How Much Should You Tip Your Hotel Housekeeper?

When it comes to showing appreciation for the hard work of hotel housekeeping staff, knowing the appropriate amount to tip can be a bit of a gray area. To help clear up any confusion, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) suggests a tipping range between $1 and $5 per night for mid-range or business hotels. However, for those indulging in the luxury of hotels that provide daily cleaning services and nightly turndown services, it is customary to leave a slightly larger tip. If you find yourself staying in houses, villas, or large suites with multiple rooms to clean, consider tipping anywhere from $10 to $20 per night.

Man cleaning hotel room, hotel housekeeper — Hotel Housekeeper cleaning the room (Source: Mart Production)

Consider the Mess

As a general rule of thumb, remember that the magnitude of the mess in your room should be a factor in determining your tip amount. If you happen to have energetic toddlers who insist on feeding themselves or if you are traveling with a furry friend, it may be worth adding an extra $5 bill to your tip. This gesture shows appreciation for the extra effort housekeeping must put in to ensure your accommodation remains clean and comfortable throughout your stay.

Should You Tip Housekeeping on the Last Day?

While some travellers prefer to leave a single tip at the end of their stay, most experts advise against this practice. Instead, consider leaving a tip for the housekeeping staff each day of your trip. Doing so allows you to acknowledge their efforts on a daily basis, ensuring that each member of the cleaning team receives their fair share of appreciation.

The Proper Tipping Etiquette

Knowing the proper way to tip housekeeping is essential to ensure your gratitude is received and appreciated. For a standard hotel room, it is customary to leave a tip of $2 to $3 per night. However, if you are staying in a suite or have received additional services, such as room service or a spa treatment, it is customary to tip $5 or more.

Housekeeper making the bed at a hotel (Credit: Zeljkosantrac)

To ensure that your tip is clearly designated for the day’s service, it is recommended to leave cash daily instead of waiting until the end of your stay. By doing so, you eliminate any confusion and demonstrate your gratitude for the housekeeping staff’s daily efforts. Remember to leave the tip before the housekeeping team services your room, typically in the morning before you depart for the day’s activities.

read more: Housekeeping Job Description Template ( Best Format)

Housekeeping Etiquette

While it is crucial to know the appropriate tipping practices, having a solid understanding of housekeeping etiquette is equally important. In order to create a harmonious relationship with the housekeeping staff and ensure a pleasant stay for all guests, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Practice common sense and common courtesy, as these are the foundations of housekeeping etiquette.
While it may seem obvious, horseplay or any type of rough and disruptive behaviour should never be tolerated in a cleanroom environment.

If you happen to deplete a squeeze bottle of a frequently used chemical, it is considered good etiquette to refill it for the convenience of the housekeeping staff.

By following these simple guidelines, you can help foster a positive and respectful relationship with the hotel’s housekeeping team. Your consideration and appreciation for their hard work will be greatly valued and foster a pleasant experience for both parties involved.

Remember, a little kindness goes a long way, and with proper tipping and housekeeping etiquette, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable stay while also showing your gratitude for the staff who work tirelessly behind the scenes.