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Exposed: 5 Ways That Hotel Staff Get Back at Bad Tippers & Nasty Customers

Dec. 4, 2012 10:08am Billy Hallowell

There’s a conventional wisdom urging customers to be kind to service staff. While it can be frustrating when orders are taken incorrectly or when food or service is slow or unpalatable, mistreating those who are providing direct assistance can have its consequences. After all, there’s no telling what one might do to food or how those serving you might turn anger and frustration around to impact your overall experience.

Restaurants are the most obvious locations where one should probably watch his or her tone. But “Good Morning America” points out another potential bastion to beware of: hotels and motels. In an interview with Jacob Tomsky, who has extensive experience working in the accommodations industry, some of the dirty details of how hotel staff can make one’s stay miserable were recently provided.

Tomsky, who penned a new book, ”Heads in Beds: A Reckless Memoir of Hotels, Hustles and So-Called Hospitality,” exposed five of the tactics that staffers often use to get revenge on rude and angry customers.

5 Secret Ways That Hotel Staff Get Back at Bad Tippers & Nasty Customers

The Plaza hotel in New York City (Photo Credit: AP)

First, there’s the valet — the first person that guests encounter. According to Tomsky, it’s important to give this individual a tip, as there’s no telling what he or she will do with your vehicle if you don’t. In fact, he said it’s not uncommon for valets to take your car for a joyride after you hand the keys off, specifically if there is no tip given or mistreatment.

“A valet parker probably got hired last week, probably getting fired next week, doesn’t really care that much,” he told GMA. “The valet is not going to make any money unless he gets that dollar tip.”

All rooms aren’t the same, he contends. So, a tip at the front desk might also be beneficial. On the flip side, acting nasty or even speaking in a negative tone to those traveling with you can have dire consequences. Since some rooms are poorer than others, the associate helping you may stick you in a sub-par room without even batting an eyelid (and without you knowing what you’re missing).

And, as GMA notes, hotel visitors in New York City might want to avoid room 1212 (another place where angry hotel staff could end up placing unruly customers):

It may sound like a good deal — a high floor room can come with beautiful views — but Tomsky said it’s not.

He said some hotel guests don’t know that when using the room phone, you have to dial out first, typically by pressing an 8 or a 9, to place a call outside of the hotel — and 212 is a New York area code.

“If I put you in Room 1212, it’s a beautiful room by all accounts,” Tomsky said. “However, there are a bunch of idiots all through the hotel that don’t dial out, and they’ll type 1-212, they’ll start typing any local number and it’s going to ring 1212 all day, all night.”

The tips, too, carry over to the bellman. Tomsky recommends that guests allow these workers to carry their bags rather than transporting one’s own luggage in an effort to avoid paying them a tip.

“The bellman and the doorman are very good at lingering, it’s a very strong skill,” he explained. “If they stand a little too long, making you a little too uncomfortable, and then you’ll reach for your wallet.”

And last but not least — treat the cleaning staff well. But even if you don’t have any run-ins with them, be sure to use either plastic cups or wash out the glass cups that are in the room. With limited resources, Tomsky claims that cleaning staff end up employing the use of the same supplies they use to spruce up surfaces to get the cups clean (i.e. rather than soap, they might use shampoo or Pledge).

Read more of Tomsky’s tips, particularly when it comes to waging an effective complaint and canceling reservations, here.

(H/T: ABC News/”Good Morning America”)

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Comments (139)

Marsh626
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 12:42pm
The whole tipping crap needs to go away. Plenty of countries don’t practice tipping. There’s no reason we can’t do the same.

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- hi
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 1:12pm
  I disagree. The service is TERRIBLE in a non-tipping country. When I spend money to go out, I am spending it on the service just as much as the food.
  
  Report this comment
- mindstruct
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 2:26pm
  I only leave tips when the service is good. I have never tipped hotel staff. I have tipped drivers, bartenders, delivery drivers,waiters/waitresses, and I believe a stipper (it was ten years ago). But I have never tipped hotel staff, most of them make decent money (above min. wage). I treat them with respect and have never had any problems. I think the problem is a lot of people have come to believe that they should get a tip no matter what.
  
