Traveling with my three children is something I cherish, especially our stays in hotels. They delight in the swimming pool, the complimentary treats at the front desk, and the little bottles of shampoo and lotion. While I can whip up a delicious French Toast Casserole at home, it somehow doesn’t stack up against the bagels and powdered donuts served at continental breakfasts. Each time we travel, my kids revel in the feeling of indulging in such luxury.
Personally, I appreciate hotel stays for different reasons: no cooking or cleaning means I can genuinely connect with my family. And let’s be honest—I enjoy those free toiletries too. If there are mints on the bedside table? I feel like royalty! It’s a joy to experience a little pampering now and then.
Despite my efforts to keep our room tidy, things can quickly spiral out of control in a small space with kids. Trash accumulates, beds remain unmade, and towels often find their way to the floor. After a long day of exploration, returning to a clean room where I can relax on the bed and watch TV without lifting a finger is a dream come true.
This is precisely why the individuals responsible for tidying up—changing sheets, taking out trash, and cleaning up after us—deserve a tip. Yes, that’s right, a tip! According to a report on Medium, fewer than a third of hotel guests actually leave a gratuity. Shocking, isn’t it? Furthermore, housekeeping wages could certainly use a boost.
Some argue that tipping has become excessive, but hotel housekeepers truly deserve those extra few dollars for all their hard work. They ensure that you have a pleasant stay, pick up after you, replace towels, and make your bed. We often stay at a hotel where the staff even arrange my kids’ stuffed animals in funny poses on the bed, which they adore. Such thoughtful service deserves more than just a “thank you.”
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that the average hourly wage for hotel housekeepers is around $11.46—comparable to that of a desk clerk. However, desk clerks don’t deal with the same messes; they aren’t the ones cleaning up blood, bodily fluids, or scrubbing toilet stains. They don’t haul extra beds to rooms or fluff pillows, nor do they ensure the toilet paper roll is positioned correctly.
The job of a hotel housekeeper is physically demanding. As mothers, we know how much we loathe making beds and struggling with fitted sheets. These hardworking individuals tackle those tasks daily, all while inhaling harsh cleaning agents. They work long shifts, often including nights and weekends, while we are out enjoying our vacations. They scrub toilets, clean tubs, and even tackle walls in some cases. They literally clean up our messes to ensure we return, and that absolutely merits some extra cash.
Many hotels provide envelopes to make tipping easier, but even if you don’t see one, remember that housekeeping certainly welcomes tips and deserves every cent. So, during your travels, consider leaving a little extra. You’ll brighten the day of the person who cleaned your room. It’s one thing to clean up after your own family, but quite another to do so for strangers, especially when housekeepers often encounter situations no one should have to witness, let alone clean.
This article was originally published on December 9, 2017.
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In summary, tipping your hotel housekeeper is a small yet meaningful gesture that acknowledges their hard work and enhances your travel experience. By leaving a few extra dollars, you contribute to their well-being and express gratitude for the service they provide.