Mousekeeping

I can imagine a lot of people miss out on tips because tipping seems to be a typical thing in American culture but not worldwide.

cdolan1990 wrote:

It really is not so much of a thing here, except maybe in the case of high end restaurants and Drivers (delivery or taxis). Although its not uncommon to have tip jars in US based companies over here (especially Starbucks), it can often be seen as insulting, I’ve seen tourists be chased down the street before by cafe owners due to the fact “they’d forgot to take their change”. While i say this, US TV and movies are obviously widely seen here so tipping is becoming more and more common here as time goes on

I understand that. I grew up in France and it’s the same thing. Unless you’re somewhere super fancy or it’s something like a cab driver, valet parking, or maybe a hair stylist or something renting space, you don’t tip. It’s perceived almost like you think they need a hand out. I think it only started here in the States because wages for jobs like waitstaff are incredibly low, they don’t have to pay them the same minimum wage because their employees can work for tips. Ergo tipping is necessary here to make a living but not necessary in other countries.

we leave about $1-$2 a day with a note that says “thanks!” they really appreciate it…sometimes they leave you towel animals or just do special things around your room. of course recently we’ve taken the option to NOT have mousekeeping for a gift card. my last two trips they have given me a $10/day gift card to not use mousekeeping. they don’t come in daily but you can still call and request towels or shampoo if you want and just hand the delivery person a couple bucks. very nice incentive (although i do like having a made bed)

@starbee you have to be lucky enough to get the phone call. We’ve gotten the call three times, opted for the card twice. The one time we didn’t was when we had the four of us and we wanted the service over the card.

@starbee yep, exactly. After you’ve checked in. I believe I got a call on my cell the first time and direct to the room the other two. But they’ll leave a message if they call the room. Just check for your blinking light. It really isn’t hard to keep the room neat and tidy and take care of any trash. Helpful hint, if you plan to opt out if you get the call, just pack a few disposable bags in your suitcase before you go. Use those to line the trash cans as you empty it every so often and toss in the bigger bins, or even just throw your papers etc that you want to throw out directly into them and drop them in a bin on your way to the bus in the morning or whatever.

I was thinking about this for our trip next year….
So you have to wait for a call now? That’s interesting.

@starbee i just saw this! i’ve had this offered to me two or three times. it was always AT check in…so maybe if you don’t go to the desk when you arrive but go to your room you get the phone call? i got this offered to me at AoA and PORS. I don’t think PoP offered it the one time i was there…but maybe that was a fluke?