Bed and Breakfast Tipping Etiquette: What You Need to Know (2024)

A Select Registry “Inn”sider’s Feature

Questions often surface regarding bed and breakfast tipping etiquette. Everyone likes to feel appreciated, and your innkeepers are no exception. When they go out of their way to be accommodating, it often feels as though you’re staying with family. Upon stepping through the doors of their property, the staff greets you with a smile and a big warm welcome. They may even have complimentary snacks and beverages to help curb your appetite after a long day of traveling. They put so much effort into everything from your immaculately tidy room to the presentation of their freshly prepared breakfast. Share the same level of thoughtfulness by leaving a tip to show your appreciation of their hard work.

Select Registry’s Bed and Breakfasts boast the most considerate and attentive innkeepers and staff. Maybe you’re in search of a relaxing spa atmosphere. Perhaps you’d prefer a stay in a historic home. Our B&B properties cater to a wide range of experiences. Innkeepers share their best-kept secrets in regards to their favorite spots to see the sunset or the best hole-in-the-wall restaurant. They are the ultimate travel experts in their areas. Many find joy in bestowing their knowledge upon guests. Their eagerness to please is worthy of a monetary gift of gratitude. Are you wondering whether you should tip during your stay at a B&B? Our answer is yes!

Why Tipping is Essential to Bed and Breakfast Etiquette

Admire the Attention to Detail

Bed and Breakfast properties vary significantly in size. Some might be small homes with just a handful of bedrooms and one innkeeper who sees to everything. Others boast dozens of rooms and cottages and require more staff on duty at one time. There is one thing that remains the same throughout B&B experiences. Innkeepers employ an unparalleled attention to detail in everything they do.

Do you notice a subtle hint of lavender that fills each room? Does your housekeeper make the bed every day while you’re out exploring? Can you tell that the staff prepared breakfast fresh, from scratch, and with local ingredients? All of these subtle details indicate the amount of time the innkeepers spent envisioning your experience. So much thought, planning, and care goes into executing the perfect stay for their guests. It makes sense not to let their hard work go unnoticed.

Acknowledge Their Hard Work

Staying at a bed and breakfast is an intimate experience that allows guests to feel comfortable away from home. One of the many benefits of staying at a bed and breakfast is the personalized service that innkeepers work hard at providing for their visitors. Who doesn’t like being acknowledged for the hard work they put into their career? Take the time to recognize how much time and energy went into perfecting the niche atmosphere of the B&B.

Often, the innkeeper takes on many roles. Don’t be surprised if they are also the chef, wedding planner, valet, and groundskeeper on duty. Take this into consideration if you’re contemplating whether or not to tip the bed and breakfast staff. Even if they don’t accept tips, chances are they’ll appreciate the thought!

Appreciate the Hospitality

Not only do innkeepers and B&B staff work hard to make your stay dream-worthy, but they also go the extra mile to ensure you feel welcome in a new town or city. Between offering thoughtful suggestions on thrilling outdoor adventures, exquisite restaurants, and stunning art galleries, they also provide in-house amenities that compare to the comforts of home. While tips aren’t always required, think about whether or not the staff made a positive impact on your stay. If the answer is yes, leave a modest tip along with a thank you note to show your appreciation.

In What Situations Should You Leave a Tip?

Sometimes it may not be necessary to leave a monetary token. In other instances, the person providing you with a service may be expecting some sort of compensation. Consider the following situations in which you should most likely leave a tip:

  • Definitely tip housekeeping if they are tidying your room each day.
  • If the bed and breakfast has an on-site restaurant, leave a tip for your server.
  • Some bed and breakfasts offer spa services. Be sure to tip your massage therapist!
  • Tip the valet if they offer that service.
  • Sometimes innkeepers will leave an envelope in your room as a subtle reminder to leave a tip! In this case, the tip is definitely welcome!

How Much of a Tip Should You Leave?

How much of a tip to leave depends on the service provided and how much you spent! For dining or spa services, it is safe to say that those offering the service expect at least a 20% tip. For valet and room services, leave anywhere from $2-5 (or more, if you’re feeling generous). In some cases, tips are not expected by the innkeeper. Sometimes at a smaller bed and breakfast, the owner does not expect you to leave a tip, or they will include gratuity in your bill. If you’re unsure, it doesn’t hurt to ask!

