When Staying in a Hotel or Resort, Do you leave a tip for the Housekeepers?

Soft Touch Team
Jun 1, 2022
4 min read

Updated: Dec 22, 2025

Tipping hotel housekeeping is a topic many travellers still feel unsure about. Guests often wonder if it is required, how much to give, and whether tipping is treated differently in luxury hotels compared to standard accommodations. The truth is simple: housekeeping staff play a major role in your stay, yet they are often the least visible team members in the entire hotel. Without them, rooms would not be clean, comfortable, or ready on time.

As more travellers look for better service and more meaningful stays, understanding the value of tipping is becoming part of being a responsible guest. Whether you are staying in a small boutique hotel or a large resort, your tip can make a real difference.

Below, we break down why tipping matters, what to consider, and how your choice helps support hardworking hotel housekeeping teams.

Why Housekeeping Staff in Luxury Hotels Deserve Recognition

Housekeeping staff for luxury hotels do much more than change linens and restock toiletries. They handle tasks that require consistency, attention to detail, and physical effort. Rooms must be cleaned fast, but with high quality. Beds must be prepared neatly, bathrooms sanitised carefully, and guest items handled with respect.

In many luxury hotels, the expectation is higher. Guests often request extra amenities, turndowns, and personalised touches. Housekeepers work behind the scenes to meet these standards every day.

Even with these demands, the work of housekeeping is often undervalued. A tip is a simple, thoughtful way to show appreciation for the people who maintain your comfort throughout your stay.

How Much Should You Tip Housekeepers?

Tipping amounts differ from country to country, but there are general guidelines that work in most hotels and resorts. When deciding what to leave, consider the length of your stay and how much service you received.

Here are simple recommendations:

Daily cleaning: USD $2–$5 per day
Luxury hotel stays: USD $5–$10 per day or more
Extra services (special requests, additional toiletries, late-night needs): Add a small extra tip
Long stays: Tip daily instead of waiting until checkout so the right staff member receives it

In luxury accommodations, where standards and workload are higher, many guests choose to give a larger tip. You are not required to tip, but it is a gesture that goes a long way in showing appreciation.

Why Daily Tipping Works Better Than One-Time Tipping

Many travellers leave a single tip at the end of their stay, but this can cause an issue. The housekeeper who cleans your room on your first day might not be the same one who cleans it on your last day. Hotels rotate staff often, especially during busy seasons.

Daily tipping ensures the people who actually serviced your room receive the tip. It also gives you a chance to show appreciation throughout your stay, not just at the end.

If you prefer not to hand cash directly to a staff member, leaving a small note with the tip on a table or desk is a common and respectful way to do it.

Connection Between Tipping and Better Hotel Service

Good hotel housekeeping directly affects the quality of your stay. A clean bathroom, fresh towels, a well-made bed, and tidy space can elevate your experience, whether you're in a standard room or a luxury suite.

When guests tip consistently:

Housekeepers feel valued
Morale improves
Service quality strengthens
Staff are motivated to go the extra mile

Some hotels already invest in the best luxury hotel supplies, but even with premium products, the people who prepare the room make the biggest impact. A small gesture of gratitude helps support the team responsible for your comfort.

Supporting the Future of Hotel Housekeeping

The hospitality industry has faced many challenges in recent years, including staff shortages and higher guest expectations. Housekeeping teams were among the most affected groups. Today, many hotels, especially luxury hotels, are working harder than ever to maintain high standards with smaller teams.

By leaving a tip, you contribute to a culture that values frontline workers. Your choice supports the people who maintain cleanliness, safety, and comfort in every room, every day.

If you are staying in a hotel or resort soon, thinking ahead about tipping is a simple way to make your trip more mindful and considerate.

Conclusion

Tipping is never mandatory, but it is a kind and meaningful way to acknowledge the hardworking housekeeping staff who make your stay clean, comfortable, and pleasant. Whether you're checking into a luxury hotel or a modest resort, your tip helps recognise the effort behind every well-prepared room.

A thoughtful tip is not just about money; it is about gratitude. The next time you travel, consider how much these teams contribute to your stay and how your small gesture can brighten someone’s day.

If you own or manage a hotel and want to create a better guest experience, explore high-quality luxury hospitality supplies that support your housekeeping team and help them deliver the best service possible.