How Much is a Concierge Worth?
 

I have asked several people what they tip concierges for their services and have gotten a variety of answers. So Fodorites, how much do you tip a concierge? Do you tip if they tell you of restaurants in the area but don't make reservations? How much do you tip if they make reservations for you? Do you tip if they give you directions to local places? I guess I'm wondering what the average person tips a concierge. I want to make sure my DH and I are on target. Thanks!

How much do you pay laurenzo? If you tell us we can confirm whether you and your DH are on target. Thanks

Conde Nast Traveler magazine is one of the best for high-end travel, and here's their take on tipping of concierges:

http://tinyurl.com/gh2sa

I'm sure m_kingdom2 has the answer. He seems to be very familiar with concierge rules.

thanks Paul, for the link. For nkd, recently, while in Vegas, the concierge made us reservations for a hard to get into restaurant, and gave us some tips for sightseeing w/ the kids and we gave her $20. We were at a resort away from the strip and when my DH gave her the $, she was very appreciative.

Why are you concerned about the "average person" and "being on target?" Would you have lowered that $20 to one if someone here had told you that was what the "average" person does?

I am not "concerned" about the average person but asking a question based on the experience of a traveling population of people. I don't know if the tips vary from coast to coast and I want to make sure we aren't being "cheap". There is no guidebook telling one what to tip maids/concierge/bellhops, etc. so silly me assumed this would be the place to ask. I asked my friend, who is a TA, but just wanted other opinions.

Perfectly legit question laurenzo and I'm interested in the answers as well. My DH is even in the business, but poor you and me, I guess we just don't have the sophistication to know all the ins and outs of this (seldom used) service, and the confidence that we aren't short changing someone. tsk tsk, our bad. ;)

thanks malesherbes! I am baffled why people can't just answer the questions asked w/out being so haughty. I guess I will never know :)

Try posting on the European board as well. Maybe m_kingdom2 might respond.

As I said, he seems to have quite a lot of dealings with concierges.

Laurenzo & Malesherbes,

I saw this on the European Board (old but still relevant I assume):

Author: Underhill
Date: 12/28/2005, 06:21 pm
You don't need to tip in restaurants, as a service charge is included in the bill--and our French friends don't add anything extra. But often people leave the small change in a café or a tip of 5 Euros or so in a restaurant for really good service.

<font color="red">I usually tip around 10 to 20 Euros if someone at the hotel's front desk has made a number of dinner reservations, but you certainly don't need to tip for answering e-mails.
<font color="black">
For taxi drivers, figure about 10%, including airport trips.

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34727508
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Another thread asked specifically about the amount to tip the concierge:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34510175

thanks JAGIRL for the insightful link. Good to know for Europe as well, since I leave for Paris in 4 days!!!!

JaGirl, why do you insist on bringing European board's business in here, or even worse - us to follow their rules? Please don't do it.

It depends on what they do. Just to give directions, hand out a map or tour booklets or spend a minute to give the name of a restaurant - tipping is not required.

If they discuss several restaurant choices iwth you and make a resie $5 - $10. If they get you a resie for a special ocassion at a trendy restaurant that ihard to get into $25. If they get you tickets to a truly sold out play $25. If they get you front row seats at a one time concert (Springsteen or the 3 Tenros or such) at least $100.

If they do something truly special - find the unfindable or get you an upgrade on a sold out flight or organize a complicated event $200 and up.

nytraveler.. that is exactly the info I was looking for-specific amounts for specific tasks. Thank you!