Tipping in Italy?
Jun 27th, 2004, 09:03 PM
#21
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As someone who has worked in restaurants here in Italy I would like to say 2 things.
First, the servizio that you see on the menu is not a tip and does not go to the server. It is for the owners to cover the cost of the staff.
That being said, most restaurants in Italy tipping is not realy done. A little extra to round off but nothing more unless service was above and beyond. Tipping in touristy restaurants or in touristy areas on the other hand is expected because people have gotten used to getting tips.
First, the servizio that you see on the menu is not a tip and does not go to the server. It is for the owners to cover the cost of the staff.
That being said, most restaurants in Italy tipping is not realy done. A little extra to round off but nothing more unless service was above and beyond. Tipping in touristy restaurants or in touristy areas on the other hand is expected because people have gotten used to getting tips.
Jun 29th, 2004, 10:32 AM
#22
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My partner and I returned from Italy last month. Throughout our trip he tipped way-over what I thought was reasonable. The guy at the pizza place even asked "what is this for". On one of our last nights in Florence we ate at a very nice, moderately priced restaurant in Florence. He left a 15 % tip (we were running low on Euros) and the waiter scrutinized the bill and muttered "well, just enough". I was really miffed, it ruined the dinner for me. I guess what I am saying is go with your instincts, some people will like it and others not.
Jan 18th, 2005, 06:57 PM
#25
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Hi cmt. When I stay at a smallish hotel (3 stars) in a town in Veneto for about 3 weeks this is what I have done after discussing the situation with my friend who is one of the night managers.
I gave $1.00 per night to the hotel housekeeper and then rounded it up to $30.00 as she had been fantastic. He said she would share with the other lady who worked when the first one had days off.
I rathered worried this was not enough but he assured me it was. I wrote a thank you note also.
It is always so hard to know if what one does is appropriate. I always worry about this. Afterwards I wished I had purchased a box of chocolates for her also as she had been so wonderful. Well next time.
BTW - I am talking Euro dollars.
In a hotel for just a night or two I guess I would leave about $2.00 euro if service had been wonderful. Less if not wonderful.
The joys of traveling!
I gave $1.00 per night to the hotel housekeeper and then rounded it up to $30.00 as she had been fantastic. He said she would share with the other lady who worked when the first one had days off.
I rathered worried this was not enough but he assured me it was. I wrote a thank you note also.
It is always so hard to know if what one does is appropriate. I always worry about this. Afterwards I wished I had purchased a box of chocolates for her also as she had been so wonderful. Well next time.
BTW - I am talking Euro dollars.
In a hotel for just a night or two I guess I would leave about $2.00 euro if service had been wonderful. Less if not wonderful.
The joys of traveling!
