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Hera Hotel asked for a gratuity

We stayed at the Hera hotel pre-tour in an Acropolis view room. We also paid the 30E extra to stay in that room for the 2 nights at the start of the tour. We had to 'check-out' and get the room key's reset when the tour started. I had booked directly with the Hera and was surprised and annoyed that they asked at checkout for a gratuity for the staff. Has this happened to anyone else?

We were in London in May and I had used booking.com for my hotel. They also asked at checkout for a gratuity. I should have complained to booking.com but didn't. It's one thing to leave a few euro's in the room for the maid but to be asked at checkout is annoying. I hope this isn't a new 'thing'.

Posted by
2189 posts

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.

Posted by
13046 posts

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.

Posted by
18015 posts

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.

Posted by
2189 posts

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.

Posted by
29652 posts

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.

Posted by
7652 posts

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?