Does anyone know what the practice is for tipping the people who serve you breakfast in hotels in Italy? I don't mean in really small B&Bs where the owners are essentially serving the breakfast, but in small hotels where a staff serves it up. Also, is it common practice to tip the chambermaid (that is, by leaving money on the dresser when you're checking out)? I've always tipped in these circumstances when in Europe on the theory that it's better to err on the side of generosity -- I just don't know whether they've thought I was an oddball.

Check out www.twenj.com. They cover all of that in detail.

Moira, I know what you are talking about. When we stayed in Rome at the Portoghesi, we had a very lovely, friendly lady serve our coffee and set up our table every day. She was very attentive and sweet. I am always a big tipper(used to waitress in my college days), so I would leave something every other day.... And I also tipped the housekeeper too..... In fact, when we were in London in Feb, we ran out of pounds, and had to resort to leaving dollars...I felt bad about it. Hopefully, she had no trouble converting it. Judy

The site Cathy recommended does include information on tipping chambermaids (thanks!), but I couldn't find any information on whether it's customary to tip the person who serves you breakfast in a B&B or small hotel. Any thoughts?

moira like everywhere else in the world, if someone serves you nicely, you leave a tip, if not, you don't. i dont see where 15% would hurt anyone. look at the bill and see if the tip is included. if you want to leave more money, then do so.

Ro -- Thanks for your response. Breakfast that's included in a room rate does not involve a bill, so it's not so easy to figure out what 15% is. I have never seen anyone else tip after breakfast in B&Bs and small hotels where the breakfast is included. I've done so, because it seems polite, but since it hasn't seemed as if other people do, I was curious as to whether there is a custom on this. I actually thought this was a dilemma other people might have as well, but perhaps I was wrong.

For the ordinary included breakfast it's not necessary to tip, whether it's the standard "cuppa, roll, butter, jam" continental breakfast or a more elaborate buffet of some sort. <BR> <BR>Should the service person perform a special service for you (specially boiled egg, etc.) you might wish to provide a small tip (not 15% of anything) as thanks. <BR> <BR>15 and 20% tips are an American habit, and "guilt trip", arising from the fact that waitstaff are poorly paid in the US and depend on tips for a major portion of their income. This is not the case in Europe. <BR> <BR>Bear in mind the words/phrases for tips in such languages as Germand and French ... they equate to "drinking money" ... something that would pay for an afterwork beer. <BR> <BR>twenj

Thanks so much Ed! Your response, like your site, was very helpful.

Moira, I agree with Ed. Although it would never be refused, I often feel that Americans might be thought of as foolish at best and crass at worst. It is the same as giving a gift that is extravagant enough to make the receiver feel awkward. <BR> <BR>If I feel the tip is part of the stay I will tip for an extra service. I also tip when in doubt. <BR> <BR>Good luck with a difficult call. Sometimes I feel Americans will change the world for fear of looking stingy. I don't want to be stingy, but I don't think we need to change the world. <BR> <BR>linda