Family Travel
by Emma Carter
Updated: November 9, 2020
Originally Published: December 9, 2017
I cherish those moments when I can escape with my three children to a hotel a few times each year. They revel in the pool, the complimentary treats at the front desk, and the tiny bottles of shampoo and lotion. It’s amusing how I can whip up a fantastic French Toast Casserole with perfectly crispy bacon, yet it never holds a candle to the bagel and powdered doughnut they enjoy at the continental breakfast provided by most hotels. Regardless of how many trips we take, they always act as if they’ve never experienced such indulgence before.
For me, hotel stays offer a different kind of joy: no cooking or cleaning means quality time with my family. And I must admit, I too appreciate those little samples of shampoo and lotion. If a hotel leaves mints on the bedside table, I genuinely feel like royalty. It’s wonderful to be treated well every now and then.
While I try my best to keep our room tidy, the reality is that with kids in a small space, chaos can ensue quickly. Trash piles up, beds go unmade, and towels scatter across the floor. After an exhausting day of sightseeing, returning to a clean room where I can collapse onto the bed and catch up on TV without lifting a finger is a true luxury.
This is precisely why the individuals who handle all those tasks you’d rather avoid—like changing sheets, taking out the trash, and tidying up after your family—deserve a tip. Yes, a tip.
An article on Medium reveals that less than one-third of hotel guests leave a tip for housekeepers. Shocking, right? And it’s important to note that housekeepers’ salaries often need supplementation. While some believe tipping has become excessive, hotel housekeepers are certainly worth those extra few dollars for the hard work they do. They ensure you have everything you need for a comfortable stay, pick up after you, change your linens, and provide fresh towels. There’s a hotel we frequent where the staff even arranges my kids’ stuffed animals in playful poses on the bed. It’s a small touch, but it brings such joy—it deserves more than just a “thank you.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for housekeepers is approximately $11.46, comparable to that of desk clerks. However, let’s be honest: desk clerks don’t deal with bodily fluids, scrub toilets, or pick up trash from the floor. They don’t carry extra beds to rooms or fluff pillows. They certainly don’t ensure toilet paper is oriented the right way.
The work hotel housekeepers do is physically demanding. As moms, we often lament the chore of making beds and dealing with fitted sheets. These dedicated individuals tackle those tasks all day long while inhaling harsh cleaning chemicals.
They work long hours, including nights and weekends. While we explore new cities, they are busy cleaning toilets, tubs, and sometimes even walls. Essentially, they clean up our messes to ensure we return. If that doesn’t warrant some extra cash, what does?
Some hotels provide envelopes to make leaving a tip easier, but others do not. Just because there’s no reminder doesn’t mean tips aren’t appreciated—they certainly are. So during your travels, consider leaving a few extra dollars. You’ll undoubtedly make the person who cleaned your room a little happier. It’s one thing to tidy up after your own family, but quite another to clean up after strangers. Housekeepers often encounter things in hotel rooms that no one should have to see, let alone clean.
So next time you travel, remember to show appreciation for those who work tirelessly behind the scenes. And if you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, check out our blog post on couples’ fertility journey. For additional insights on pregnancy, visit this excellent resource. And if you’re looking for swimwear inspiration, this site is an authority on the topic.
In summary, tipping your hotel housekeeper is a small yet meaningful gesture that acknowledges the hard work and dedication of those who keep our accommodations clean and comfortable. Next time you check out, consider leaving a tip to show your gratitude.