Tips and gifts??

.Or is it just not necessary or expected.

What is with the American obsession with tipping?

Unless someone has really gone out of their way to do something for you--not including speaking in English--then they are doing their job. You don't have to give them anything.

There are a few hotels that I frequent over and over. I know the people there and they know me. I will, occassionally, bring them a box of choclates or cookies/biscuits as a thank your for taking good care of me. But it's for the whole team and not one individual. And my stays are a lot longer than a few days.

But if you really want to do something nice for them.....learn their names and leave a positive TripAdvisor review including their names. Most hotels have some kind of reward program if names are mentioned in reviews.

It’s usual to leave a tip for the one who cleans your room

Only if you’re American.

I'm happy to tip where it's local custom, and i will do so generously, but my experience has been it's not the custom in Italy - certainly not expected the way it is in the US. People working in hotels are being paid to do a job, and hopefully do it well, without needing guests to subsidise their wages.

Nobody will be offended if you leave a tip with a scrap of paper saying thank you for.... whatever .......for the room service ( so they know any money left in the room is for them.) As for the reception, the same....The fact that it isn't necessary or expected doesn't stop it being a very nice gesture to show people you've appreciated their kindness. Perhaps not flowers but a few candies, why not. It's nice to feel appreciated!

Yes, I do leave reviews regularly on TripAdvisor— I rely on them myself. And I definitely took names!

I brought some maple syrup candy from Canada for the Concierge at an apartment building that I had stayed in the year before, thinking it would be a nice gesture.
She snatched it out of my hands with no thanks, and proceeded to berate me for doing my recycling there “all wrong”!!
It was a bit amusing.

What is with the American obsession with tipping?

Uh, it's because it's a culture almost totally based on tipping. Everywhere you go. Especially now that everyone has changed over to tap to pay terminals that are programmed to automatically beg for a tip every single time.

We went at Christmas time, and took small gifts for our hosts at the various places we stayed, or at favorite restaurants. Small non-tacky Christmas ornaments went over well, as most places set up trees. We chose ornaments that represented our local area (in gold), to align with most of the decor color we saw.

appreciation to the friendly receptionists and breakfast staff who went above and beyond.

confused.

What does above and beyond look like for breakfast staff and receptionists? What could they have done beyond their jobs?

Thanks all ---I didn't expect to get so much feedback! Helpful, funny, insightful and honest. I did leave a tip for the housekeepers -- I guess I think they probably don't get paid much, but that might not actually be true?? One Maitre 'd was especially attentive and often left fruit or a special dessert treat on my breakfast table -- sweet.... I drew him a small sketch of the restaurant (it was a beautiful room!). Amen.