Topic Of The Week: Personal Tipping Etiquette

[Steve]

This week's Topic Of The Week question is:

What is your personal tipping etiquetter?

This would encompass all services you would offer a tip to.
Cab Drivers
Valet
Maids
Dealers
Waiters/Waitresses
Bartenders
Room Service
etc.

[YSinAppleton]

Here is an approximation of what we tip. Sometimes a little more and sometimes a little less depending on the service we get.

Cab driver - usually around $5.00 to $7.00
Valet - don't use
Bellhop - $2.00 per bag
Maid - we leave $5.00 per day
Waiters/Waitresses - we always leave 20 to 25 percent of the bill
Bartenders - $1.00 per drink
Room Service - for food deliveries we leave 20%, for other things we request (such as more clean towels etc.) we give them about $2.00.

[divefl]

I don't tip the maids anymore. I have a friend high up in the unions who told me they were making some pretty good money without tips. He is not the type of person to overstate what the union members are making since he fights for their higher wages. Other than that, I go 20% usually.

I feel like I should have my typing disguised to write this.

[PinkFloydActuary]

Cab Drivers - about 20% of fare, assuming they don't take me on a scenic tour.
Valet - never used?
Maids - should be a couple bucks a day, but I always forget :o
Dealers - Depends on if I'm having fun. If I'm having fun and doing well, it's $5 per hour or so (at a $5 limit table) If I'm having fun, but losing, a little less than that. If the dealer is an a$$, it goes to $0
Waiters/Waitresses - between 20% of the pre-tax bill and 15% post-tax depending on how the rounding goes.
Bartenders - $1 per drink
Room Service - never used?
Bellhops - $2 per bag

[leighw55]

We usually tip $5.00 to the cab driver as long as he does not take us the longest way there and is friendly. I always tip my cocktail server a dollar for every drink she brings me. They tend to pay more attention to you and serve you better if you are tipping. Same goes for the bartender if we are sitting at the bar and ordering. And for meals if service is good and the waiter/waitress is friendly, we always tip 20% or even better, but down from there if service is bad. And even once when the waitress was too busy BS-ing with her friends to bring our plates to us. We saw our food sit there for 10 minutes while she talked with friends that had stopped by to see her. They were not even customers. We left her nothing. Our food was cold, and we only ate some of it because we were starving. But if service is good we tip accordingly. I have to admit that as far as maid service goes, if I am staying several days in one place, we usually try to catch the maids while they are on our floor and just hand them our dirty towels and get a new supply of clean ones, and then I make our bed myself, and we tell them they don't have to do our room. If I need something brought to the room such as ironing board and iron if the room does not have one, I tip $5.00. This may sound cheap, but I prefer to not have maid service coming into my room unless it is necessary. I have heard too many stories about people getting things stolen from them by the maids. It has never happened to us, but maybe this is why.:rolleyes:

[Hockey53]

Cab driver-we don't use
valet-$5.00
bartenders-$1.00 per drink
waiters/waitress- 15/20% of the bill
bellhop-don't use
maid-$2-$3 per day
room service-rarely use

[kingalfy]

Cab Drivers- 20-30% if friendly, less if not
Valet- don't use
Maids- it was a dollar a day but after reading the first reply, I should tip more
Dealers- 3 ways: 1) If I hit a blackjack, 2) I draw to 21, and 3) If I win 4 hands in a row, 5% of what I'm betting and increase sequentially, for ex. $5 table, I bet $20 and bet $1, if I win, I bet $25 and bet $2 for dealer and so on until I lose
Waiters/Waitresses- 20 % if good service, less if not
Bartenders- depending on how much liquor they put in the drinks...
Room Service- never use it.....

[talanhart]

I don't take cabs in Vegas! Too expensive.
Valet $2.00
Maids $5.00 for a two night stay!
Dealers It depends. I play BJ, so if I am winning, I play for the dealer and I try to get other people to play for the dealer at the same time it it is a fun table.
$1 for each drink
15 - 20% for servers At least a $1 per person if I am using a coupon for a free burger or a 2 for 1. It depends.
Don't order room service.

[slicerboy]

Cabs- 20% of the fare
Valet- $1.00 in $2 out
Bartenders- $1-2 each drink depending on place
waiters/waitresses - 20% of total bill
Bellhop- $1.50 per bag
Housekeeper- $3-5 a day depending on room vs. suite and always leave at least $1 for turndown.
Room Service- depends on how much the hotel is getting/taking. But always something for the delivery on top of the hotel.
THe only good thing about leaving Vegas is I can stop tipping!! My last trip, 8 nights I was tipped to death.

