Here’s a comprehensive NYC Hotel Tip Guide in table format that provides all the information you need to know about tipping in New York City hotels, including typical tip amounts, suggested services to tip, and example calculations.
NYC Hotel Tip Guide
Service
Suggested Tip Amount
Example Tip Calculation
Notes on Tipping
Housekeeping
$2 – $5 per day
$5 for a 3-day stay → Total = $15
Tip daily to ensure the correct person gets the tip.
Bellhop
$1 – $2 per bag
3 bags → Total = $3 – $6
More for heavier bags or if more assistance is needed.
Valet/Parking Attendant
$2 – $5 when retrieving your car
Retrieve car once → Total = $2 – $5
Tip when they bring your car, not when dropping it off.
Concierge
$5 – $20 depending on the service provided
Basic request (restaurant reservation) → $5
Complex or hard-to-get requests (tickets, special services) should be tipped higher.
Room Service
15-20% of the bill (check if service charge is included)
15% on a $50 meal → Total = $7.50
Always check if a service charge is already included on the bill.
Doorman
$1 – $2 for hailing a cab or helping with luggage
$2 for getting a cab → Total = $2
No tip needed for simple greetings or opening the door.
Spa Services
15-20% of the service cost
15% on a $100 massage → Total = $15
Check if the spa already includes gratuity in the bill.
Example Tip Calculations:
Service
Tip Percentage
Example Amount
Example Tip
Total Cost (Including Tip)
Room Service
15%
$50
$7.50
$57.50
Bellhop (3 Bags)
$1 – $2/bag
$0 (Free Service)
$3 – $6
$3 – $6
Housekeeping (3 Days)
$5/day
$0 (Included in hotel stay)
$15 (Total for 3 days)
$15
Valet
$5
$0 (Parking Included)
$5
$5
Concierge (Difficult Request)
$20
$0
$20
$20
Spa Services
20%
$100
$20
$120
Tipping Etiquette for Hotels in New York City:
Housekeeping: Tip $2-$5 per day depending on the level of service and size of your room. Leave the tip daily instead of at the end of your stay.
Bellhop: Tip $1-$2 per bag, and consider tipping more if you have heavy or numerous bags.
Valet: Tip $2-$5 when the valet retrieves your car. No need to tip when you initially drop the car off.
Concierge: For basic services like restaurant reservations, tip $5. For more complex requests like securing hard-to-get tickets or services, tip $10-$20.
Room Service: Check your bill to see if a service charge is already included. If not, tip 15-20% of the bill.
Doorman: Tip $1-$2 for hailing a cab or assisting with luggage. No tip is required for opening doors.
Spa Services: Tip 15-20% of the service cost, and check if gratuity is already included in the bill.
Additional Considerations:
Daily Tipping: For services like housekeeping, it’s important to tip daily, as different staff members may clean your room each day.
Cash Tips: Whenever possible, leave tips in cash. If tipping for room service or concierge services via card, make sure to clearly indicate the tip amount on the bill.
Service Fees: Some hotels may already include a service charge for certain services like room service or spa treatments. Always check the bill to avoid double-tipping.
Quick Tip Summary:
Housekeeping: $2-$5 per day
Bellhop: $1-$2 per bag
Valet: $2-$5 when retrieving the car
Concierge: $5-$20 depending on the service complexity
Room Service: 15-20% of the bill
Doorman: $1-$2 for hailing a cab or helping with luggage