How to Tip a Bellhop

Hotel bellhops can make your hotel stay more enjoyable by assisting with your bags, ensuring that your room is comfortable, providing information about local attractions and helping you arrange transportation. While there are no definitive rules about tipping, it is courteous to tip the bellhop for his services. When you go out of your way not to overlook hotel staff, you'll find they may be more willing to go out of their way to make your stay memorable.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Make a point of keeping small bills in local currency with you when you travel, so you are prepared to tip as needed.

2. Tip the bellhop about $5, or $2 per bag, for carrying luggage to your hotel room. When in doubt, tip the larger of the two amounts.

3. Be prepared to tip at least $5 when the bellhop shows you to your room, even if you have no luggage or only a small carry-on. After allowing her to show you around your room, open blinds and answer questions about hotel amenities, hand her cash and verbally thank her for the assistance.

4. Give the bellhop $5 or more each time he goes out of his way to help you during your stay. While you don't necessarily need to tip him for giving you a restaurant name or holding a door open for you in the lobby, it is courteous to tip for detailed "concierge" services, such as hotel orientation or assistance with reservations. In other words, if the bellhop displays exceptional service by standing out in the pouring rain to hail you a taxi, don't stiff him.

5. Don't make a production of handing the bellhop money. Instead, play it off without drawing attention to yourself, quietly passing her a cash tip with a smile that indicates your appreciation.

6. Avoid tipping at the end of your stay or adding your bellhop tip to your credit card receipt upon checkout. Small, frequent tips over the course of your stay let bellhop staff know that you appreciate their efforts, motivating them to give you great service throughout your stay.

7. Don't snub the bellhop or avoid eye contact if you're cash poor at the moment—just be honest. Tell him you're short on cash and that you'll catch him the next time, as an apology will go much further than an avoidance tactic. If you don't see him again during your visit, leave an extra tip with his name on it at the front desk when you check out, along with a brief note of thanks.