[lvgecko]

Valet - $1
Maids - $2 per night unless they have gone out of their way to do an exceptional job or provided additional amenities upon request or without request, then it goes up to $5. We have gone so far as track down the maid for our room and personally given an extra $20 - this was for a whole week of taking care of our extra requests for the full week after only asking once at the beginning of the trip!
Dealers - I only play $5 tables or less. BJ dealer gets $1 bet everytime I hit a blackjack or hit on double down or split. If I do well, they get more $1 bets occasionally and then a toke when I leave the table. At craps, occasional $1 bet for the dealers and, if I've won or they've especially cordial or entertaining, a toke when I leave the table. Bad attitude from dealers usually reduces their tips tremendously.
Waiters/Waitresses - $1 a drink, more if they bring without us ordering!
Bartenders - minimum $1 a drink, more if they make the experience entertaining!
Room Service - 10% (droping the tray off at the door and adios!) - 20% (verifying the order in our presence, setting up some of the tray, etc.)
Slot attendants - slot machines that don't issue tickets or coins and MUST have a hand pay for any amount - $0! Any other hand pay, 5%.
Bellhop - mnimum $1 per bag

[GILUV2Gamble]

Valet ...don't use
cab driver don't use always rent vehical
Dealers... If I'm up and having a fun time they make $$$$ other wise $1 here and there.
Maid service depending how they are $2-5 a day
drink waitress in casino $1 a drink
food waitress /waiter 20-25% of bill. Less if service is not up to par

[AppleGreenJade]

Cab Drivers - don't use
Valet-$2
Maids-$2 up to $10 per day
Dealers-don't use
Waiters/Waitresses-20% - 25%
Cocktail Waitresses-$2 - $5
Bartenders-don't use
Room Service-20% of bill, but rarely used

etc.... category
Slot Attendants - biggest tip was $1,000 for a 6 figure payout, $500 for 5 figure, smaller payouts are 0 up to $50 (depending if I was winning or losing)
Casino Cashiers - $40 - $100
Casino Hosts-(they're not supposed to get tips...wink wink)

[BrunoFlipper]

Cab Drivers: 5-10 depends on if my life wasn't threatened
Valet: 1-2 in/out
Maids: $5 a day, this has been the most useful tip I've made. I love extra Coffee packets and it always works.

Dealers: seldom play tables
Waiters/Waitresses: $2-3 for 2 drinks, I use to leave a bigger tip the first drink to assure better service... found it doesn't. If I was giving away free drinks, and people were giving me money for it... I'd hump to be passing them out with Great service.
Bartenders: $ 1-2
Room Service: 20%

[togabill]

Cab Drivers - We don't take cabs to or from the airport, only when we are going to another hotel for dinner or to see a show. The bill is usually between $8 & $12. We tip a straight $5.

Valet - Don't use.

Maids - For a 4 night, 5 day stay we tip $15.

Dealers - Alot of variables here. If I'm doing ok I will tip the amount that I play per hand when the dealer breaks after his 40 minute shift and so on.

Waiters/Waitresses - If the service is good we tip 25-35%. (Our daughters waitressed while going to college so we tend to have a soft spot for food servers.)

Bartenders - If my wife and I each order a drink I will leave $3. for the 2 drinks. Often times when we take a gambling break and go to a bar in the hotel my wife will play a VP machine at the bar (I don't). Her drink will be comped and most of the time they also comp my drink even though I'm not playing. In those cases I leave $5 for the 2 free drinks.

Room Service - Have only gotten towels from room service. Usually $3-$5.

Limo Drivers - $20. per ride.

[weavme]

Cab Drivers- airport to DT- 5-10 depending on experience, to strip 5 ish...

Valet- never rented a car yet..

Maids- min 5.00 a day, more for extras

Dealers- 5-10 an hour, IF i'm winning

Waiters/Waitresses- used to tip heavy on the first drink, 10.00, but found it really doesnt matter, generally 2.00 every time unless i feel forgotten, then 1.00

Bartenders- this varies so much, i have been in places where the bartender is like an robot. no personality, and slow as hell. in fact many of the tenders in vegas are like that. jeez if you hate your job so much, get a different one!
i myself am a bartender, so i am picky about them maybe more than other people might be. i pride my self in fast service with a smile and a thank you, something i rarely see in vegas.
i could go on and on about this subject. bottom line i tip really well for service and personality.

Room Service- 20 to 25%

etc.- Bellman at the vegas club when i stay there, 10.00, (love that man)

[cindyinnj]

Bellhop...$2 per bag (usually have 4-5 bags)

Door man opening my cab doors (coming and going)...$1 each time.

Maid service...$5 per night

Cabs....depending on service and how much, but usually 15%.

Cocktail waitress...$1-$2 per visit to table or slot machine. If I'm winning then it's $5-$20.

Bartender...again depending on how much I've had to drink...$5-$10.

Meals...(Restaurant or room service)...always leave 20% of what the bill is.

Dealers...if not doing well, I always leave $1-$5, but if I win a nice hand then I'll leave approx. $10-$50.

[Blackjack]

Depends upon how good the service is - usually 15% to 20%.:cool:

[Blackjack]

Depends upon how good the service is - :cool:
Cabs; 15% to 20%
Valet; do not use
Maids; $3 a day
Dealers; Depends on winning or losing
Wait Staff; 15% to 20%
Bartenders; $1 a drink
Room Service; 15% to 20%

[MIKE]

I tip according to whim. Service is so bad I tip well if I am not insulted,; if the service is good to great at least $20.

