I have arranged for half board at the hotel my husband and I are staying at in the Loire Valley. My question is do we leave a tip or is it considered the same type of situation as a restaurant which the tip is included? Thanks.

A "tip" is never included ... "service" is included. Not the same thing. Service goes to the restaurant operator. Waiters, in such circumstances are paid a decent salary. A tip may be left, but it's small, quite unlike the US. <BR> <BR>In any event, in a half board situation one leaves (or doesn't) a discretionary amount for the staff at the end of the stay, usually with the maitre d' or management. Such are divided up amongst the staff at the end of the season, most commonly. <BR> <BR>twenj