When you stay at a Fairfield by Marriott, you can expect friendly service and a comfortable stay. I saw a posting in which a Fairfield by Marriott encourages its guests to tip the front desk personnel.
Do You Need to Tip the Front Desk?
Generally speaking, tipping the front desk staff at a Fairfield by Marriott is not expected. Their primary role is to assist with check-in/check-out, answer questions, and provide general information. These are standard services, and their salary covers these tasks.
When Tipping Might Be Appropriate
However, there are certain situations where a tip for the front desk staff might be warranted:
- Exceptional Service: If a front desk employee goes above and beyond to assist you, a tip is a good way to show your appreciation. For example, if they:
- Secure a room upgrade for you
- Help you with a difficult situation (lost luggage, etc.)
- Provide extensive help with directions, reservations, or local recommendations
- Special Requests: If you make a special request that requires extra effort on their part, a small tip might be appropriate.
How Much to Tip
If you decide to tip, the amount is at your discretion and depends on the level of service provided. Here are some general guidelines:
- Small Favor: For a small favor or assistance, $2-$5 might be appropriate.
- Exceptional Service: For outstanding service or significant assistance, $5-$10 or more may be warranted.
Other Staff to Consider Tipping
While tipping the front desk isn’t always expected, there are other staff members at a hotel who typically receive tips and you should definitely tip them:
- Housekeeping: It’s customary to tip housekeeping staff $2-$5 per night, depending on the level of service.
- Bellhops/Porters: If a bellhop or porter helps you with your luggage, it’s customary to tip $1-$2 per bag.
- Valet: If you use the valet service, tip $2-$5 each time they bring your car.
The Bottom Line
Tipping expectation in our society has gotten out of control. This may have started with COVID when we felt for many people in the service industry. But as we moved past COVID, certain things should have returned to normal. The expectation for tipping is one of them. With Marriott’s push, are we saying that we should tip everyone who provides any kind of service to us. What is next, tipping flight attendants, car mechanics, accountants, real estate agents and nurses?