[court811]

Cab Drivers - $3 - $5 dollars (about 20%)
Valet $1
Maids I don't tip housekeeping
Dealers If I'm winning or having a great time, I'll place a $5 bet for the dealer every half hour or so
Waiters/Waitresses $1 for a cocktail every single time - they work very hard and if you give them $1 they'll always come back - at restaurants about 18%
Bartenders $1 a drink
Room Service I used to work in room service at Marriott, and we (the servers) got 15% of the 18% service charge, so I assume that's usually how it is at most places. I'll still give another couple of bucks, more if it's super quick

[phxlas]

Cab Drivers- couple bucks

Valet = 1.00

Maids = 0.00. I dont believe this should be an incentive based job.
Dealers - Usually about 5-10 per hour. If they are jerk, I tip then zero.
If they insult me by hinting that I should be tipping them, I let them know my disappointment in their attitude and then I tell them I am leaving the casino, and then I leave, but I always tell them I would have tipped them if they had a better attitude. Finally, If they rudely insist that I tip them, I then report them to their boss. This has only happened once. 95% of the time, the experience is good.

Waiters/Waitresses 20% = Exceptional service
15% = Expected Service
10% = Poor service
.25 cents = Negligent service (waitress gabbing with her friend while my water glass remains empty).

Bartenders = buck per drink
Room Service = 15%. Generally these days it is already included in the price of the meal. (they add it automatically).
etc.

[artie]

on average i usually tip:

- car valet - $1
- bellhop - $5 or $1/bag - whatever is greater
- doorman - $1, but i haven't seen one in a while
- maids - usually $5 / night
- cabs - $2 or $3, but i rarely use them
- cocktail hosts and bartenders - $1 per drink, unless she is really cute or friendly
- waiters - always 20% (and something really needs to be screwed up for me to complain about my dinner)
- dealers - if i am winning, i match my own bet every once in a while, which might be $5 or $10 pass line + full odds (craps). if i am losing, i save them a few bucks for when i leave.
- slot mechanics - $5

[sd99x]

:D as a general rule

15-20% for waiter/waitress
1.00 dollar to valet
1.00 dollar to bartenders/cocktail waitress
2.00 dollar to maids
Cab drivers- 10% of fair
Dealers 5.00 if I am winning

[hambone]

Cabbies: approx. 20% (more if take shortest route)

Valet: $4 in/$3 out

Bartenders: don't use: (drink girls: $1 for soda/$2 for alcoholic beverage)

Bellhop $1+ per bag

Housekeeper: $5 per day

Room Service: don't use

Slot Attendants: 2-5% depending on several factors

[ChicChas]

Cab Drivers-- 15% of fare unless they handle bags, then a bit more.

Valet -- Don't use

Maids -- $5.00 per day plus whatever good scotch is leftover when I check out -- although there's usually not much of that :D

Dealers-- I haven't played any table games yet, but plan to change that next trip.

Waiters/Waitresses -- Generally, 20% unless service is bad. Then I start discounting.

Bartenders -- $1.00 per drink. Same with casino drink servers.

Room Service -- Haven't used in Vegas, but when I do, usually a bit less than in a restaurant as part of the room service fee goes to the server.

[Steve]

Steve's Tipping Etiquette:

Cab Drivers that don't take the tunnel...The balance of the $20 bill I pay them with. This works wonders in taking a cab from the Strip to Downtown.
I once went from the IP to the Golden Nugget for a record $12.60..the driver got the rest.

Other than the above, if I get a good ride and the driver is friendly, I always give them a good tip.

Maid Service. I can't agree or disagree with the poster that claims the maids make as much as one is lead to believe. But I leave $3.00 PER DAY. Do not wait until your last day and leave a lump sum as they maid who did your room for tthe previous days may not be the one who does your room on the departure day.

Cocktail Waitresses..I tip $1.00. I only drink water or diet soda. :eek:

Restaurants..I tip very well as most of my meals are comped. I also tip the Matre D and the busboys.

Buffets: Good tip for good service. I have never stiffed a server even if the service wasn't up to par.

Racebook. I tip if I win a race. Usually $1-$3.00 as I am a small bettor.

Dealers. I always bet for them when I win a hand playing Pai Gow.

Added 3/27/07: Shuttle Drivers..I always give them $1.00
per trip.

[iam4nd]

In General---

Maid service---$3 per night

Cocktail waitress---$1 per drink

Bartender---$1 per drink

Bellhop---$5 for our usual 3 to 4 bags

Cab Driver---$3 average---maybe more on a short haul (Strat to Sahara late night)

Restaurant Wait Staff---Usually 20%

Doorman---$1

Dealers---I usually don't play long and leave $5 (I also toke if I hit something big like four of a kind in Let-It-Ride, etc.)

