Barcelona. We need tipping suggestions
 

We are almost completely packed for our first trip to Barcelona. We would appreciate tipping suggestions for moderately priced hotels, cafes, tapa bars, and for taxis.
Also, we are just wondering if anyone else does this: we are taking just our two small carry-on suitcases. We literally weigh each item and take the least heavy object. For example--we just weighed our different travel vests. One weighs 13 oz and the other 11.
Thanks

MJ
I am of the opinion that nowadays is not necesary or even expected to tip. In Spain all bars restaurants hotels taxis and in general every service has a 15% plus as service fee,included in the price they give you, so if you want to round up to figure to the next euro or the next 5 or 10 for a bigger bill it is really up to you and the quality of the attention you feel you have received.

I agree. We arrived back from a two-week trip to Spain just last night. We left very few tips along the way. We sometimes would round up to the nearest Euro. When we received quite exceptional service we a tip of about 5%. Those tips were quite well received.

Stories sometimes explain things in ways that simple words do not. While we were dining in Sevilla, a waiter came in from from the dining room and was all joyful, dancing around, saying Suerte, suerte... luck luck buenos suerte... good luck. And, explained that someone had left him a 5 Euro tip. The rest of the wait staff joined in with the celebration. One would have thought the man had won the lottery.

So, there is also nothing wrong in making someones day.

If you watch the Spanairds, they will round up to the closest Euro, or leave no tip at all. Have a great time.

Our Spanish friends were thoroughly confused by US tipping standards while in San Francisco. Not used to having to figure out 15 or 20 percent as in Spain it is included in the bill.

A few suggestions regarding tipping in Spain. We often have several business clients out to lunch or dinner and would never even consider leaving a tip, unless it is for something very special. Great service is part of the culture and a tip can sometimes be very confusing. If you're only having tapas or pintxos and a glass of wine at the bar, then you do what everyone else does; you leave your small change.

Although tipping is rare and generally not done, there are times when it is appropriate. Taxis; give them at least one Euro, more, depending upon how many bags you have. Doormen should receive about the same, especially if you are staying at the hotel for more than one day and you want excellent service. Maid service; we always leave 1 to 2 Euros a day and never regret it,

I hope this helps.