  Report this comment
- bobdabull
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 2:28pm
  These people earn min wage and need tips to support their family. I bet you’ve eaten quite a few burgers with some very special sauce with your attitude
  
  Report this comment
- Benjamin Abruzzo
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 2:40pm
  Yeap, don’t tip those people who are giving you good service. As a Guest Service employee, I’ll be certain you get room 120 or 130 (this is DC after all).
  
  Oh, and I’m sorry, we are overbooked. All I have left are rooms where the TV only gets telemundo and the weather channel. But we can move you tomorrow, if a room becomes availible.
  
  Really and honestly, I’ll give you the best service possible if you stay here at XXXXXXXXX. We don’t treat anybody better than anybody else. We learned from the Communist-in-Cheif that everybody is equal, so don’t worry about the tip.
  
  Report this comment
- Angel_light
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:15pm
  I agree with mindstruct. I have gotten horrible service before I even say anything to the person “helping” me. If they come off as unpleasant right off the bat, I am not paying them a tip to treat me like crap.
  
  Report this comment
- leetpriest
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:20pm
  Bobdabull,
  
  If people want tips, they should work hard for their tips. As a person that chooses not to consume alcohol, I have been in many situations where my table has been ignored by the waiter in order to provide service to a table that IS consuming alcohol.
  
  I have no problem tipping exemplary service with an excellent tip. However, if my wife is absent her beverage for the majority of the meal, or you don’t come check on my table and make sure I have everything I need, or if you take your time getting my check, or if my food came out wrong, you aren’t getting a tip.
  
  I don’t give 2 squirts of piss if a waiter or waitress is on minimum wage. I didn’t choose their career, they did. It’s called welcome to life.
  
  Report this comment
- avgconservative
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:47pm
  Tipping is/should be based on performance. It is not a bribe. It is not compensation for poor pay. It is a compliment to a person who serves without expectation, but who is grateful for rewards which are deserved.
  
  Report this comment
- KIWL-DA-WABBIT
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 5:05pm
  Yes the service is terrible in non tipping countries. And yes It can be a problem if you do not let the guy carry your bags. Once we were getting out of grand central station and decided to carry our own bags, the guy got mad and told his FRIEND the taxi driver to give us the run around. We were easily spotted as from out of town and the driver attempted to take us way out of route to the airport. But my father knows the city and realized real quick what was going down ( trying to run our bill up ) So my father then told the driver EXACTLY what streets to take and the taxi driver complied knowing he would not get away with it. But if your were ignorant and did not know the city yor bill would be outrageous and you might not make your fight.
  
  Report this comment
- KIWL-DA-WABBIT
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 5:25pm
  I have worked for tips for many years and it has basically become a way for the restaurant to get away with paying help. You make 2.13 and then are forced to pay back more of your tips than the amount you get paid, we were forced to tip out the bartenders, the hostess, and the busboy, all of whom are also payed 2.13 (bartenders like 3.00). On a typical weekend night we would easily have $1000.00 in sales in which we would tip out 3% of our sales ( $30.00 ), but the wages paid to us for the night would come to about $18.00 — SO WE ACTUALLY PAID (OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE) AND MOST OTHERS to work for them — Our pay 18.00 — tipout 30.00 = -$12.00 yes that is minus $12.00
  paid to work there!!!!!! Businesses have made tipping into a SCAM!!!
  
  Report this comment
- jado1981
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:26pm
  Just as others have said, A TIP IS FOR SERVICE/S ABOVE AND BEYOND WHAT’S EXPECTED. If I’m at Walmart and the cashier rings me out without an error, does he/she deserve a tip? NO, THAT’S JUST EXPECTED! If they are near the end of their shift and they carry my bag or are just above and beyond, then maybe they get a tip. It’s this entitled/deserving mentality that drives me insane. I have been a bartender, and a waiter, it sucks, but if you don’t like it, you aren’t forced to be there. You are free to leave. No awkward stare is going to get me to let you carry my bags and then tip. I’ll just stare back or ask if I can help you.
  
  Report this comment
- TheirMom
  Posted on December 9, 2012 at 6:36pm
  I also disagree. Employees who usually receive tips can and are paid less than minimum wage. We always start by being pleasant and courteous to any service person. After that the service is up to them. And so is the amount of the tip they get.
  
