In the United States, tipping hotel employees is customary for several hands-on services, but there is no universal required amount. As a starting point, published guidance suggests $2–$5 per day for housekeeping, $1–$5 per bag for bell staff, $2–$5 for valet service, and $1–$2 per person for a shuttle driver. Tip when the service happens, except that a daily housekeeping tip is more likely to reach the person who cleaned your room that day.
How much to tip hotel employees in the United States
These are etiquette recommendations, not mandatory fees. Guidance differs by source, especially for housekeeping, so treat the figures as reference points and adjust for the work performed and the property’s policy.
| Service | Published guidance | When and how to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Housekeeping | Emily Post recommends $2–$5 per day. AAA’s July 2026 guide reports UNITE HERE recommends at least $5 per night; AAA says $10–$20 per night is more common at luxury hotels. | Leave a tip daily, marked for housekeeping. Consider more for a suite, late checkout, or extra cleaning work. |
| Bell staff | AAA recommends $1–$5 per bag. Emily Post suggests $2 for the first bag and $1 for each additional bag, with $2–$3 for added services such as delivery to the room. | Tip when the bags are carried or the service is complete. Consider more for oversized luggage or a full cart. |
| Valet | $2–$5 in AAA’s hotel guide and Emily Post’s general guide. | Tip at the service interaction. AAA describes tipping when the car is dropped off and returned as typical practice. |
| Shuttle driver | $1–$2 per person in AAA’s guide. | Adjust for the service and local norms. |
| Concierge | Emily Post recommends $5–$10 for tickets or restaurant reservations; $15 for hard-to-get arrangements, or 10–20% of the ticket price. | A tip is not generally expected for simple questions. Consider one for substantial help. |
| Room service | Emily Post recommends 15–20% of the bill before room-service fees and taxes. | Check the itemized bill first for an included gratuity or service charge. |
For the detailed ranges and property-specific context, see AAA Club Alliance’s hotel tipping guide and the Emily Post Institute’s tipping etiquette guide.
When to tip during your stay
Housekeeping: leave a tip each day
Leave housekeeping money daily rather than waiting until checkout. Staff can rotate, so a single tip at the end may not reach the people who cleaned the room on earlier days. An envelope or note marked “Housekeeping” helps identify the intended recipient.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Two Practical Models for Diverse Needs】Our luggage cart choose from two tailored options: the standard model with a 900 LBS load capacity, perfect for daily luggage transport in hotels/condos; or the upgraded version featuring built-in garment racks, boasting an enhanced 1300 LBS capacity to carry both luggage and hanging items (like suits, dresses) at once. Ideal for resorts or busy bellman services needing extra versatility.
- 【Heavy-Duty Commercial Grade Build 】Crafted with a brushed stainless steel finish, this luggage cart resists rust, scratches, and daily wear—designed to withstand high-traffic hospitality environments. The sturdy frame ensures long-term reliability, even when handling maximum-weight loads, making it a cost-effective choice for hotels and resorts.
- 【Smooth Mobility with 8” Wheels】Equipped with 8-inch wheels, the luggage cart glides effortlessly across various surfaces, from hotel lobbies’ polished floors to resort walkways. The wheels’ stable design minimizes noise and prevents tipping, letting staff move multiple pieces of luggage safely and efficiently without straining.
- 【Grey Carpeted Deck for Luggage Protection】The cart’s deck is covered with durable grey carpet that shields luggage (especially leather, hard-shell, or delicate bags) from scratches and scuffs during transport. The carpet is also easy to spot-clean—simply wipe away dirt or spills to keep the cart looking professional and well-maintained.
- 【Ideal for Hospitality & Commercial Spaces】Tailored for hotels, condos, resorts, and even luxury apartments, this bellman’s cart blends functionality with a sleek, modern look that complements upscale interiors. It streamlines luggage transport for guests, reduces staff workload, and enhances the overall guest experience with its reliable, user-friendly design.
Bell staff and valet: tip when the service is done
Give the tip as bags are handled or the valet service is completed. The amount can reflect the number and size of bags and the assistance provided.
Concierge: distinguish quick questions from substantial help
Simple directions do not generally call for a tip. Arranging a hard-to-get reservation or ticket is different. If the same concierge has helped you over several days, leaving a gratuity at checkout is practical.
Rank #2
- 【Two Practical Models for Diverse Needs】Our luggage cart choose from two tailored options: the standard model with a 900 LBS load capacity, perfect for daily luggage transport in hotels/condos; or the upgraded version featuring built-in garment racks, boasting an enhanced 1300 LBS capacity to carry both luggage and hanging items (like suits, dresses) at once. Ideal for resorts or busy bellman services needing extra versatility.
- 【Heavy-Duty Commercial Grade Build 】Crafted with a brushed stainless steel finish, this luggage cart resists rust, scratches, and daily wear—designed to withstand high-traffic hospitality environments. The sturdy frame ensures long-term reliability, even when handling maximum-weight loads, making it a cost-effective choice for hotels and resorts.
- 【Smooth Mobility with 8” Wheels】Equipped with 8-inch wheels, the luggage cart glides effortlessly across various surfaces, from hotel lobbies’ polished floors to resort walkways. The wheels’ stable design minimizes noise and prevents tipping, letting staff move multiple pieces of luggage safely and efficiently without straining.
