Hera Hotel asked for a gratuity

I would just say, "I left it in the room."

Sometimes if I'm rushing in the morning, I forget to leave a tip for housekeeping. Or I don't have the right change. So I wouldn't really mind a gentle and friendly reminder at checkout.

I will also say, however, that I've always hated the expectation of tipping for housekeeping at hotels. It's one thing to tip a server at a restaurant, where there is direct personal interaction. But why should I tip someone I have never met, who is not actually doing me a personal service? Cleaning the room is simply a job, like cleaning the hallways. I have more connection with the front desk staff than I do with housekeeping.

Seems word is out that Americans are 'tip happy' and they want to cash in on that.

Never had a hotel 'ask' for a tip but it seems more are leaving a 'tip envelope' in the room.

I will also say, however, that I've always hated the expectation of tipping for housekeeping at hotels

Lane, with all respect, the only one putting the expectation on you is....you.

If you don't want to tip, don't. Most people don't tip housekeepers.

I know some here will get really mad at me....but...I normally don't tip housekeepers. (Since Covid, I don't expect daily housekeeping nor do I want it.) If a housekeeper does something special for me, then yes, I will show my appreciation.

I have seen some hotels leave a note with a QR code or information on a website I can go to to leave a tip.

If you don't want to tip, don't. Most people don't tip housekeepers.

Good to know.

Lane, with all respect, the only one putting the expectation on you is....you.

I've gotten that expectation from tour leaders, fellow travelers, and envelopes left by housekeeping in the room.

If you don’t want to tip, don’t tip and don’t give it a second thought.

I must have had about 250 European hotel stays since 2015. I've been asked for a tip precisely one time--at the Rick-recommended Chopin Boutique Hotel in Warsaw, back in 2018. I was not happy.

IMO, beyond being rude, how is a person to know that the money collected by the front desk actually goes to the folks that clean the rooms or serve breakfast? And impossible to know, but do they ask for a tip from all guests? or just Americans?

Jules, I think we all know the answer to that question.