If you’re hosting an event at a hotel and wondering how much to tip the staff who help make it a success, the short answer is 15-20% of the total bill. However, tipping etiquette for hotel events can be tricky.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover who exactly to tip, what the standard tipping percentages are for different hotel staff, additional tipping considerations, how tips are distributed amongst staff, and general tips on how much to tip hotel staff for events to show your appreciation.
Who Should You Tip at a Hotel Event?
Servers/Waitstaff
When it comes to tipping at a hotel event, servers and waitstaff should definitely be included. These hardworking individuals are responsible for ensuring that your guests have an enjoyable dining experience.
They tirelessly attend to guests’ needs, serve food and beverages, and clean up after the event. It is customary to tip servers and waitstaff around 15-20% of the total bill. However, it’s important to check if a service charge has already been added to your bill, as some hotels include it automatically.
Bartenders
Bartenders play a crucial role in any hotel event where alcoholic beverages are served. They not only mix and serve drinks but also provide a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for guests. Tipping bartenders is customary and appreciated.
Similar to servers and waitstaff, tipping bartenders around 15-20% of the total bar bill is the norm. If you’re hosting an open bar, consider providing a tip in advance to ensure excellent service throughout the event.
Event Manager
The event manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of your hotel event. They coordinate with various departments, manage logistics, and ensure that everything runs smoothly. While tipping the event manager is not obligatory, it’s a thoughtful gesture to show your appreciation for their hard work.
A tip of $50 to $100 is generally considered appropriate. However, if the event manager has gone above and beyond your expectations, feel free to adjust the tip accordingly.
Housekeeping
While not directly involved in the event itself, the housekeeping staff plays a vital role in ensuring the cleanliness and comfort of your guests during their stay. It’s customary to leave a tip for housekeeping staff at the end of your event.
Leaving $5 to $10 per room per night is a good guideline, but feel free to adjust the amount based on the size of the room and the level of service provided.
Valet/Bellmen
If your hotel event involves valet parking or bellmen assisting with luggage, tipping these staff members is customary. The amount can vary depending on the location and level of service, but a tip of $2 to $5 per vehicle for valet parking and $2 to $3 per bag for bellmen is generally appreciated.
Remember, these are just general guidelines for tipping at a hotel event. If you received exceptional service or if the hotel has specific tipping policies, it’s always a good idea to adjust your tip accordingly.
Tipping is a way to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the hotel staff who help make your event a success.
Standard Tipping Percentages for Hotel Staff
When planning and hosting an event at a hotel, it’s important to consider the hard work and dedication of the hotel staff who help make your event a success. Tipping is a common practice to show appreciation for their efforts.
Here are some standard tipping percentages for different hotel staff positions:
1. 15-20% for servers and bartenders
When you have catering services for your event, it is customary to tip the servers and bartenders. The standard tipping percentage for them is usually between 15% to 20% of the total bill. This tip is a way to acknowledge their exceptional service and attention to detail in taking care of your guests’ food and drink needs.
2. $50-$100 for event manager
The event manager plays a crucial role in ensuring that everything runs smoothly during your event. They handle the logistics, coordinate with different departments, and make sure that all your requests are met. It is customary to tip the event manager as a token of appreciation for their hard work.
The recommended tip amount is between $50 to $100, depending on the size and complexity of your event.
3. $20-$30 per housekeeper assisting
During an event, housekeepers assist in keeping the event spaces clean and presentable. They work behind the scenes to ensure that everything stays organized and tidy. Tipping the housekeepers is a thoughtful gesture to acknowledge their efforts.
The recommended tip amount is between $20 to $30 per housekeeper, depending on the level of assistance they provided.
4. $2-$5 per bag/car for valet and bellmen
If you have guests arriving with luggage or need valet parking services, tipping the valet and bellmen is customary. These staff members handle your guests’ belongings and ensure a smooth arrival and departure experience.
The recommended tip amount is between $2 to $5 per bag or car, depending on the level of service provided.
It is important to note that tipping is a personal choice, and these are just general guidelines. Ultimately, the tip amount should reflect your satisfaction with the service provided. If you received exceptional service or have a larger event, you may want to consider tipping on the higher end of the suggested range.
Remember, tipping is a way to show gratitude and appreciation for the hardworking hotel staff who help make your event a memorable one.
Additional Tipping Considerations
Size and complexity of the event
The size and complexity of the event can play a significant role in determining how much you should tip hotel staff. If you are hosting a small gathering in a hotel conference room, the standard tipping guidelines may apply.
