wesleymarsh

What's going on with tipping in Paris is quite fascinating. In one of my recent hotels, the French restaurant menu offered a specific paragraph at the bottom of the page, explaining the “Servis Compris" policy. The same paragraph appeared on the Italian and the German menu. It did not appear on the English menu, and the prices in Euro were the same on all menus. Therefore, we decided, if the Americans want to tip for service, which is their custom, this Paris restaurant is going to encourage it by not informing its English-speaking customers of the French law regarding “Servis Compris.” We thought the behavior was deceitful. The hotel manager told us that 80% of the hotel's business came from American guests. So I suppose the service staff enjoys the benefit of the deceitful policy. The service staff was excellent. So maybe the policy motivates. The manager told us that it's very difficult to find good service personnel in Paris.

Pvoyageuse

" We thought the behavior was deceitful."

I agree but you should address the American customers who insist on tipping even though they are told umpteen times that it is not the norm. If you want to flaunt the norm, do it but by all means do not complain about consequences.

xcountry

"The hotel manager told us that 80% of the hotel's business came from American guests."

Sounds like hiring American waiters is the solution. Large tips would be expected and given. And personally I like knowing the waiter's name.

thursdaysd

Americans must have some deep-seated psychological need to give money to people. Since the American class system is largely based on wealth, maybe it makes them feel superior.

Don't understand why they can't follow the "when in Rome" principle. They would condemn people fast enough if they did not tip in the US.

Whathello

Just to add a side that is hardly ever mentioned in such discussions tipping results in boosting the black market since that money evades fiscal taxation.

Last I was in China we took a limo instead of a nirmal cab.
The guy not content to ask three times the cost of a ride asked for a tip. When we said no he actually retrieved a wooden plank in which 'tips are not included' was written.
We told him we were not Americans and gave him zilch.
Our chinese colleagues were dismayed that we had been so stupid to take non official taxi and outraged at the behaviour of their fellow driver.

But if money burns your fingers I can give you a bankaccount number. Fodors tes should get tipped fir the tips they give.

Elizabeth_S

"...offered a specific paragraph at the bottom of the page, explaining the “Servis Compris" policy. "

What did it say?

vincenzo32951

bil: >>Just imagine you went to a country for the first time and you had some shiny glass beads in your hands and a native gave you all his land for those shiny glass beads.<<

I normally skewer off-the-deep-end analogies, but it's you and the subject is tipping, so all nonsense is allowed.

thur: >>Americans must have some deep-seated psychological need to give money to people. Since the American class system is largely based on wealth, maybe it makes them feel superior.<<

Exactly! I take any lectures about class system from Europeans to be on the mark.
Your insight is incredible. And I do mean incredible.

Whathello

tipping threads bring the most of US citizens in terms of arrogance.

I am absolutely not interested in discussion with you Vincenzo.
I am sure you know you are right about everything.

bilboburgler

To all, I'm sat in a warm (well warm for UK) sunny garden. Have a great day and don't tip the maids.

Molte Grazie vinc.

"What", you may not have spotted is that the word tip is very close to the word "tup" in English (especially Yorkshire English). I'll let you look it up.

MarthaT

I might be the first one on this thread but I am American and I have never tipped housekeeping in Europe. When in Rome...

vincenzo32951

>>I am absolutely not interested in discussion with you Vincenzo. <<

LOL. Did I somehow, in a moment of weakness, indicate some interest on my part?

>>I am sure you know you are right about everything.<<

The irony drips from such a statement from an insufferable pompous a$$.

kerouac

The dollar signs say it all -- you certainly know where they are on your keyboard.

AJPeabody

Thanks for the opinions. I will ignore the silliness and stick with the Parisians' advice, tip not needed. I reserve the right to leave a tip if we inadvertently happen to leave a serious mess.

vincenzo32951

ker: Wow. More clever insight. Impressive. I'm guessing you're a psychiatrist IRL.

thursdaysd

"Exactly! I take any lectures about class system from Europeans to be on the mark"

I am a naturalized US citizen and have lived there quite a bit longer than I lived in the UK.

PalenQ

But since you are US you will not listen so do as you wish.
Just now you know the rules : 0.>

Yes my French in-laws never tip - ever - when I leave some small change in the plastic saucer the bill goes in on and change comes back on they say "Oh you Americans always throwing your money around"

Europeans get a living wage - no need to tip chambermaid than a store clerk - those who tip hotel staff do you also tip cashiers in stores?

I have never tipped any hotel staff nor anyone else except leaving some very small leftover change on the change plate in a restaurant.

American tourists are often seen as rich folks who throw their money around and by this thread it seems that is true.

No Europeans here I see above ever tip -why should Americans?

Better give your money to some clochard on the street.

Worse though tipping perpetuates the rich American tourist throwing money around stereotype.

wesleymarsh

>>Americans must have some deep-seated psychological need to give money to people.<<
I disagree. Many American travelers don't do the research or they ignore the research. Many can't believe that waiters make enough money without tips. Many are stuck in their own culture and don't bother to think outside that box.

>>Sounds like hiring American waiters is the solution.<<
Two of the restaurant's French waiters spoke a bit of English. The hotel's French manager was fluent in English. The restaurant happens to be very popular with younger Parisians. I guess it's considered hip.

>>What did it say?<<
I meant to write it down before the waiter took it away, but missed the chance.

I'm not one to over-tip anywhere. In the U.S., I stick closer to 15%, unless the service is outstanding. In Paris, I rounded up the bill and used the opportunity to eliminate coins. The Euro coins seem extra heavy. I did not tip housekeeping, but I also rarely request that service. I keep a clean room and never need extra towels. I did give a gratuity to the guys who helped me with my luggage. My bags are heavy, and I would pay just about anything to avoid having to carry them myself. Every hotel I stayed in brought my bags to my room, and they don't use luggage carts because the elevators are too small. I didn't have to lift a thing. Man was I grateful. I should also add, I contacted each hotel and asked for help with my bags in advance. Two hotels met me at the taxi. In response to the gratuity, every French guy said it was not necessary. I said, "I know it's not necessary, but I want you to know how much I value your help with my bags." They accepted my gratuity with a smile.

IMDonehere

I disagree. Many American travelers don't do the research or they ignore the research.
_______________
Pure nonsense. We have been traveling to Europe for over 45 years and are well aware of the customs of practice. It is ingrained in Americans, that tipping is the way most people who work in restaurants, cabs, and hotels make the bulk of their money. Many are immigrants or students. It is a form of appreciation and encouragement. It is hard to stop thinking in those terms.

We live in NY and the European visitors scowl at tipping as if it beneath them. And workers here try to avoid serving Europeans.

thursdaysd

"I disagree. Many American travelers don't do the research or they ignore the research"

Those aren't the people I'm talking about. I'm talking about the ones that show up on every tipping thread and refuse to tip European style even after the local custom is explained to them.

Whathello

Vincenzo.
I guess it is too much asking that you stay remotely polite ?
I propose you read your last post towards me as if it was directed towards you and you'll easily imagine the answer you'd make.
Then consider the answer as mine, I personally prefer to stay polite it suits my royal pompous 'derriere' better.
In case it is too much for you I can make it like a game : complete the sentence ...
Vafan...