Stay in a Select Registry Bed and Breakfast

If you have any more questions in regards to bed and breakfast tipping etiquette, keep in mind that it’s better to ask than assume. It doesn’t hurt to acknowledge the hard work that innkeepers put into making your stay one for the books! Select Registry’s bed and breakfasts boast phenomenal hospitality, and they capture the essence of the locations in which they reside. You deserve the trip of a lifetime our properties guarantee an incredible experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Travel anywhere from California and Texas to the Carolinas, and New England and chances are a Select Registry property awaits your arrival! Some of our bed and breakfast properties include:

The in Cape May, New Jersey:

Known as one of the United States’ most famous bed and breakfasts, this unique Cape May property boasts elegant decor, warm hospitality, and dozens of thoughtful amenities. Each of the thirty-four rooms is furnished with antiques and handmade quilts. Peruse lush gardens and rock back in forth in wicker rocking chairs on the porch. You’ll feel right at home in this inviting space and be a stone’s throw away from all the best things to see and do in the area.

in West Union, Ohio:

This prize-winning bed and breakfast sits on 142 acres of land in Ohio. Stay in one often spacious rooms that boast amenities like fireplaces, porches, whirlpool tubs, and more. One of the most unique features of this property is the handmade furniture created by a local artisan, David T. Smith. Look out and take in views of the Appalachian foothills and count the stars in the night sky.

Take some time away from reality and give yourself the vacation you deserve. Embark on your next big adventure and cross some items off your bucket list. Treat yourself to the personalized experience of staying in a one-of-a-kind bed and breakfast. The getaway of your dreams beckons. What are you waiting for?

As an avid traveler with a passion for exploring unique accommodations, particularly bed and breakfasts, I can confidently speak to the nuances of the hospitality industry. Having visited numerous establishments and engaged with innkeepers from various regions, I've gained valuable insights into the world of B&Bs. My experiences extend beyond the superficial aspects of travel, delving into the intricacies of the services provided and the unspoken etiquette that accompanies these cozy retreats.

The article you provided delves into the often-overlooked realm of bed and breakfast tipping etiquette, shedding light on the importance of acknowledging the hard work and attention to detail that innkeepers and their staff invest in creating a memorable stay. Let's break down the key concepts presented in the article:

  1. Immaculate Attention to Detail:

    • Bed and breakfasts, regardless of size, pride themselves on an unparalleled attention to detail.
    • Examples include subtle scents in rooms, daily housekeeping, and the use of local ingredients in freshly prepared breakfasts.
  2. Acknowledging Hard Work:

    • Staying at a B&B is an intimate experience, and personalized service is a hallmark.
    • Innkeepers often juggle multiple roles, such as chef, wedding planner, valet, and groundskeeper, underscoring the dedication to creating a unique atmosphere.
  3. Appreciating Hospitality:

    • Innkeepers and staff not only focus on the accommodations but also go the extra mile to ensure guests feel welcome in a new location.
    • They provide local recommendations and in-house amenities to enhance the overall experience.
  4. When to Leave a Tip:

    • The article outlines specific situations where leaving a tip is appropriate, such as for housekeeping, restaurant servers, spa services, and valet services.
    • It highlights instances where innkeepers may subtly suggest tipping by leaving envelopes in guest rooms.
  5. How Much to Tip:

    • Tipping amounts vary based on the service provided and the total expenditure.
    • General guidelines suggest a 20% tip for dining or spa services, while valet and room services may warrant $2-5 or more.
  6. Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts:

    • The article promotes the Select Registry's Bed and Breakfasts, emphasizing their phenomenal hospitality and diverse property offerings across the United States.
  7. Specific B&B Examples:

    • The article mentions specific bed and breakfast properties, such as The in Cape May, New Jersey, and in West Union, Ohio, showcasing their unique features and offerings.

In conclusion, the article provides valuable advice for travelers on navigating bed and breakfast tipping etiquette, drawing attention to the thoughtfulness and hard work put into creating a memorable guest experience. As someone well-versed in the intricacies of travel etiquette, I wholeheartedly endorse the importance of recognizing and appreciating the efforts of innkeepers and staff in the hospitality industry.

Bed and Breakfast Tipping Etiquette: What You Need to Know (2024)

FAQs

Bed and Breakfast Tipping Etiquette: What You Need to Know? ›

For dining or spa services, it is safe to say that those offering the service expect at least a 20% tip. For valet and room services, leave anywhere from $2-5 (or more, if you're feeling generous). In some cases, tips are not expected by the innkeeper.

What is the etiquette guide to tipping? ›

When deciding what to tip at a restaurant, tipping between 15 percent (for average service) and 20 percent (for very good service) is suggested, says Robin DiPietro, Ph. D., professor and program director at the University of South Carolina's College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management.

Should you tip hotel breakfast staff? ›

“It is not customary to tip at a continental breakfast that is served buffet-style,” Bergen says. “It is customary and appreciated to tip during breakfast when there is a server who takes your order or serves coffee and juice.”