  Report this comment
- bravjim
  Posted on December 10, 2012 at 12:18pm
  Mindstruck:
  If you think hotel staff is getting paid well, think again. Most hotels pay between minimum wage and 9 bucks an hour, unless you are staying in 4 or 5 star resorts, in which they might be making between 10 to 15 bucks an hour. And if you are staying in those, you are expected to tip because you are paying a small fortune for the room anyway.
  
  Report this comment
bjornskis
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 12:34pm
I kill everyone with kindness if they want I fight I wont give them one

I have to travel for a living there are certain chains I like to stay at like embassy suites management is good employees are pretty well trained ( I have had employees refuse a tip saying I’m just doing my job and that’s what your paying for)

The worst service is in large union run cities like New york Chicago the tipping gets to the point it’s no it is extortion! your paying a super premium for a room in those cities. the tipping does not guarantee any service what so ever. You create a atmosphere of entitlement.

I have noticed better service in the Southern states and the worst in the Northeast.

I am a well seasoned traveler and know what to expect and not.

I tend to tip those who are not expecting a tip a tip

You don’t have to tip money either like after a stay and had very good house keeping I will buy a nice box of candy leave in the room with a nice note.

What most tend not to notice is how much your tipping the governments and how the local and state will literally screw you in taxes on your hotel bill some times your bill will be over 25% just in taxes and fees

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- Duddio
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 1:11pm
  I live in Las Vegas, and the economy runs on tips!! Both as a local worker, and having stayed in our local hotels, I’ve never felt pressured for a tip, but I understand that the busser/waiter, valet, bellman & room service personnel are getting paid minimum wage with the understanding that they will make tips. It is what makes the job worth the time invested.
  
  My brother in law put himself through school as an RN working as a waiter and living off the tips. You are grateful for every tipping customer, and you recognize the cheapskates who stiff you, but only someone with an entitlement mentality would retaliate for not getting tipped. It’s a business relationship, not extortion.
  
  Report this comment
- IWISHIWASINTEXAS
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 2:28pm
  I don’t see tipping as “part of the pay”. I will tip those that deserve it and work hard to do a good job and be friendly. Many people that have done a great job, I’ve tipped well and left a note for them thanking them for the service. Bussing tables, taking orders, ect you already get paid for but it’s the extra effort that makes the tip worthwhile. I will never tip someone for crappy service just because it’s expected. I used to wash windows and every once in a while we would get tipped but it was only if we went above and beyond to take care of our customers. It was always very appreciated :)
  
  Report this comment
- benrush
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:00pm
  Just increase the minimum wage, problem solved.
  
  We can solve all job and wage problems, by increasing the minimum wage, let’s say, oh, 100.00 / hour. Then we won’t have to revisit this issue ever again.
  
  Report this comment
- Anonymous T. Irrelevant
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:35pm
  BEN
  It was just increased, effective Jan. 1st., I believe.
  
  Report this comment
sizzler2220
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 12:33pm
That’s why you should always stay in a Motel 6. No problems.

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- bubbamoosecat
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 2:38pm
  Yup…. I’m a Motel 6 kind of guy. My sister prefers the upscale places, but she’s ran into more than her share of problems with these places. I’ve never had an issue staying at Motel 6 type places.
  
  Report this comment
- Boots1
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 2:49pm
  Only problem with Motel 6 (and most of the lower end chains) is that in most cities they are in such sleazy areas. I’d rather pay a little extra and stay somewhere my wife feels safe or you don’t have vagrants beating on your door at 2:00 a.m. In there rural areas we’ll use them but never in an urban area.
  
  Report this comment
- idarusskie
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 7:57pm
  My wife manages a motel 6 and frankly they do not have time to put you in a problem room. If we had a 1212 in new york I would find a technical way to block it. The rooms get cleaned and fixed and are pretty much the same. That does not stop people bitching about one thing or another. Tips are very low yet even without tipping some feel it their right to bitch out some low wager earner for things they have no control over. Like why they have CNN instead of fox or why are the walls so thin. Some are very hard on rooms like walking on the walls with dirty shoes. If you do not tip at least keep in mind someone will have to clean up after you and they do not allow any extra time because you choose to be a pig.
  