Slot attendants---I tip one person on a hand pay, amount determined by the win

Race and Sports book---A few bucks when I win (small better)

[Jacob36]

Cab Drivers = If they are friendly and do not try and go the long way, around $5

Valet = Have never used, but probably will this up coming trip, so $2/$3 (in/out)

Maids = $3 a day

Dealers = $5 maybe every ½ hour if winning, if not I give them $5 - $10 when I leave

Waiters/Waitresses = If they come back at least a couple of times to check and see if any thing else is needed and if every thing is alright 20 %, if they just drop the food off and never see them until the bill gets droped off, as long as the food is OK $2.

Bartenders/Cocktail Waitresses = $1 per drink

Room Service = Never use

etc.

Bell-Staff = usually $5/ if it is Mike at the Barbary coast I slip him $10 (it is just so wrong to call it Bill’s)

Slot People on a hand pay = $5 up to $100, depends if I am winning or not, if they come right a way or make you sit there for ½ hour or more before showing up

[zoomer]

Airport sidewalk baggage check..$1 per bag checked
Parking Valet $1..$2 when busy and wait is not long
Maids $2-$3 daily
Bellhops..$2 per bag GIVEN WHEN BAGS DELIVERED not when taken from me
Wait Staff..at least 15% generally 20% and always round to next highest $$
Dealers.. $2 bet with mine about every 15 minutes I'm there
Bartenders CW's..$1 per beverage
House staff(plumbers to room , etc. $2 or $3 ..$5 for toilet unclogging.
Buffet Drink servers..$1 to $1.50 per person
Car rental shuttle drivers $1 bag
Hotel Courtesy shuttle drivers $1 or $2 per person each way.
Sportsbook cashiers..Don't tip writers
Keno..all depending on size of win or a flat $5 when leaving if I didnt hit squat
Pool workers..$1 per towel
Dont use room service or cabs

[tryon4]

Cab Drivers Don't ever use
Valet $5.00 for homebase, $2.00 elsewhere
Maids $4.00 per day on pillow
Dealers Varies on winnings vs losing
Waiters/Waitresses $1.00 per beverage
Bartenders Rarely sit in a bar as we don't drink
Room Service Never use it
Food Servers 20% on down depending on service
Service Personell $2-3.00 per episode
Bathroom Attendent $1.00 per visit
Baggage $1.50 per bag
Hosts $5.00 if we have good seats, $10.00 if we have fair
seats, $20.00 if we are in the boonies.
Always, always works even with assigned seating

Our rule is if you can help us have a great vacation we know your language

[ND Murff]

Tip the Valet
$1 for slow...$2 average ....$3 for fast
20% good waitress 15 to 18% average...lower for poor
20% average for cab
$3 per day for maid
Room service charges 18%....might give couple bucks for fast delivery
Tip dealers for friendly winning session, wont tip crabby surly dealers no matter how much I win. Pisses me off if I get a dealer mumbling about someone at the table not tipping.:mad:
Cocktail waitress $1 per drink.
Buffet waitress $3 per person for getting drinks etc.
$1 per bag if I need bags handled.

[TommiR]

This week's Topic Of The Week question is:

What is your personal tipping etiquetter?

I work as a manager in the hospitality business, I have a tendencey to over tip. If the term TIPS stand for "To Insure Proper Service" shouldn't you tip first (which I do at some bars)?

Typically (less if poor service)

Cab Drivers - 20% $5 min
Valet - do not use in LV
Maids - $5 per day (with a note thanking them)
Dealers - if winning 2% of big hand wins, if losing, they need to entertain me to get tipped
Waiters/Waitresses - 20%
Bartenders - $1 per drink min, if they entertain like canival bar up 100% (I have never tipped less than $50 at carnival bar... too much fun)
Room Service - don't use
Cab caller (my retirement job) - $1 per person

[westie]

Cab Drivers - I always rent a car in Las Vegas

Valet - $2-$5 depending on how fast my car is returned and in what condition

Maids - $2- $3 per day

Dealers - I play VP so no tips

Waiters/Waitresses - 15-20% of bill

Bartenders - $1 per drink

Room Service - I never use

Buffet servers - $2-$3 per person

[YJAJJ]

Cab driver-we don't use

valet-$2.00 in and out!!

bartenders-depends maybe a buck - a drink

waiters/waitress- 15/25% of the bill

bellhop-$1.00 per

maid-$2-$3 per day

room service-never use no doubt 20/25% of bill!

JJ MI

[G-Alan]

Cab Drivers -$2 to $5 depending on length of trip and attitude
Valet -Never use
Maids -Have never tipped a maid, probably should start!!
Dealers -On BJ will bet all silver for dealer and occasional $5 if
winning. Will ask for silver to bet for dealer to get = out of slump.
Slot attendant - I wish I had a reason to!! please let me have to = make that decision one day!!
Waiters/Waitresses -20% almost always
Bartenders -$1 per drink
Drink girls -$1 normally unless I want them to come back quicker
Bell boys -$2 per bag
Room Service -20%
Airport baggage men -$5
Taxi callers -$2

And we usually end up tipping bellboy/ doorman amnt times during trip because we end up going to them for info and help. $2- $10 depending on situation.