However, if you are organizing a large-scale event with multiple rooms, special setups, and additional staff members involved, it is important to consider tipping accordingly. In such cases, it may be appropriate to tip a higher percentage or provide an additional tip to show your appreciation for the extra effort put into making your event a success.
Quality of service received
The quality of service you receive from the hotel staff should also be taken into account when deciding on the appropriate tip amount. If the staff goes above and beyond to ensure that everything runs smoothly during your event, it may be worth considering a higher tip.
On the other hand, if you encounter any issues or are dissatisfied with the service, it is important to address the concerns with the hotel management rather than withholding tips. Clear communication about your expectations and any problems that arise can help resolve any issues and ensure that future events are handled more effectively.
Local tipping customs and norms
When tipping hotel staff for an event, it is essential to be aware of the local tipping customs and norms. Tipping practices can vary from country to country, and even within different regions or cities.
Some countries may have a service charge included in the bill, while in others, tipping may be expected. It is always a good idea to research the tipping etiquette of the specific location where your event is taking place to ensure that you are tipping appropriately.
Websites like Etiquette Scholar provide comprehensive guidelines for tipping in various countries.
How Tips are Distributed Amongst Staff
When it comes to tipping hotel staff for an event, it’s important to understand how these tips are distributed among the employees. The way tips are divided can vary from one hotel to another, but there are generally three common methods that hotels use to distribute tips: evenly split based on hours worked, pooled together and divided based on role, or given directly to individual staff members.
Evenly split based on hours worked
In some hotels, tips are evenly split among the staff members based on the hours worked. This means that regardless of their role or responsibilities, everyone receives an equal share of the tips. This method ensures fairness and encourages teamwork among the staff.
For example, if there are five staff members who worked a total of 40 hours during an event and the total tips collected amount to $200, each staff member would receive $40.
Pooled together and divided based on role
Other hotels may pool all the tips together and divide them based on the role or position of each staff member. This means that the tips would be distributed in a way that recognizes the different levels of responsibility and service provided by the staff.
For instance, the front desk staff who check-in guests and handle inquiries might receive a higher percentage of the tips compared to the housekeeping staff. This method takes into account the specific contributions of each staff member and ensures that they are rewarded accordingly.
Given directly to individual staff members
In certain cases, tips may be given directly to individual staff members. This is more common in smaller hotels or establishments where the staff members have a more personal connection with the guests.
In this scenario, guests have the freedom to tip each staff member separately based on their personal interactions and experiences. This method allows guests to show appreciation directly to the staff members who have gone above and beyond to make their stay memorable.
It’s worth noting that the specific tipping policies can vary between hotels and even within different departments of the same hotel. It’s always a good idea to check with the hotel or event coordinator to understand their tipping policy and ensure that your gratuity reaches the intended recipients.
General Tipping Guidelines for Hotel Events
Tip in cash when possible
When it comes to tipping hotel staff for an event, it is generally recommended to tip in cash whenever possible. Cash tips are more convenient for the staff and ensure that they receive the full amount without deductions.
Additionally, cash tips are more personal and show appreciation directly to the individual who provided the service.
Pre-tip staff in advance if budget allows
If your budget allows, it is a great idea to pre-tip the hotel staff in advance. This can be done by giving an envelope with a tip to the event coordinator, who will distribute it to the appropriate staff members.
Pre-tipping not only shows appreciation but also helps to ensure that the staff goes above and beyond to provide exceptional service throughout the event. It sets a positive tone and creates a sense of goodwill between you and the hotel staff.
Follow up with additional tips for exceptional service
If the hotel staff goes above and beyond to make your event truly special, it is highly recommended to follow up with additional tips. This can be done at the end of the event or during the checkout process.
Recognizing exceptional service with an additional tip is a great way to show your appreciation and encourage the staff to continue delivering outstanding service to future guests.
Remember, the amount you tip should be based on the quality of service you receive and your personal budget. There are no hard and fast rules for tipping, but these general guidelines can help you navigate the process and ensure that you show your gratitude to the hardworking hotel staff.
Conclusion
Tipping hotel staff for events can be confusing, but the standard recommendation is 15-20% of the total bill. Factor in the number of staff, complexity of the event, and service quality. Distribute tips evenly amongst staff or reward individuals directly for going above and beyond.
With these tips on how much to tip hotel event staff, you can appropriately thank everyone who helps make your event a success.
