Who to tip, and how much?.

[Lonnie]

In November, its our 30th Wedding Anniversary, and we arte going to the London Ritz Hotel, a gift from family, its their 'Finale' package.

Our problem, is that we've never stayed in a first class hotel before, and I was wondering, has anyone on here stayed in one of these hotels, and if so, who, and how much do we tip?.

Many thanks.

[naomi24]

Oh what a lovely break for you, Lonnie. How long are you staying? If it's just overnight, you needn't worry about it too much. Give the bellboy who takes you to your room a couple of pounds, but that's about it. You needn't tip the waiters in the dining room. If you're staying longer, leaving a little something for the person who cleans your room is a nice gesture, but not obligatory. I hope you have a wonderful time.

[Lonnie]

Thanks naomi,
A truly wonderful reply, you've put our minds at rest, Just the one night, but it includes Chamagne and flowers in the room, (double superior), two theatre tickets to a show of our choice, a pre theatre three course supper, and breakfast.

ps,
I've just seen your post about Theland, I haven't replied, I know you'll forgive me I'.ve also been in touch, but didn't relalise to what extent he's down,
I'll mail him later tonight.

[naomi24]

That sounds just lovely. I know it can be daunting to stay in a big hotel for the first time, but it really isn't you know. Just remember, you're the guest, and the staff are there for you, so be confident, relax, don't be afraid to wander around and have a look at the hotel if you want to, don't be afraid to ask for anything you want, or to ask about anything you're not sure of - for example, a menu - make full use of your lovely room and all the facilities, and have a very special break. I hope by the time you check out you will have had a wonderful time. Right, you have your instructions, Mr & Mrs Lonnie - so off you go - and enjoy!! You deserve it!!

[jno]

good for you, Lonnie, have a great anniversary! (And Mrs Lonnie too, of course)

[ELVIS68]

Nice one Lonnie, enjoy

Like naomi says, give the bellboy a couple of quid or a fiver, depending how flush you are

But enjoy the experience of a luxury hotel, be careful of the mini bar in your room though, clear that out and you`ll suffer the next day, both in head and pocket!

[Lonnie]

I'd like to thank you all,
naomi, cleversod. jno and Elvis for your replies. they are very much appreciated.

[cruella]

How wonderful for you both.
Congratulations to you both on your wedding anniversary when it arrives.
I am sure you will both have an amazing time.
Agree with everyone else on who to tip.
Enjoy.
Hugs for you know who. xxxxxx

[keyplus90]

I wish you a very special anniversary. 30 years, wow. It is good. My parents celebrated their 70th earlier in the year. I am telling you that only because you have long way to go and you will become more experienced about these hotels. Just consider it like your home and relax. Elvis�s advice about mini bar is good. Have a smashing time and let us know how it went.

[Lonnie]

Hi cruella and Keyplus,
Thanks very much for your thoughts and words, as above, they are very much appreciated, and yes, I will post back after the event, its probably the only time we'll stay in a hotel like this one, so i'm spending out a bit, and surprising my wife with a Limo there and back.

The actual date is the 30th, which coincides with the years of marriage, so I think that makes it extra special.

[wolf63]

I hope you enjoy your trip and the stay overnight.

It had me thinking - my parents married on the 18th of December 1962. On their 25th anniversary my dad bought my mum a frozen turkey.

I hope you are more thoughtful.

[Lonnie]

Thanks for that one wolf, its an idea though, i'm still chuckling.

[Querelle12]

Naomi is absolutely correct. �2 for the bellboy and leave an envelope marked "Chambermaid" with a fiver in it in your room before you leave.

Other than that no worries at all. The staff at the larger hotels are not impressed by Russian millionaires flinging about large tips; they appreciate being treated with normal daily courtesy by normal decent people.

You will get far better service from staff if you smile at them than if you leave a large tip and sit staring grandly into the distance.

I know the Ritz well and I know that you will have a fantastic time.

[Lonnie]

Hi Querelle,
Thanks very much for that, along with naomi's pst, you've taken a lot off our minds.

The only experience i've had of these hotels, was the Intrcontinental, in 1976, where, because of my expertise, (ex forces). I worked on their internal security, and saw tips of incredible amounts being passed over.