[Nakedmel]

This week's Topic Of The Week question is:

What is your personal tipping etiquetter?

This would encompass all services you would offer a tip to.
Cab Drivers Yes I tip them about $3 - $5
Valet Do not drive so no need to tip the valet
Maids Sorry do not tip maids
Dealers Only if I win big then they get a tip, otherwise no
Waiters/Waitresses Depending on good service I tip. I was told by my American friends that the best way to give them a tip, is to double what the tax is
Bartenders $1 a drink
Room Service If room service has service charge added to the bill I don't tip. As you are tipping twice otherwise
etc.

Anyway, it is up to the individual weither a tip should be given for good service, and ow much should be given. Any bad service recieved I never tip, as I will never go back to a place that has bad service.

[Greg]

Cab Drivers - don't use.
Valet - $1 - $2 depending on service.
Maids - $1 - $2 per day.
Dealers $1 - $2 per hour of play, unless I'm ahead big and then alittle more.
Waiters/Waitresses - 15% to 20 % of tab (rarely stiff even with bad service, but would complain to management).
Bartenders - $1/drink.
Room Service - don't use.

[Kruzer]

As most people working in Vegas rely heavily on tips I find myself tipping quite generously. Dealers in poker tournaments get 10% of my winnings, whie cash dealers get varying tips depending on pot size. Normal "etiquette" is $1-$2 per pot won but I usually tip well beyond that. Waiters/waitresses get tipped depending on service. Bad service= bad tip. Good service gets a reasonable tip. Above and beyond gets a tip that they won't forget who gave it to them. Valets get about $5 no matter what. Bell Service gets $2/bag each way. Maids I don't usually tip as I don't usually have regular service except to exchange towels. I have yet to take a cab ride in Vegas. I don't drink but if in the bar a buck or two per order does it usually.

[shyloc]

Cab Drivers: Don't ever use
Shuttle Bus Driver: $2-$3 per trip
Valet: rarely use, but $2-$3 on exit if I do. Usually park in self park. (too cheap) :o
Maids $2-3 per day on pillow
Dealers: Usually bet for the dealer first or second hand, if he/she doesn't say thanks (even for a loser that's pretty much it.) Will keep betting for them if I keep winning. It's all about attitude.:D
Poker Deales: $1.00 per pot won, minimum.
Waiters/Waitresses $1.00 per beverage
Bartenders Rarely sit in a bar as we don't drink
Room Service Never use it
Food Servers 20% minumum, always rounding up. I try to estimate the value of a comped meal (which we rarely get) and tip the same 20%. It's not the waiters fault I was comped.
Baggage $1.50 per bag
Desk Persoanl at check-in: $20 - usually gets an upgrade:cool:

[tugboat]

Cab Drivers: Don't Use Them Any More We Rent A Car, But When We Did Was $2-3
Valet: $1 In And $1-2 Out
Drinks: $1 A Drink, Maybe Less For A Bottle Of Water
Bellhop: Don't Use Very Often But When We Do $1 A Bag
Waitress/waiter: 15-20% Unless The Service Is Bad Still Tip But Not As Much
Buffet $1 A Person
Maids: $5 A Stay
Room Service : Don't Use
Dealers: Don't Use
Slot Attendants: Never Got The Chance To Use Never Won Big:(

[noah6671]

Cab - never use anymore, way too expensive. Got burned once by a "scenic" driver.
Shuttle driver - $2.00
Valet - $1.00 when we get there, $1.00 when we leave.
Waiter/Waitress - 15% of the bill
Bartender - $1.00 per drink
Maid - never have, maybe I should?
Cocktail waitress - $1.00 per drink
Luggage holding - $1.00 per bag
Room service - never use

[Souette]

I've mentioned on this board before that I have a severe math disability. Can't multiply, percentage, etc. Can't even count fast enough to count my cards in a game of Blackjack. With that being said, percentage of a check is a nightmare for me. But this is how I do it:

Cab: $5
Valet: $2 in/out
Shuttle folks at Airport: $3

Housekeeping: If I ask for anything extra, it's $5 with a thank you note.
Bell Boys: Rarely use but $2/bag if I do.
Room Service: Never used

Food Server: Depends on how attentive he/she was. If I take up the table for an extended period of time, I'll add $10 to the original tip.

Drink Servers: $2-$3
Bartenders: $2-$3

Roulette Dealers: I love this game. No counting involved! :D
I'm usually playing $25 bets and if I win, I give a $10...each time I win.

I REALLY have to budget in TIPS to my trip. Just today I stopped by the bank for $100 in ones and $50 in fives.
Good Topic!

[PatSprouseYo]

I've always believed in tipping generously. And when in Vegas, I try to continue the trend, even though I have a budget and account for almost every dollar.

Cab Drivers (I don't take them often anymore) but generally $5-10 depending on the drive. To and from the airport I almost always tip $10 or more, because of the bags.

Valet two to three dollars a bag, we usually only take one full size bag (each of us), and one 22" carry-on bag (each of us), plus my backpack

Maids three to five dollars a day. It really depends on how well they clean the room daily.