  Report this comment
udidntbuildthat
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 12:28pm
Aren’t these employees getting paid? They shouldn’t need a tip on top of that. My first job was in a family owned hardware store where I often had to grab items for customers, carry heavy merchandise out to cars, etc. I never expected a tip as this was all part of the job.

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- Proverbs17-12NLT
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 12:41pm
  I use these same tactics when I run bids to homes that have democrat signs or Bumper stickers, the bid gets padded pretty good. They love to spread the wealth around, they pay for my vacations.
  
  Report this comment
- sundaisy91
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 2:01pm
  To ‘udidntbuildthat’ You werent getting paid 2.13 an hour. Most people in these industries dont get anything over minimum wage, and waitresses and bartenders make less, so those tips can mean the difference between buying groceries that week or not. I have been in the restaurant business for 20 years and believe me the tips are the only thing that pay the bills. When you make 2.13 an hour, after taxes are taken out, your paycheck usually says “void”, so tips are what we live on. Why doesnt the restaurant pay its employees more? You couldnt afford the cost of the food then, that’s why. And dont tell me to go get “a real job”. I am a college grad and couldnt find work after graduation, so i had to do something to support myself. Turns out i like the business so i stayed. BTW, servers have REALLY good memories when it comes to cheapskates. We remember them just as much as we remember the good tippers. If you dont want to tip, go eat fast food. We will take care of those who appreciate our efforts, but we dont want to wait on people who dont appreciate us. I have never retaliated against someone who was rude to me–cant do it in good conscience, but there are people out there who will. Beware…
  
  Report this comment
- KevINtampa
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 2:31pm
  @SUNDAISY91
  
  I have a vast history myself in the restaurant industry. I’ve said this a thousand times, if you are not making the tips and others around you are then the problem is with you as a server/waiter. The industry is filled with countless people who blame everyone else around them for their lack of tips when they should blame themselves. Excuses like “the kitchen hates me”, “I always get the bad sections”, “I always get the bad clientele”, and my favorite “it’s not my fault”.
  
  As having had experience waiting and eventually managing, I say this to all restaurant customers:
  
  If you get good service leave a good tip, if you get bad service leave a bad tip. Weed the duds out of the industry and encourage those who do well. After all, that’s the entire point of the tipping system. If you are not making good tips your service skills suck and you should look elsewhere. It isn’t for everyone. If you are getting good tips, congratulations you belong.
  
  Report this comment
- Brooke Lorren
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:43pm
  I don’t mind giving tips for good service, but I don’t like the expected tipping for crappy service. I’d rather see staff get paid a liveable wage to begin with (none of this below minimum wage $2/hr junk), and then IF they do a good job, tip them. Tips should be for people that go above and beyond the minimum, not an entitlement someone gets no matter how poorly they perform.
  
  Report this comment
- ladyevidence
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 5:12pm
  @SUNDAISY91
  
  And here in CA, waiters get at least minimum wage ($8/hr). Don’t think that getting $2/hr everywhere is a fact.
  
  The definition of “tip”
  “a small present of money given directly to someone for performing a service or menial task; gratuity:”
  
  and
  
  gratuity-
  1.a gift of money, over and above payment due for service, as to a waiter or bellhop; tip.
  2.something given without claim or demand.
  
  … it is something above and beyond. If it was something that was mandatory, they would raise wages and cost by 15-25% and drop tipping. But, the fact that they don’t do this shows that it is still something that people should be able to deny a person when their service was lousy. That is also why the tip is given AFTER the service is completed… it is given as a response to how the person did.
  
  Report this comment
- ladyevidence
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 5:14pm
  PS: Believe it or not, I usually tip, and tip well. But, I also don’t think people should expect it, and retaliate when they did not get a tip because they gave lousy service.
  
  Report this comment
- KIWL-DA-WABBIT
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 5:36pm
  A lot of the time they are not, especially restaurants.
  
  Report this comment
JUSTANOTHEROPINION
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 12:11pm
I had no idea people still have money to stay in a hotel/motel much less tip money. I only tip a waitress or someone that goes over and above their job description to satisfy me.

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- Seagal45
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:59pm
  Exactly what I was thinking.
  