- 【Grey Carpeted Deck for Luggage Protection】The cart’s deck is covered with durable grey carpet that shields luggage (especially leather, hard-shell, or delicate bags) from scratches and scuffs during transport. The carpet is also easy to spot-clean—simply wipe away dirt or spills to keep the cart looking professional and well-maintained.
- 【Ideal for Hospitality & Commercial Spaces】Tailored for hotels, condos, resorts, and even luxury apartments, this bellman’s cart blends functionality with a sleek, modern look that complements upscale interiors. It streamlines luggage transport for guests, reduces staff workload, and enhances the overall guest experience with its reliable, user-friendly design.
If you skip daily housekeeping
AAA says it remains customary to leave a housekeeping tip at checkout even when you opt out of daily service, because staff still prepare the room before arrival and turn it over after checkout. This is etiquette advice, not an obligation.
Room service: check for a charge first
Read the room-service bill before adding a separate tip. A gratuity or service charge may already be included; adding another amount is your choice, not an automatic requirement.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- 【Optimal 800LBS Capacity for Efficient Transport】This bellman cart boasts a steady 800LBS load capacity, paired with a 42.5×25×71 inches dimension that balances spaciousness and maneuverability. Equipped with stainless steel hanging rods, it effortlessly handles multiple pieces of luggage at once, ideal for hotels and resorts to streamline guest luggage transport.
- 【1mm Thick Stainless Steel: Durable & Stylish Build】Crafted with 1mm thick stainless steel, the cart resists rust, bending and warping even under long-term heavy use. Its polished, sleek finish retains a premium look for years, seamlessly complementing upscale hotel lobby interiors—perfect for blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
- 【Quiet & Smooth Rubber Wheel System】Equipped with 4 heavy-duty rubber wheels (2 fixed + 2 swivel), this cart glides silently across tile, wood and carpet surfaces. The rubber material prevents floor scratches, while the stable wheel design ensures efficient, noise-free movement, ideal for high-traffic hospitality spaces.
- 【Four-Layer Protection Design for Ultimate Security】A grey non-slip carpet base secures luggage in place; side rails stop items from sliding off; rubber bumpers absorb impact to protect walls and elevators; a reinforced steel base adds extra stability. All-around protection safeguards both luggage and property during transport.
- 【5-Step Quick Assembly for Instant Use】Comes with a clear, easy-to-follow instruction guide—assemble the cart in just 5 simple steps without professional tools. Unbox, build and start using immediately, minimizing operational preparation time for hotels and resorts.
How to leave a hotel tip
Cash is useful for one-to-one services. For housekeeping, put it somewhere visible with a clear note or use an envelope if the hotel provides one; plain paper works too. Some hotels offer digital tips through a QR code, mobile wallet, or hotel app. AAA notes that apps from brands including Marriott, Wyndham, and IHG have added tipping features, but availability can depend on the specific hotel and app. Ask the front desk which methods are available and who receives them rather than assuming a digital payment reaches a particular employee.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to do about hotel fees and international tipping
Check whether gratuity is already included
Before adding a tip, review the room-service bill and ask the front desk whether a resort or hotel fee includes a gratuity. A fee’s name alone may not tell you what it covers, so confirm the property’s policy.
Rank #4
- Note: to ensure a robust and firm handle for carrying heavy loads, ensure the screws at the bottom are well tightened; If the handle shakes during installation, it merely needs a good tightening with a tool, hence providing robust and dependable use
- High Capacity: this exceedingly functional luggage cart is capable of carrying up to 850 lbs, enabling you to traverse cumbersome cargo without physical strain; Ideal for most situations
- 6 Inches Wheels: featuring 2 orienting wheels and 2 universal wheels, the hotel luggage cart offers nice mobility; Its 6 inch noise-reducing wheels prevent scratching on delicate items such as luggage or suitcases, ensuring a convenient and smooth movement
- Suitable Dimensions: measuring 107 x 65 x 97 cm/40 x 26.6 x 38.2 inches, this platform truck is furnished with gold handles and a red carpet bed; Fits impeccably in offices, hotels, and other commercial settings
- Broad Applications: being versatile, this luggage trolley cart is equally beneficial for residential use, hotels, apartments, and conference centers, applying to a range of requirements in different environments
Do not carry U.S. amounts abroad
Tipping customs vary by destination. AAA notes that some places include a service charge, while tipping is not part of the culture in some countries, including Japan and Iceland. Check with local tourism offices or hotel staff about local expectations before tipping.
What surveys say about hotel tipping
A 2023 Canary Technologies report surveyed 1,000 recent U.S. hotel guests and 300 hotel workers between January 26 and February 6, 2023. In that survey, 80% of guests said housekeepers should receive tips and 60% said they had tipped frontline hotel employees during a recent stay. Separately, surveyed hotel workers reported that 30% of guests tipped hotel staff; that worker-reported figure and the guest self-reports came from different respondent groups.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Canary is a hotel-technology vendor, and the report promotes digital tipping products. Its results are a dated vendor survey, not a government statistic or an independently verified estimate of all hotel stays. The report also found that about 75% of surveyed hotel workers said guest tips added roughly $1 per hour in take-home pay; housekeepers reported an average of less than $1 per hour. These figures describe the surveyed workers, not hotel employees generally. Read Canary Technologies’ 2023 report.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