Dealers depends on if I'm winning or losing. If I am on a roll, I usually tip them the equivalent of one bet, so I've I've been playing $10 BJ and am up a few hundred...$10. If I lose though, I usually still tip when I walk away.

Waiters/Waitresses 20% if its average 30%+ for good service

Bartenders two bucks a drink for cocktail waitresses, actual bar-tenders, generally $5

Room Service if the gratuity is included in the bill (18% usually) I'll make up the difference to 20 or 25%

Concierge $20 for most things; tee times, show tickets, etc.

[Boston_Bill]

For me it's all about service not what IS expected.

I have to admit Im a sucker for a lovely cocktail waitress and I overtip for my drinks. On the other hand the guy who gets my cab is lucky he is getting a dollar.

I tip housekeeping accordingly, I hate tipping dealers but I have on bigger wins.
Restaurants again are all about service. I'll tip more than 15% if things are good.
Cab drivers are the same it depends what the fare is Ill round up and throw in a couple more. Usually at least $5

[Robbylou121]

The first thing we do before going to Vegas is get a bunch of $2.00 bills. It makes tipping alot easier for 2 people.

Cab Drivers...we round up and add $5 if not bags involved. A little higher if we have bags.
Baggage Handlers...$2 a bag.
Valet...$2.00 for getting us a cab.
Maids...We don't really tip on a daily basis..only if we talk to one and request extras, then we tip.

Waiters/Waitresses...20% if service is good. 4 pennies if its really bad (my dad always says leave a tip...leaving nothing doesn't send a message)

Drink servers...$1.00 a drink even if it's just pop.

[vegasbabe]

I am someone who spends 8 to 12 hours a day on my feet at work. So do the cocktail waitresses and food servers. So, I have a great amount of empathy for them. I hate it when a group of gamblers orders drinks, and they leave absolutely no tip. I generally tip $2 per cocktail, and it gets me quicker service, along with a napkin and a bottle of water in some cases.

In restaurants, I stick to the 20% standard, unless the waitress is especially good or bad. Then I will adjust accordingly. Buffet drink servers usually get a buck out of me.

I do not use taxis or valet parking, so I cannot comment on that topic.

[BJlover]

First, let me say that I still tip cocktail waitresses if I use them--a buck a drink. They make criminal money and most of it is tax-free. But it's hard to quit.
I have quit tipping dealers so much. I used to tip very well. Our town has a riverboat and many of my acquaintances' sons and daughters got jobs as dealers. These kids were previously working jobs at McDonalds. Their tip rate is $18 an hour (I've seen the pay stubs) and the casino pays them upwards of $8 an hour if they've been there long. $26 an hour! What a scam that the casino has you come in to gamble away your money AND pay their employees at the same time. I've cut way back on tipping dealers in Vegas now. I don't frequent my own riverboat.
I also know for a fact that cocktail waitresses on "our" boat make $300+ in tips each night which is all cash. They clock out and claim $30 or $40 for tax purposes. The paycheck they pick up is for only the $4 an hour the casino pays them. After taxes, that check is very small and the waitresses have the NERVE to complain about the small check--forgetting that they put $1500 (most tax-free) in their pocket for the week. I would not pass on a rumor--this is a fact: one waitress made $8000 in 3 nights work! Like I say, criminal money.

[dscs007]

Well

1) Taxi's ... don't use em ( usually rent or drive if we're feeling adventurous )

2) Valets .. $1 - $3 depending on speed of service and how busy they are.

3) Waiters ( servers ) .. At least 15% to 20% depending on service. I have left just one cent a few times as the service was that bad.

4) Cocktail servers .. 50 cents for a water or soda and $1 to $2 for alcohol.

5) Maids .. I don't leave anything as I believe they get paid very well.

6) Bellman .. $1 to $2 per bag each way.

7) Dealers .. When I do play table games, it's about $1 to $5 per hour.

8) Airport shuttle drivers .. $2 or $3

9) Skycaps .. $1 per bag if flying

10) Slot attendants .. If there are no tito and you have to be hand paid for anything from 1 cent to 1 thousand bucks $0. They are just suckering you there ( Slots o fun is a prime example ).


David

[King_Ozzy]

This is just me... And I am probably off a bit

Cab Drivers - $1 - $4 - Depending on how safely I arrived.
Valet - $2
Maids - $2 per night
Dealers - Craps/Make bets for the dealers and leave a small amount when I leave the table. They do remember it the following night.
Waiters/Waitresses - Double the tax plus a little more for good service.
Bartenders - $1 a drink
Room Service - What??? Room Service... barely there enough to sleep a couple hours.