  Report this comment
longknifed
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 12:11pm
I see management as a greater menace than any customers ever could be because their behavior is expected with the job. People empathize when they feel like it. When your bosses put a “no tip” placard where your tip jar would be, it is like pouring salt into your wounds.

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- deeberj
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 2:25pm
  Yes, we really need to do away with management. Have the people collectively own and run everything by unity and agreement with no one being at all selfish. Yep. Sounds do-able. Very realistic.
  
  Report this comment
- longknifed
  Posted on December 5, 2012 at 9:03am
  Your words not mine troll. Actually they’re probably linbaughs seeing as how you let him do all your thinking
  
  Report this comment
Tri-ox
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 12:02pm
This is the kind of stuff that all union workers do, regardless of the industry, because they know that they can’t be fired – it’s all about, as obama likes to say, “REVENGE” against society.

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Rational Man
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:57am
What ‘hacks’ me off is when you tip well and get burned ANYWAY!
BTW, what the heck is “valet” anywho? lol

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- Mil-Dot
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 1:02pm
  He is the punk that parks your car for you when you drive up. I assume you were being sarcastic when asking that, but, just in case.
  
  Report this comment
- Rational Man
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 3:23pm
  Yea, they don’t have valet at the Super Saver Inn…………..
  Guess my economic status is revealed. lol
  
  Report this comment
- Anonymous T. Irrelevant
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:39pm
  I don’t trust valets and I am capable of parking my own car, thank you. I usually tip around 15-20%.
  If I get bad service from a waiter/waitress, I tip less.
  Why does anyone tip in a buffet? I see people leaving money at a Golden Corral or a Chinese Buffet and I don’t understand it. You are getting your own food, and sometimes, drink?
  
  Report this comment
tckid17
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:54am
It’s all about the hustle. Motel 6 leaves the light on and doesnt charge a mortgage payment to park there or has a staff of people expecting tokes for just looking at you.

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Thurston.Howell.III
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:49am
My favorite is the “Mexican Toothbrush”.

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- TSUNAMI_22
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 12:09pm
  What’s a “toothbrush”? ;-}
  
  Report this comment
cessna152
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:48am
All this article is…about the poor worker that needs more tips or should get more money from the evil rich ignorant white male.

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- Rational Man
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:58am
  BAD TIPPER ALERT !
  lol
  
  Report this comment
- AvengerK
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 12:10pm
  CESSNA…Blaze troll WANGO/PANTLOADIAN/HORSEDANCER (yes..he needs all these names apparently)…plied us not too long ago with a tale of his time as an imaginary desk clerk at an imaginary hotel once.
  
  Apparently during one of these episodes of his imaginary hotel was visited by the Bain Captial “boys” and Mitt Romney who did not shower him with gratuities and adulation for merely doing his imaginary job. As a result it left him crying in the corner and he readily admits it has scarred him even today. The poor bugger.
  
  Report this comment
BlackCrow
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:32am
Sounds just like Saudi Arabia, everybody from the newspaper boy to the local prince needs a bribe to do their job.

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media-bias-steals-elections
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:30am
I’m surprised anyone can hold on a to a job with employers scared about what is going to be said on social media, all it takes is an unethical person to make a false accusation?

How’s that hope and change working for you?

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RANGER1965
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:23am
What a budget buster! According to the expert it looks like an extra 80 to 100 dollars to tip the staff. And if you’re getting room service and staying a few days,,,ouch!

100 dollars is not pocket change for me.

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Minnaloushe
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:21am
Solution: Best Westerm, etc.

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- spfoam1
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 12:28pm
  I’ve spent thousands of days in motels all over the country, and I always tipped well. The last time I stayed at a Best Western I got so sick from the food I broke out in hives for a week. Another Best Western, run by a middle eastern man, was flying a US flag that was completely shredded. I suggested they should replace it or remove it. They did nothing, so they lost about 2 months of my business. I tried Ramada next, and was eaten alive by bed bugs. Bad services = bad publicity. The payback thing can go both ways.
  
  Report this comment
- subic
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 2:15pm
  Better solution: Do not travel if you don’t have to. Save your money, you’re going to need it. Prepare for whats coming down the pike within 4 years. Barry is going to engulf us in forced debt and complete decimation of the middle class.
  
  Report this comment
TaterSalad
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:20am
Two places that do not interest us to go to……………..New York City and the whole state of California.

