traveler2005

Is there a standard for tipping maids in Paris? I know some tipping practices are different than in the United States

Thanks

janisj

Oh lordy (!) you don't know what you just started. . .

Prepare for incoming rounds

traveler2005

Oh sheesh. I'll probably be off and gone and the decision made by then.

I will use my own judgment and be generous. Thanks for the head's up.

And be kind everyone.

Sarastro

Everyone will have an opinion about tipping. Some will want to impose their personal preferences wherever they may be, some will attempt to mirror local expectations.

For most hotels in Paris, tipping the maid is not expected and probably not necessary at all.

janisj

>>I will use my own judgment and be generous. entirely different in Europe than what you are used to.

traveler2005

My friend read Rick Steves and it concurs with no tipping in Europe. So cross out generous. I was hoping to allay comments that would attack me for even asking.

I should have posted in the Europe Forum. But we were up late last night and I thought of that after an early morning wake-up to go to the airport.

I thin we are good to go.

Thanks. I always get great - and quick - info from the wonderful people at fodors.

kja

Kudos for asking!

Sarastro has given good advice, confirmed by janisj: tipping the maids is not expected and not necessary.

Tipping when it isn't expected is actually problematic.

kerouac

Maids are not tipped in French hotels.

thursdaysd

And you don't tip 15-20% in restaurants, either....

pariswat

I gave a bottle of beer to the clerk of my usual hotel in Paris.
But it goes beyond tipping - I have known the clerk for more than 2 years, see him at least once a month and we always chat a little.
Tipping the maid... I have never done it. Anywhere actually - so, should I have tipped the maid in US ?

kerouac

You don't tip at all in restaurants, except for rounding up the bill to the nearest euro if you have too much money.

Elizabeth_S

I love tipping threads!

On the current tipping dust up in the Lounge someone posted a link to this article

http://www.theguardian.com/money/201...ivers-what-pay

Dukey1

Maids are not tipped in French hotels.

Of course they are by some folks and unless they pass some law forbidding it then the practice will continue. There is nothing "problematic" with showing some generosity to those who have helped you along the way including cleaning up after you.

Yes, of course that is what one expects and for a job well-performed there are ways of showing gratitude.

Robert2533

Rick Steves is for backpackers. Backpackers typically don't tip.

We normally leave 2€ each moring for the maid, along with a short note thanking her. You'll find that it is money well spent.

Sarastro

Rick Steves is for backpackers.

So those are all backpackers over on rue Cler walking around with those blue RS guides in their hands.

You'll find that it is money well spent.

You may give money to anyone of your choosing and if you decide to impose you tipping sensibilities upon the French, you must agree that the French are completely correct in tipping absolutely no one on their vacations in the US.

ira

Hey t,

Europeans are much less used to tipping than in the US.

However, I leave about a Euro/day for the housemaids and 1/2 Euro for the people who do the bkfst buffet.

Have a nice trip.

thursdaysd

What Sarastro said. RS used to be for backpackers, but started moving upmarket years ago.

Exactly how is tipping the person cleaning my room (it was a guy today) money well spent, other than for massaging your ego? I just want the bed made and the bathroom cleaned, which is what s/he is paid for. Of course, I don't leave the place in a mess, either.

MyriamC

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/smarte...b_6799202.html

Robert2533

Some people are a little tight, so much so that the squeak when then walk.

WeisserTee

Not Paris but:

http://www.theguardian.com/business/...-few-rights-uk

Of course, this must article be a pack of lies because, as we are all told here repeatedly, all service workers in Europe get paid a living wage.