[dreamcatcheril]

Cab Drivers - airport to hotel 20% or about $6.00
Valet don't use
Maids $3.00 a day at the end of the trip
Waiters/Waitresses - 20%
Room Service - 20%
cocktail servers $1.00 a drink
bell man $1.50 per bag to store them and another $1.50 a bag when they get to my room
guy that puts me in a cab $1.00

Dealers- This is where I work some comps.
This doesn't happen every hand, but it does if the pit boss is watching the game.
The bet it $10.00, I put a $1.00 chip on top of my two red chips, increasing my bet up to $11.00. If I win I give the dealer the $1.00 winnings.
I still have the $1.00 chip to play again which keeps my bet at $11.00. Yes I have asked the pit boss when I leave the table. How much time did I put in and what was my average size bet.. I love it when they say $26.00 or $31.00

[SandyA]

Cab drivers - don't use cabs
Valet - $2 to $5 depending on service
Maids - $3 to $5 depending on how well the room is cleaned
Bellmen - $5 for a couple of bags
Shuttle drivers - $1
Cocktail servers - $1 a drink, if I order an extra like a bottle of water in addition to my drink I give her $2 - several trips we've had superlative service from one particular cocktail waitress who remembers what we drink and brings it as soon as she sees us - I've always tipped her an extra ten bucks near the end of our stay as a personal thank you
Waiters/Waitresses - 15% to 25% depending on service

[misterKeno]

Cab Driver - usually 15% of the meter

Valet - $2 (more for ESPECIALLY fast svc, or they helped me with directions, etc)

Maids $3 or $4 per day (more if i write a note that says "more conditioner please", on account of i know they'll give me 17 bottles, lol)

Bellman $2 per bag

Shuttle Driver - hotel->hotel: Nothing
Shuttle Driver - port->hotel: $1 or $2

Cocktail waitress $1 or $2 a drink (if she brings em often & stronger as we progress).

Waiter / waitress (restaurant) - 0% to 25% - if the service was BAD, they'll get no tip (period). I dont know how people can say "i always tip 20% of the bill no matter what" !?!?!?!? Why would you reward poor service?

Dealers - make a side bet now & then if i'm winning.

matthew

[RWHannu]

Cocktail Servers: $1/drink (not sure why people make a distinction on the tip amount depending on whether the drink has alcohol in it);

Maid Service: $2/day during the stay and an ash tray full of all my loose change accumulated during the trip on the day I check out;

Cab drivers: On the rare occasions I take a cab, I try to round it up to the nearest $5;

Shuttle Drivers: $1 (airport); $0 (hotel to hotel);

Servers: $1 at buffets; 20% at any other sit-down restaurant;

Dealers/Room Service: Don't use;

Bell: $1/bag on the rare occasions when I check luggage at the hotel and have it brought up to the room later.

Slot attendants/Floor People: $20 on a handpay for a .25 Royal Flush; $5 when you get a handpay on anything less. (And if I happen to be playing at the bar and get a Royal Flush, the bartender gets $20 also.)

Ushers/maitre d's: I once gave the guy $5 to get our group seated up front at "Bottom's Up".

I never tip change booth people, the folks who clean up the garbage around the machines, hotel desk clerks, rental car people, counter workers at fast food restaurants, or anyone at conventional retail stores.

I am constantly amazed at the amount of tipping some folks do (i.e. $10 to the cocktail waitress), but- as it's not MY money- to coin a phrase, "What gets tipped out in Vegas, stays in Vegas".

[bevierose]

I try to base it on good service but never go away without giving something.
Taxi: 20% of bill, providing the person puts my bag in the trunk
Cocktail Waitress: $1 per drink, more if the person keeps 'em coming
Dinner: 20 to 25%
Buffets: $2 each person
Maid: $5 per day and try to give it directly to the one I have seen at some point
Room Service: 20%
Valet: $1 or $2
Bellhop or bag service: $2 per bag after I get them and $2 when he takes them
Concierge: $10 to $20 if they have answered and helped me out
I am not a person of means, so tipping is a luxury to me, and I expect to be treated with respect as I treat others.

[monsterpocket]

[QUOTE=Souette;33957]I've mentioned on this board before that I have a severe math disability. Can't multiply, percentage, etc. Can't even count fast enough to count my cards in a game of Blackjack. With that being said, percentage of a check is a nightmare for me. But this is how I do it:

There is an easy fix for this. There is a credit card sized card to keep in your wallet that has the tip chart on it. Just look for your total bill amount and it will tell you the amount to tip. I believe that it has 15-20 & 25% columns. I think that this card can be bought in hotel gift shops

[Alohafri]

We usually tip valet 2 bucks where we stay and a buck where we don't.

Bartenders and cocktail waitresses get a doller per drink, which if I am playing well can add up because I like to drink! ;)

Waiters and waitresses get 20-25%.

We usually leave 2-3 dollars per day for the maid service, on each day, not at the end of our stay.

[jolo777]

Cab Drivers- 10-20% depending on service
Valet - $2.00, more if super fast and helpful with questions like directions.
Maids - $2-3 per day. sometimes more if I need something extra.
Dealers- only when I'm winning or if they give good advice and are friendly
Waiters/Waitresses - average $20% + or - depending on service.
Bartenders $1 per drink (more if in very upscale place with upscale service)
Room Service - same as waitress/waiters, unless gratuity was included in bill.
Floor drink service - $1.00 per drink, even for water, soda, coffee, etc.

