Keep in mind also that a LOT of hotel workers are SEIU.
I never knew that tipping was “customary”. To the point where 70% of guests did it. I really wonder whether this is something new thats being called “customary” as opposed to revisionism. Like with the tip jars that are now prevelent but barely existed 20 years ago.
No, it has always been customary, its shameful that so many people were not taught the absolute basics.
I watched my grandparents and my parents do it growing up, and I do it and have taught my children to as well.
Common human decency tells you to show appreciation to those who do things for you. A hotel maid, unless it is someplace like Vegas, is a low paying position no matter how much the hotel room costs. IF someone is cleaning up your crap so you don’t have to, leaving a few dollars as a tip to thank them for it is just common sense.