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- Tickdog
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:29am
  I am with you 100% on this!
  
  Report this comment
- GuruMeditation
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:41am
  No problem for me either way as I avoid hotels, airports, large cities, and city dwellers like the plague.
  
  Report this comment
- jhrusky
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:53am
  California has some beautiful areas and are wonderful to visit … it’s some of the people and all of the government there that are fruitcakes.
  
  Report this comment
- MIBUGNU2
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:54am
  Two Cesspools for the elite to dump their money..funny,
  SF and NY..
  
  Report this comment
- jhrusky
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 12:00pm
  @ MIBUGNU2
  
  I think you can find a ‘cesspool’ in most towns of any size. San Francisco has some spectacular places and are quite enjoyable to visit. Of course, it has some pretty crappy places, too, but again, so do most cities.
  
  Report this comment
- MIBUGNU2
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 12:13pm
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:53am
  California has some beautiful areas and are wonderful to visit … it’s some of the people and all of the government there that are fruitcakes.
  
  Thanks to ALL those FRUITCAKES ie:Pelosi,Boxer.Feinstein,Miller,etc.etc.. it will
  soon be back in Mexican hands..Used to really enjoy our two week vacation trips
  to the Coast…can’t wait for it to fall off into the Pacific now !!! It really SUCKS…….
  If I lived there, I would writing to these FRUITCAKES every day.. Real nice touch
  putting “Solar Farms” on fertile land that once produced food for the Nation……..
  F’N IDIOT’S !!!!
  
  Report this comment
- smv803
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 7:40pm
  Speaking about attitudes…..those two states you talk about are missing the boat. Bet if there weren’t so many liberals, you and many others would vacation there and leave some of your hard earned $$$, no? I have lived in both states and it’s a shame they are infested with some rats that ruin it for the rest of the civilized society.
  
  Report this comment
Mathchopper
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:14am
New York City hotels are a good training grounds for O’Bummer voters expecting handouts.

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busterpuddles
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:11am
I have never been and never want to go to NYC or anywhere in California. Neither hold any interest for me.

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- jhrusky
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:56am
  You’re missing great places that our nation has to offer: Napa Valley, San Francisco (Golden Gate, Alcatraz), The Muir Woods to name a few. Even the drive on the coastal highway from San Francisco to Los Angeles is beautiful and well worth the time to do it. I certainly wouldn’t want to live there, but experiencing as many places as possible this great nation has to offer is an option I’d hate to miss out on.
  
  Report this comment
- deeberj
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 2:21pm
  I have been to CA but not the cities. So I agree there are beautiful places in the state of CA just like there are beautiful places in the state of NY. But not necessarily the cities.
  
  Report this comment
- garylee123
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:19pm
  So you missed the REAL Northern Ca. Hint…..San Francisco and Sacramento is NOT in N Ca. Anything south of Red Bluff might as well be Mexico.
  
  http://www.jeffersonstate.com/index.html
  
  Report this comment
Tradman
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:09am
Since I was in Customer Service for 10 years myself, I can certainly understand having the pet peeves that this guy has. However, a “crisp $20 bill” for a guy that’s already being paid to sit/stand there and check me in? No, I don’t think so. That’s what’s wrong with so many entitlement folks. I’ve already paid for my stay. You will be paid by your employer. Why should I pay you even more for doing the same thing? Ridiculous.

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- jhrusky
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:59am
  Just curious, but do you use that attitude towards waitstaff when you go out to eat as well?
  
  Many of these jobs pay piddlysquat (if anything) and those people rely upon tips. It’s not a perfect system, but in one way it makes sense in that the better those people do their jobs, the more they get paid. I’m not a fan of being forced to use bellhops and such when I travel (and I usually do not), but I certainly tip the cab driver, the valet employee, etc.
  
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- Tradman
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 1:53pm
  @ JRHUSKY
  
  Hi
  
  Well, no- I don’t use this “attitude” with anyone. That’s the difference. See, I believe that if you do your job and do it well, then you will be rewarded if in an industry that’s well known for a tip. However, there’s a big difference between giving a 15%-20% tip to a server at a restaurant that is busting their **** to handle several tables at once and gives me very personal service for a period of time well exceeding two minutes! A person standing behind a counter at a hotel has never deserved at $20 bill at any point in time in my personal experience.
  
