Chris

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

Caitlin

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.

michael

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

Caitlin

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.

KK

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

Caitlin

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

Jim

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.

Michael

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