We are staying at a hotel twice in the next few months for an upcoming trip. There were some things I wanted - connecting rooms, which weren't 'bookable' on the website. I found an email for the reservations manager and he has been great.

As it turns out, we will be there in about 10 days also and he has been very helpful again.

You don't typically tip the reservations manager, but I'd like to stop in and say hello and express my apprecation. Any suggestions ?

I know! I'll take a box of Girl Scout cookies... I've had about 1200 in my kitchen at one time or another ? seriously.... any suggestions ?

I think a "thank you" would work well. He was doing his job. You could also express satisfaction by posting on tripadvisor if all goes fine with your stay.

Thank you with or without a small gift would be fine.

I think most hotels, pensions, etc. would appreciate far more a good review on any of the websites where they are listed, than any gift you might bring, (though the thought is nice.)Let them know that you want to write a review and ask where they get a lot of business from. Like TA, but it may be HRS, or some other one. This is money in the bank for small businesses.

Introducing yourself and a thank you would be very appreciated.

Find out who he reports to and write a note to that person citing the reservations manager's ability to 'go beyond the pale'.
Bodes well for his future steps up the ladder.

Not a bad idea, Rhea, to sent a note to the person's manager but I'm pretty sure "beyond the pale" denotes bad or unacceptable behavior.

Yes - "beyond the pale" means outside the bounds of acceptability. You may mean above and beyond - meaning more than the usual requirements.

Or beyond the call of duty.

hi surfmom,

when we had a particularly good experience with an events organiser, we wrote a personal letter to the hotel manager saying how outstanding she had been, and had in fact got them the business; we got a nice letter back too saying that our thanks had been noted and passed on.

I suspect that that would mean more overall than a bag of biscuits, though I'm sure they would be appreciated too!

You're right, not a lot of people think to tip anyone in reservations, but if you received excellent service, a tip or gift would be very thoughtful.

I have had a long career in that field and have received many kind gifts from grateful guests - from bottles of wine, boxes of candy, flowers and even a beautiful Dior writing pen.

So, go ahead and give him a little gift, it's nice to be appreciated.