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- AvengerK
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:07pm
  Spare us your piety RUSKY it’s getting tired champ.
  
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- jhrusky
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:16pm
  @ avengerk
  
  No piety here. Facts only.
  I agree with @tradman, noone behind a counter needs nor deserves a $20 tip or any other for that matter.
  But it’s important that people understand many service-related employees are very underpaid. Those that do a marvelous job deserve that it be known, and tipping is a great way to accomplish that. If you’re just a greedy cheapskate who says ‘to hell with anyone who cannot make it’, then you’ll pay your dues at some point. Happy Trails.
  
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COFemale
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 10:58am
What happened with providing a service without expecting something in return. Grant you, you should tip those who bring up your bags if you have more than one. And you should leave a tip for the cleaning staff, but to tip the front desk for doing their job, please. Only a selfish greedy bastards would expect a tip where one is not warranted. Like someone said, these hotels should be forced to pay their fair share and a living wage to their workers so tips aren’t necessary. Tips are to be earned, not expected. You go out of your way, you will get a tip from me. You expect one for doing nothing, then you could be SOL.

I traveled with my company to Coral Gables, we stayed at the Biltmore, which the company paid for everything. I am not rich and don’t have money to throw around. I had one small bag that was brought up to my room. I tipped 5.00 to the guy. He said to me “you sure that’s what you want to tip”. I was not sure if he was asking for more or I tipped too much. I am thinking the former. I told him YES.

Bellman need to understand, not everyone is made of money and just because I stay in a pricey hotel, I might not be paying for the digs or I am paying and it is breaking my bank as it is a treat for me.

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- term limits for congress
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:36am
  You probably double-tipped. Hotels include gratuities in the contracts with large groups.
  
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- sta
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:39am
  I was a hotel maid while in college. I cleaned every room exactly the same. One time, we had the Kool Jazz Festival in. One family (of six) left me a five dollar tip at the beginning of the weekend. That family had extra shampoo, extra towels and even some extra glasses from my cart. They could have asked me for the moon and I would have delivered it. I had never gotten a tip before. And that was a Hilton.
  My dear departed dad used to say, Give 100% and expect nothing back. Perform your job as you would want others to do it for you.
  
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- jhrusky
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 12:07pm
  I’m not sure what one should pay a bellhop who hauls bags to the room … I know when a driver handles our luggage at an airport, we typically tip $1/bag.
  
  @ sta
  “I was a hotel maid while in college. I cleaned every room exactly the same. One time, we had the Kool Jazz Festival in. One family (of six) left me a five dollar tip at the beginning of the weekend. That family had extra shampoo, extra towels and even some extra glasses from my cart. They could have asked me for the moon and I would have delivered it. I had never gotten a tip before. And that was a Hilton.”
  
  That is sad, actually … one of the priciest hotels and you have cheap-assed people staying there who most likely look down on you for being “ONLY” the cleaning person. Idiot morons. Those are the type that give the “wealthy” a bad name. We ALWAYS tip the cleaning person when we travel, be it a Hilton or a Super 8. Typically it’s $2 or $3 PER DAY left on the bedding. Our rooms are always spotless and they are very attentive toward us.
  
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- Benjamin Abruzzo
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 2:53pm
  There’s doing a good job and expecting nothing but your paycheck and then there’s doing a good job and not wishing to be dumped upon by the traveler who is angry at the president, so he complains to the TSA, who gives him an “extra exam”, so he complains to the taxi driver, who takes the long way< so he complains to the desk clerk, who gives him the "basic treatment", so he complains to the housekeeper that the toilet paper is over rather than under… etc.
  
  We try to keep out cool and give you good service. Sometimes we try to give you great service. But we ain't yo head-shrink so don't explain why you are cheating on your wife with the paperboy. We don't care. Just give us you credit card and take the key…
  
  Because the regular guest behind you is friendly and nice and we will have a long conversation with him and get him directions and extra shampoo. His wake-up call is already set and the TV is working perfectly.
  
  Oh, another rude guy with a "story to tell" is next? He'll wait, the phone is ringing again and it might be important.
  
