Concierge Tipping
 

What is the appropriate tip for a concierge <BR>that does a special service like loans out <BR>a hair dryer, gets a band-aid for a cut, etc? <BR>Also, should one tip when they book a tour? <BR>They get "kickbacks" from the tour companies, <BR>don't they? <BR>Chris

Fodor's had a Q&A with a concierge a few months ago, and he answered lots of questions about tipping (when to, when not to, kickbacks, etc.). Go to the travel talk home and click on "past conversation pieces" and then scroll all the way down to "Fodor's focus" and look for the concierge Q&A.

This is interesting! I've been through <BR>the interview with Mr. Vlahides and <BR>my impression is that the concierge <BR>service in San Francisco is certainly <BR>more professional than in New Orlenas <BR>(see my post on the Louisiana forum <BR>about swamp tours). I understand that <BR>concierges in New Orleans get anywhere <BR>from 20-50% "kickbacks" on swamp tours, <BR>depending on how new the company is or <BR>how bad they need the business. Also, <BR>probably 25 hotels now have "tour desks" <BR>instead of "concierge" desks, though <BR>they don't tell you that! Prime example <BR>is the Hilton with two desks by the <BR>biggest two tour companies and their <BR>employees . . . and, they pay rent! So, <BR>what kind of service is that? And, the <BR>hotel doesn't have to pay a concierge! <BR>This is happening all over town. <BR> Again, I repeat: do your own research <BR>before you come and make your own <BR>decisions! <BR>Michael Brecker

Just wanted to follow up by saying that I don't think you need to tip for things like getting a hair dryer or iron (this is a service the hotel offers, after all), or giving directions, etc. That's part of the basic job.

we always tip for delivery of hair dryers/irons etc. <BR>I can only imagine the hourly wage of those people. they can use the $$

KK, I certainly would tip the person who delivers the items to your room, but that's entirely different from tipping the concierge.

Michael, you are quite the cynic. I just returned from New Orleans and the Omni had a delightful concierge who could not have been more helpful. We took a swamp tour that was very good and very inexpensive. I could care less if the concierge made some money. In fact, I hope she did! I know restaurants give them free food. How is this different? As long as the recommendation is good and the product is good, I'm fine.

How is this different? <BR>As Mr. Vlahides explains in his <BR>interview . . . concierges can't afford <BR>to spend big bucks to eat in restaurants <BR>just to gain knowledge about what they <BR>would recommend. I can understand if a <BR>restaurant treats a concierge to a free <BR>meal. <BR>But, cash kickbacks for recommended <BR>tours is another story . . . again, <BR>Mr. Vlahides says in his interview that <BR>the standard is 15% . . . I know very <BR>well that this is no longer the case in <BR>New Orleans . . . it's everybody for <BR>himself in this market right now. It's <BR>very sad for our services to stoop to <BR>this. <BR>Michael Brecker