Usually it's 15% gratuity and they DO get to keep it - it's split between them all. If it's good service, I usually give the person an additional few dollars in cash, or write in $2-$3 more depending on the total to make it 20%.

To piggyback on OP, when the room service bill includes a gratuity fee but also a line for you to write in an additional tip, what does that mean? We've asked hotel employees if they get to keep the automatic gratuity fee, and many of them say no. So does one give an additional tip or just consider that the hotel is already getting a gratuity, and what happens after that is between management and hotel employees?

Most of the time in nice hotels 15% gratuity is automatically included in room service - so be sure to check. Yes, $2-$3 per bag is customary. If I'm catching a lot of cabs from a hotel, I definitely do not give the valet $5 every time. Maybe $2-$3, then at the end if there's one person who's helped me a lot I'll give $5-$10 when they catch the last cab for me upon leaving. This is only if someone's been particularly helpful. The last hotel we were in had a gratuitous lincoln navigator that we could call to pick us up -- we'd tip him $5-$10 each time considering the service was free.

Anonymous wrote:Room Service-10 to 15% of bill.

Person carrying bags-$2 or $3 per bag.

Housekeeping-$5/night

Valet or Doorman who "catches" a cab for you-$2 to $5.

Most of this is what I pay as well, but I avoid having anyone carrying my bags at all costs. I can easily do that myself. Maybe when I'm 80 or something, I'll pay to have someone take bags to my room. But not now.

I usually figure $1-2 per bag for a valet, $2-3 per night for housekeeping (though I will do $5 if it's just one night).

Anonymous wrote:Room Service-10 to 15% of bill.

Person carrying bags-$2 or $3 per bag.

Housekeeping-$5/night

Valet or Doorman who "catches" a cab for you-$2 to $5.

This sounds good. I would say a minimum of $5 for anyone who helps you, if you want to be cool.

Room Service-10 to 15% of bill.

Person carrying bags-$2 or $3 per bag.

Housekeeping-$5/night

Valet or Doorman who "catches" a cab for you-$2 to $5.

I'm never sure of this, either, so I'm curious what other people respond. But don't forget to leave a little something for the housekeeping when you leave ($5-10).

I'm staying in a hotel that is nicer than I am accustomed to. I have no idea how much to tip for the usual services. If I order a single item from room service, how much do I tip? If someone carries our bags to the room, how much do I tip? Is there anyone else I'm expected to tip? My stay will only be one night and I don't think I'll be using any other services at the hotel. I tried looking it up online and there is a huge range given. I was hoping for more simple math. If it matters, the hotel is $300/night for a basic room. Suggestions?