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DavidInStLouis
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 10:53am
PORK_ANVIL,
I’m sure things in the “fallout shelter” are fine and also FREE of all of the things LOVE THE KIDS posted about. :)

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toiletclogga
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 10:46am
High expectations for doing menial task labor! No wonder I hate traveling to cities.

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randy
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 10:37am
Sounds like typical Union Thug Mentality
And if a place doesn’t pay their staff enough so they don’t have to beg for tips. I avoid that place like the plague.

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- DesertRose1960
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 10:53am
  Most hotel and motel workers are not unionized. Unions are only 12% of the American workforce and are usually in skilled trades (truck drivers, plumbers, electricians) or professions (nurses, teachers, medical technicians.) I always allow $2 a bag and $1-$2 on the pillow for the maid. It won’t break you and I get excellent service.
  
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- sta
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:43am
  DesertRose, a friend and I traveled to Australia before we started our real lives. We were two young women without a lot of money BUT, we left American candy for the maids and told them not to bother with anything but the towels while we were there. They found us to thank us before we left.
  Sometimes, it just takes something small to show appreciation, as you said.
  
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- AvengerK
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 12:06pm
  STA…tipping is not customary in Australia. They may have been tipped by American tourists in the past but they aren’t used it as a matter of course in Australia. That’s why you were thanked.
  
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- DesertRose1960
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 12:11pm
  @STA, Yes, motel maids are often overlooked; they’re thrilled when someone appreciates their services. They make minimum wage in most cases and have children to support. I worked as a maid for a short time and it nearly killed me. You have 20 minutes, or less, to do a room whether the person used only one towel and left it in the tub or covered every surface with trash and spills, used every towel, and left the bedspread hanging from the lights.
  
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- AvengerK
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 4:15pm
  STA….the services you’re talking about in Australia don’t make minimum wage, ignore unionista TOKYOROSE. They have federally mandated wage levels based on age..etc they make an adequate living. You’re not denying them a living by not tipping them over there. Again you tip..because you like the service not because you feel obliged to.
  
  You know why they get minium wage over here? It’s called unskilled labour.
  
  You tip if you’re happy with the service. That’s why it’s called a gratuity.
  
  You want more pay? Get a better job.
  
  You’re in college and doing that job? Tough it out..you should be aiming for a better job once you graduate anyway. But according to lefties like TOKYOROSE…the maid should be making what the surgeon makes because she has a time limit on her run.
  
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TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 10:36am
Try to stay in as many “Bed and Breakfast” locations as you can when travelling. I know it’s hard to find Mom and Pop places like this if you’re in the big city, but go outside the city if possible. If you’re going to pay the crazy rates they charge in places like NYC…you might as well spend that cash going out of your way to find better accommodations where you don’t have to deal with valet parking, bellmen or doormen and a host of other middlemen… and women.

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- wifezilla
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 10:52am
  Excellent way to reward small, independent businesses. Great idea!
  
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love the kids
Posted on December 4, 2012 at 10:19am
Just don’t goto NYC in the first place, It’s an energy wasting, time wasting, rude city with ridiculous taxes on it, we just dropped it as a field trip place for our school to go to. I don’t want my children exposed to this place.

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- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 10:29am
  That’s the best advice.
  
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- Pork_Anvil
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 10:34am
  How’s life in the fallout shelter, hermit?
  
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- BSdetector
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 10:51am
  As crazy as it may seem to you, Pork, there’s a big wide world outside of NYC.
  It’s even cleaner, friendlier, more free and a better place to live and raise a family too!
  
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- 00100111
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:06am
  Yes, because if one does not want to go to NYC, they obviously live in a fallout shelter. Idiot.
  
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- BlackCrow
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 11:43am
  @pork_anvil
  
  At least I don’t have to worry about being pushed in front of a train.
  
  Just remember I can go a lot longer without the produce of New York than New York can go without the produce of us hermits in fallout shelters. How much food do they grow in Queens? Enough to fill your empty belly and 8 million of your friends? I can live quite easily without trading stocks or going to shows.
  
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- deeberj
  Posted on December 4, 2012 at 2:16pm
  My son really wants to go there but the recent two times I went I just hated it. I don’t plan on ever going back. I would way rather to go Phila.
  
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