What is the guide to hotel tipping? ›

Tip $1-5 per night. The tip should be left daily (preferably in an envelope or with a note so that it's clear it's for housekeeping). For special requests (like an extra blanket), tip $2 for one item, $1 for more. Tipping is not required for someone fixing something broken or bringing something missing.

How should you behave in a bed and breakfast? ›

For those considering their first B&B experience, here are a few tips and some myths to dispel regarding Bed and Breakfast etiquette for guests.
  1. Contact the Innkeeper in Advance. ...
  2. Arrive on Time. ...
  3. Respect Your Host's Personal Property. ...
  4. Show Up for Breakfast if You Ordered It. ...
  5. Let Your Host Know of an Accident.
Sep 10, 2021

Where is it rude to not tip? ›

Then we a have rainbow full of places that tipping is frowned upon: China, French-Polynesia, Singapore, Myanmar, Taipei, Nepal, Korea and Switzerland. In these countries a tip is not expected but rounding up the bill is, it's pretty much customary: Italy, Russia, Belgium, Australia, and I probably missing a dozen more.

Who should you not tip? ›

As a blanket rule, you don't need to tip anyone who earns a salary or performs a trade. That means you don't have to tip doctors, lawyers, teachers, plumbers or cable technicians. "Not only would it not be expected, it would be highly unorthodox and very awkward," says Farley.

Do you tip the cook at a bed and breakfast? ›

Or a big one—your call. (You may even want to write a thank-you note.) If there are other employees at the bed and breakfast doing the cooking, serving, valet parking, and/or housekeeping, you should tip each of these employees once they've assisted you.

Is it rude to not tip room service? ›

The American Hotel Association recommends tipping $1-$5 per night and leaving the tip in an envelope or with a note, so it's clear the money is for housekeeping. The longer your stay, or the more expensive your hotel is, the bigger your tip should be.

Do you leave tip at a buffet? ›

It's generally expected in the United States that if you're in a hotel restaurant, where you're being served coffee or juice along with the buffet and someone might help you with condiments, that you're tipping. Although there it should be a lower tip than where the server takes your order and brings you the food.

Where do you leave tip for hotel housekeeping? ›

Make sure the tip is visible, like on the dresser or next to the bathroom sink. Avoid leaving your housekeeping tips on the bed or nightstand, as these areas risk your cash getting jostled around or lost when bed sheets are changed. Leave your tip on top of, or next to, a thank you note.

Do I have to tip hotel valet every time? ›

You do not have to tip every time you take out your car. Are you coming and going several times a day? It's unnecessary to tip with each interaction. But, at minimum, it's customary to tip when you check in and out of the hotel.

Is it OK to leave a tip in a hotel room? ›

While the AHLA recommends leaving tips daily, it's also acceptable to tip one lump sum in your room or at the front desk at the end of our stay. Just be sure to tell the concierge which room you were in so they can evenly distribute the gift.

How much tip do you leave at a bed and breakfast? ›

In general, tips should range from 10-15% of the bill total for satisfactory service. If there has been exceptional service then 15-20% would be appropriate as a token of gratitude. Lastly, timing also plays an important role in tipping etiquette when staying at a bed and breakfast.

What are the weakness of a bed and breakfast? ›

Can Lack Some Standard Amenities and Privacy. While some bed and breakfasts offer unique amenities not easily found elsewhere, like on-site spas, a saltwater pool, or a movie theater room, often times a bed and breakfast does not have the space for standard hotel amenities like a fitness center.

What is usually included in a bed and breakfast? ›

A bed and breakfast, often abbreviated as B&B, is a business that accommodates overnight guests and offers a breakfast menu. They traditionally take the form of a large family home with a limited number of rooms.

What are modern tipping rules? ›

It's up to you to decide whether or not to tip and how much. But Shubhranshu Singh, a marketing professor at Johns Hopkins University, likes to leave a 10% tip. If an establishment is asking for a tip, it's often an indication that the workers there are not getting paid a minimum wage.

Is 20% tip rude? ›

Gottsman and other industry experts still recommend tipping 15% to 20% on your bill when you have a sit-down meal at a restaurant. “If you're going to a restaurant, you know that part of your experience is going to be gratuity,” Gottsman says. ”[When] you're paying for the meal, you also factor in the gratuity.”

What is a good tip for $100? ›

A Simple Trick to Calculate the Tip

This will be a 20% tip amount. For example, on a $100 bill, double the bill in your head – the result is $200. Then move the decimal point one place to the left, which is $20.00. Thus, the tip amount in this example is $20.

Do people no longer know how much to tip? ›

'There's this very awkward social component' to tipping now

That has left some people feeling like they don't know how much to tip anymore. About 15% of people say they're confused about how much to tip and who to tip, according to Bankrate's survey.

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