Every year, I take my three kids on adventures, and staying in hotels is always a highlight. They adore the swimming pools, the complimentary treats at the front desk, and of course, the small bottles of shampoo and lotion. No matter how hard I try, my homemade French Toast Casserole just can’t compete with the bagels and powdered donuts at the continental breakfast. It’s as if they’ve encountered pure luxury each time we check in.
For me, hotel stays offer a different kind of enjoyment: no cooking or cleaning means quality time with my family. There’s something delightful about using those little samples of toiletries, and if there are mints on the pillows? I feel like royalty. Sometimes, I even enjoy the challenge of keeping our room tidy, but with kids in a small space, chaos can erupt quickly. Trash can overflow, beds go unmade, and towels end up strewn about. After a day of exploring, returning to a clean room where I can relax and catch a show is pure bliss.
This is precisely why the individuals who handle the less glamorous tasks—like changing sheets, taking out trash, and tidying up after your family—truly deserve a tip. Surprisingly, an article on Medium reveals that fewer than one-third of hotel guests leave a gratuity. It’s startling to think that these hardworking housekeepers, who often earn around $11.46 an hour (similar to desk clerks but with much more demanding tasks), are overlooked. They face all sorts of messes that desk clerks don’t encounter, from bodily fluids to dirty linens.
Housekeeping is no easy job. As parents, we know the struggle of making beds and dealing with fitted sheets. These dedicated professionals do it all day long, often while inhaling harsh cleaning chemicals. They work long hours, including weekends and late shifts, while we are busy enjoying our vacations. They ensure our rooms are spotless so we can return and create more memories. If that doesn’t warrant extra cash, I don’t know what does.
Many hotels provide envelopes for tips, which makes it easy to remember to leave a few dollars. However, just because there isn’t a prompt doesn’t mean that tips aren’t welcome—they certainly are. When you’re traveling, consider leaving a few extra bucks. Your gesture can brighten the day of the person who cleaned your room. Remember, it’s one thing to clean up after your own family; it’s entirely different to tidy up after strangers. Housekeepers often find things in hotel rooms that are best left unseen.
For more insights on family travel and parenting, check out one of our other blog posts here, or learn more about the journey to parenthood at Make a Mom. If you’re interested in pregnancy resources, this site provides excellent information.
Summary:
Tipping hotel housekeepers is essential as they perform demanding tasks that contribute significantly to our comfort during stays. Despite their hard work, many guests overlook leaving gratuities. A small tip can make a meaningful difference in their day, acknowledging the effort they put into creating a pleasant environment for travelers.