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-   -   Concierge Tip? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/concierge-tip-529314/)

scoooter May 15th, 2005 05:01 PM

Concierge Tip?
 
Does anyone know what is the appropriate amount to tip a concierge who I have been in e mail contact with and has made 4 dinner reservations for us? I dont have a clue
Thanks

nytraveler May 15th, 2005 05:04 PM

Assuming they were basic resies I would give the equivalent of $5 or so each. If one or more was difficult increase it - perhaps double.

ira May 16th, 2005 05:01 AM

Hi S,

Although wage rates are country specific, hospitality workers in Europe are, in general, properly paid and do not work for tips.

It is the concierge's job to pick up the phone and make reservations for you.

A tip is not expected.

((I))

nytraveler May 16th, 2005 05:46 AM

Ira -

Sorry - I've never met a concierge that didn;'t expect a tip for making reservations. (This is like saying in europe you don;t need to tip the maid, or the bellman for hauling your luggage around.)

They don;t expect them for the basics - handing out maps, giving directions and info, making restaurant suggestions, booking tous (they get a commission from the tour operator) - but as soon as they get on the phone and start doing specific things for you - restaurant resies, concert tickets, car services, etc - they expect - and deserve - a tip.

billy_boy May 16th, 2005 05:56 AM

>>> "It is the concierge's job to pick up the phone and make reservations for you.
A tip is not expected."<<<

Please don’t take this the wrong way, but, that’s a bunch of baloney!

scooter: I agree with nytravel that the services performed for you require the appropriate reciprocation of generosity.

mamc May 16th, 2005 06:06 AM

We normally tip about E3 for each reservation the concierge or other hotel staff makes. Generally, we tip upon arrival if they have made reservations before we get there. Then we tip again when we leave as appropriate for help they have provided during our stay.

ira May 16th, 2005 06:06 AM

Hi NYT and BB,

Perhaps we don't stay in the same places.

My point is that tips are not expected.

I have many, many times asked hotels to make reservations for me and have never seen any indication that the staff felt that they were doing something special that deserved extra compensation.

In the UK, Italy, Austria, France, Czech Republic, Denmark, Holland and Germany I have had porters, bellmen, hotel maids and cab drivers refuse tips.

((I))

((I))


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