Agree 100%. I usually leave a small tip regardless, but sometimes you realize that the people taking care of you aren’t just “doing their jobs”; they are really doing their best to make things perfect and that deserves recognition, whether by a tip, a word to the manager or an email to the hotel.
My travel years ago was all corporate. No real needs there...a nice warm bed, clean sheets, etc.
But in the past ten years my business has changed. I need more access to internet services, local equipment needs (photographic and what not) and other more customized stuff. Try stopping a person working in the hall and asking them questions about their area, what is interesting, what are the “off the wall” places.
If you are there for a few days, they become your support staff.
Of course, the concierge gets tipped. But the everyday people taking care of you deserve a little extra now and then.
Again, for the casual user of hotels—the two or three night a year folks, this is probably not an issue. And, the service is going to be good no matter what.
But for a old style “road warrior” the “little things” are apprecaited.
For example, this summer I was on a long motorcycle trip. I had just come from three days/nights in Death Valley. It was easily 120 degrees during the day, 95 at night. When I pulled up to the Marriott in Las Vegas, the guys at the valet parking let me park my bike at the front door for three days. Right beside them. We had a couple of long conversations and I knew that I could have left cash on that motorcycle and it would not have been touched.
The folks taking care of my room were great.
Those guys got tips.
A few days later I was in Midland Texas. The room was a mess. The refrigerator was loud. The chair arm fell off. The woman at the bar was, at best, nasty.
They not only did not get a tip. But my room was eventually comp’d because I wrote a letter to the home office.
I can be a difficult customer. I have high expectations because I spend a ton of money. But, when I have people who are willing and eager to make my business there easier for me...they get good tips.
well, I think being a hotel maid is a thankless job...the only reason I tip is because I think these gals could use a few extra bucks...