[pateboo]

Cab driver - 20%

Maids - $2.00 per day, I'm really easy on them. Tell them not to worry about it.

Bellhops - I schlep my own bags.

Waitresses - 20% or better. It's a tough job.

Cocktail Waitress - Dollar per drink

Dealers - New dealer or new shoe I play a dollar for them. Get blackjack I'll tip them outright.

I never know if I should tip the guy who opens the cab door for me though at the taxi stands. Somehow thanks seems too little and to tip seems too much for just putting his hand up basically.:confused:

[slugr]

I take 200 dollars worth of twos along to tip everyone but dealers. They get part of what I'm wining in chips. Valet, maids etc 2.00 a time, food 15 / 25 % depends on service and it can and has sucked.

[wa8ckt]

Cab Drivers- $5 or so

Valet - don't use

Maids - $3 a day

Dealers - play craps - $5 pass bet now and then

Waiters/Waitresses - 15-20 % depending on service

Bartenders - $1 a drink - more if winning on VP at the bar

Room Service - never use - always thought it would be nice for morning coffee but if I have to get dressed to let them in the room I just go down to the bar for coffee.

[toniesgal]

Well, I HATE tipping--I think everyone should be paid a decent wage. If you have a great meal and tip the waitperson, what about the kitchen staff that actually prepared the meal? Yes, chefs are paid well, but not the rest. And I rarely get tips in my job, and deserve them based on what the rest of the service industry gets.

That said, I DO tip, but I want to pass on a "tip" I was given years ago--if you have really lousy service, especially at a restaurant where tipping is pretty much REQUIRED, don't leave "nothing"--instead leave 1 or 2 pennies. If you leave nothing, they will think you are just cheap--if you leave a fraction, you are sending a clear message about how much the service is worth to you.

[MHIROTSU]

First, I agree with others that say that tipping shouldn't be expected, even in those certain industries where they are expected. However, I also think that tipping is a catch-22 for the consumer. If the consumer doesn't tip, then the industry will probably have to pay higher wages in order to keep the workers. This means higher prices to the consumer. So, I guess the consumer either pays a higher price for the goods/service or pays a tip. In some cases, maybe it's better to leave that to the consumer rather than the employer.

My other opinion is that if you don't want to give a tip, don't! Don't let others make you feel like you have to give a tip.

Now, for me, I either give too much of a tip or too little, depending on the type of service I get and the amount of money in my hands (in Las Vegas this can be minimal, so the tip can be whatever is left in my pocket). But the ones I like to mention are the buffet servers (still 20% for good service, I think they work as hard as any other waitstaff) and craps dealers (hardway bets on all even points and sometimes on all the hardways, and a pass line bet with odds when I'm rolling).

The one group of people I like seeing a majority of you tipping are the maids. About 15 years ago, I didn't think about giving the maid a tip. Since then, I've been giving a tip and have been getting great service. However, I also don't think the tip should motivate them more than just their wages.

Mike

[Jringo]

what about the Tour Bus driver?:)

[hipster818]

Cab Drivers: $5.00
Valet: $5.00 to 7.00
Maids: 5.00 a day
Dealers: $1.00 to $3.00
Waiters/Waitresses: 15 to 25% depending on service.
Bartenders: 5 to 10%
Room Service: don't use

[bondsgal]

I agree with Mike, the buffett servers deserve a good tip as they are alway right there with A+ service.

I also tip tour drivers. The last tour I took the driver was very well prepared with information and stories about the areas we were travelling to and about the history of Las Vegas. Made the 10 hour day very enjoyable and entertainining and in my opinion he deserved a good tip.

[The Gumbo Man]

So I'm a cheapskate. I was raised by a cheapskate. We come from a long line of cheapskates. We came from Chesapeake. My father gave me direct rules for tips. I've followed them and never had a complaint, a dirty look or somebody spit in my food.
Cab Drivers five bucks. Flat.
Valet Never use them. Nobody strips my clutch but ME.
Maids. 2 bucks a day unless they do something outstanding, then 10 for them
Dealers. 2% of what I win
Waiters/Waitresses Full service, double the tax. Buffet service, a buck a head
Bartenders a buck a beverage same for cdocktail waitresses.
Room Service just like a waiter, double the tax.

As for the WOO-WOO, before you head to Glitter Gulch or any of the other Fine Gentlemens establishments, stop by the bank and get a mess of 2 dollar bills! The girls just love them ! :rolleyes:

I fold:cool:

[Pimp_N_M]

(Cab Drivers) 10-30% depending on how much they piss me off.

(Valet) Buck in and a buck out.

(Maids) Buck a day depending on how pissed off I am at the hotel.

(Dealers) Only when I am winning.

(Waiters/Waitresses) 5-25% Depending on _____.

(Bartenders) Buck a drik at minimum.

(Room Service) They get a big fat tip ALREADY when they deliver it. Only a few bucks more here or there. But then again I hate room service.