easy for them to finish it up. I'll usually give them $2-$5. Less if I just sleep in the room for 8 hours and then leave, more if I'm there for more than a day.
Wizard
Administrator
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January 30th, 2020 at 9:29:29 PM permalink
Here is my advice:

Hotel housekeeping : $0 a day
Valet attendant : $5
Bell man : $5-$10 (total) depending on number and weight of bags and quality of hotel. A bell man lugging 10 bags on one cart should not get 10x as much as lugging one bag. The time is almost the same.
Comp Limo: About half what you'd pay an Uber. The limo driver should be well paid already.
Cab hauler : $0
Fancy restaurant : 18 - 20%
Buffet : 5%-10%
Cocktail waitress: $2 a drink to $5 a drink, depending on frequency of service and effort put into appearance.
Poker dealer : One to three chips (smallest denomination), depending on pot size.

Quote:

Am I over tipping or under tipping? I don’t mind recalibrating.



I'm not saying my standard is the right one. Some areas I tip more than you and some less. Overall, I think you're good. My biggest objection is paying a "cab hauler" if he just opened the door for me. I can tell the driver where I want to go myself.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
FleaStiff
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January 31st, 2020 at 2:18:02 AM permalink
>>Hotel housekeeping : $2 a day
Be generous at the beginning, reward special services.
>>Valet attendant : $2-$3
A bit low. Reward speed and consider temperature.
>>Bell man : $1-2 a bag and no less than $5
Fine.
>>Comp Limo: $50 if going to or from the airport, and $30 - $40 around town based on distance
NO. A comped limo is billed to the casino at a low monthly rate. $20.00 is fine, a bit extra for diversions such as to liqour stores or ATMs.
>>Cab hauler hailer : $1
only if he actually earned it.
>>Buffet : 10% - 15%. If it’s self-serve drinks, I tip 10%.
Seems a bit high to me
>>Cocktail waitress: $2 a drink or $3 a drink if I want her to keep bringing drinks
$1 a drink even if its water. Her feet walk the same distance for water as for booze. Up it a bit if she is fast and frequent.

>>Poker dealer : $1-$3 a game I win
Tip for service. He deals, he gets a tip; if you win he gets a more generous tip.
AcesAndEights
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January 31st, 2020 at 7:57:31 AM permalink
Quote: Wizard

Hotel housekeeping : $0 a day


My dude!

I was just about to post "am I the only one who doesn't tip housekeeping?"

I find tipping to be ridiculous. I hope some day we move to the European model, but I'm not holding my breath.

I tip the socially required 15-18% for table service at a restaurant, because I acknowledge that some states allow employers to account for this when setting minimum wage (not all states though).

For housekeeping, I just don't get it. If given the option I try to opt-out of housekeeping completely, by leaving the DnD sign out 24/7 or any other mechanism that is provided to me. For even a week-long hotel stay, I don't need a stranger coming into my room to tidy things up/steal things and I certainly don't need new sheets. If I need a fresh towel I can get it from the front desk.

I'm paying you, you pay your damn employees.
"So drink gamble eat f***, because one day you will be dust." -ontariodealer
TigerWu
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January 31st, 2020 at 8:15:13 AM permalink
Looks good to me except the limo and maybe drinks.

$50 for a limo tip seems way too high. I'd say more like $10-$20 one way, depending on level of service. When you book a limo to and from the airport, they "automatically" add a gratuity, and I think it's like $10-$15. At least with the limo services I've used.

I still tip $1 for cocktail waitresses, and never had a problem keeping the liquor flowing.

Oh, also I don't tip housekeeping, mainly because I don't have them come every day. I might not have them come the whole trip, depending on how long I'm staying.
DRich
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January 31st, 2020 at 8:57:21 AM permalink
I must be in the minority. I like to have my room cleaned everyday. Do you people tip housekeeping daily or at the beginning or end of stay. I usually tip once on my way out of the room. I realize it might be a different housekeeper getting the money but I figure it all works out in the end.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
SiegfriedRoy
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January 31st, 2020 at 9:20:21 AM permalink
Quote: DRich

I must be in the minority. I like to have my room cleaned everyday. Do you people tip housekeeping daily or at the beginning or end of stay. I usually tip once on my way out of the room. I realize it might be a different housekeeper getting the money but I figure it all works out in the end.



For me I love the feeling of coming back to the room to a nice and clean room. I tip because I feel bad that I always make a mess. In addition, I’ve heard rumors that some nasty housekeepers will clean the toilet with your toothbrush out of spite if you don’t leave tip.

As far as limo tips, I’m getting a sense that mine is much higher than everyone’s. I will keep that in mind. The only time I do accept the hotel’s limo is when I fly with a large number of folks and we tend to have multiple strollers and car seats that the limo drivers have to manage. I always felt $50 split amongst 6-8 people wasn’t a big deal knowing we didn’t have to fight the taxi line or coordinate multiple ubers to get to the hotel. If there ever is a next time I take a comp limo with only a few folks, I’ll tip less. However, I highly likely will use a limo in that case because I’m cheap and will likely Uber.
smoothgrh
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January 31st, 2020 at 9:45:54 AM permalink
Quote: SiegfriedRoy



Hotel housekeeping : $2 a day
Valet attendant : $2-$3
Bell man : $1-2 a bag and no less than $5
Comp Limo: $50 if going to or from the airport, and $30 - $40 around town based on distance
Cab hauler : $1
Fancy restaurant : 18 - 20%
Buffet : 10% - 15%. If it’s self-serve drinks, I tip 10%.
Cocktail waitress: $2 a drink or $3 a drink if I want her to keep bringing drinks
Poker dealer : $1-$3 a game I win


I agonize over tipping the "right" amount—not too much, not too little—and seem to fall into these ranges.
Hotel housekeeping : $3 a day
Valet attendant : $2-$3
Bell man : $1-2 a bag—eventually either $5 or $10.
Comp Limo: N/A
Cab hauler : N/A
Standard restaurant : 18–20%
Fancy restaurant : 15–18%
Buffet : $2/person, rounded up—more if service is beyond standard
Cocktail waitress: $1 a drink for water; $2 if it's a beer or something simple. $3 if I ask questions or the service is beyond standard.
Poker dealer : $1 for a small pot; $2 if it's a big pot; $3 if it's a monster pot/I've been winning.
smoothgrh
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January 31st, 2020 at 9:47:59 AM permalink
Quote: Ace2


Wouldn’t it be nice if all restaurants/bars raise prices 18%, increase salaries and eliminate tipping. Let’s just agree on a price from the beginning.



I'd definitely prefer raising prices, increasing salaries, and eliminating tipping.
smoothgrh
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January 31st, 2020 at 9:51:38 AM permalink
Quote: FleaStiff


>>Valet attendant : $2-$3
A bit low. Reward speed and consider temperature.



Oh yeah, if it's freezing or scorching out, then I'll give a better tip.
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