What is a good gift to bring a very helpful hotel staff in Amsterdam from the US? I'm thinking a bag of locally made candy or some locally made soaps but does anyone have other suggestions?

My sister was traveling thru Europe a few years ago, staying in B&B type places. She bought for each host/hostess some packs of minted coin collections (penny, nickle, dime, quarter, half, dollar) mounted in a nice cardboard packet as a souvenir.

Hello karussell, for hotel staff personnel a good cash tip would be the most appreciated.

Agree - you bring gifts for friends or family. For professional staff (this is their job, not a personal relationship) you give cold hard cash.

I agree, if you are tipping them, give them money. They don't want soap or candy, this isn't family.

I agree - You do not have a "personal" relationship w/ the hotel staff. They may be friendly and helpful - but they are professionals and a tip is much more appropriate than some gift.

I SHOULD have mentioned that we're planning on tipping but I just thought we would do something 'fun' as a little extra.

Then sure, I guess if you want to bring something extra on top of a cash tip, the locally made candy or soap is an OK idea. It's not really expected or common practice though.

They don't want "fun" things from their customers - honest.

They want you to pay your bill, not leave the room a disaster, and if their service was exceptional they will welcome a tip. Leave the trinkets at home . . . . . .

Hi karussell, I think your idea is fine. I have done the same thing on 2 of our trips. We had such a nice rapport with the friendly, helpful staff that I gave locally made candy along with a cash tip. In Venice, we also gave the hotel manager some coins for his young son who was a collector. After leaving Venice, we ran into him & his son in Conegliano,(his hometown), and were invited to join them the next night for dinner. We still keep in touch, so go ahead with your idea. There's nothing wrong with a thoughtful gesture.