Tipping the concierge

[tltcats]

I've used concierge services in the past, but only for reserving an advance dining reservation or two. I have a trip coming up (to the Swan) next week to celebrate my best friend's 40th birthday. I've been e-mailing/working with one of the concierge employees at the Swan to prepare for the celebration. He's going to purchase decorations, decorate the room, and purchase and wrap a gift from the gift store that's there in the hotel as well. He's been e-mailing with me off an on for a month answering questions about potential birthday cakes, preferred room requests, etc. I don't have a clue on what I should be thinking about tipping him when I arrive at the Swan - I've never had concierge do anything like this for me before.....I need some advice from concierge veterans - help!

[mook3y]

I've used concierge services in the past, but only for reserving an advance dining reservation or two. I have a trip coming up (to the Swan) next week to celebrate my best friend's 40th birthday. I've been e-mailing/working with one of the concierge employees at the Swan to prepare for the celebration. He's going to purchase decorations, decorate the room, and purchase and wrap a gift from the gift store that's there in the hotel as well. He's been e-mailing with me off an on for a month answering questions about potential birthday cakes, preferred room requests, etc. I don't have a clue on what I should be thinking about tipping him when I arrive at the Swan - I've never had concierge do anything like this for me before.....I need some advice from concierge veterans - help!

I have never used concierge (outside of Disney) for such detailed planning. I typically tip $5 for small things like recommending and making a reservation at a restaurant for me.

I certainly would want to reward someone who did so much for me. Personally, I would tip at least $20, probably more if the person was very friendly, made good suggestions and obviously has gone above and beyond the norm.

[lockedoutlogic]

concierge should not accept tips...they are an hourly position...not wage/tip payscale...such as waiters, bellman, and valets.

It is the difference between paying someone about 6 and hour starting without tips...as compared to 2.50-3.00 an hour with tips....for the record.

[mook3y]

concierge should not accept tips...they are an hourly position...not wage/tip payscale...such as waiters, bellman, and valets.

It is the difference between paying someone about 6 and hour starting without tips...as compared to 2.50-3.00 an hour with tips....for the record.

I humbly disagree.

When a concierge goes above and beyond basic items, I think they should be compensated for it.

Yes, just making a dining reservation for you could be considered normal duties and tipping is optional.

Well... tipping is always optional. Even to waiters, bellman, and valets. You might be suprised at how many people don't tip.

But when they are going in and decorating your room, shopping for you and wrapping presents. Personally, I consider that to warrant a tip.

I worked in the service industry when I was younger and understand what it is to deal with people who have an attitude of entitlement that treat you like you are a servant.

(Please don't take this as how I think you are. But trust me I have had plenty of experience to know how MANY people are like that ).

I ALWAYS put forth the extra effort and never expected anything in return as that was my job. But to refuse a tip... If offered, they certainly have every right to accept it.

Making a couple dollars an hour more base hourly hardly means they couldn't use or don't deserve a few extra dollars.

If someone puts forward "extra" effort, I feel they deserve a gratuity.

"The world moves much smoother when it is well greased"

[BigRedDad]

This reminds me of what a TIPS were and an episode of Third Rock from the Sun. TIPS used to be paid in advance to the person serving you. This way they would be more courteous and prompt to your needs. Since that has changed, it is based on how well they perform for you directly. There is no set amount any more. If any of you saw the episode, John Lithgow sat at a restaurant and put a set amount of money down as the tip. As the waiter did something "unacceptable", he took money away. If it was better, he added money.

What you need to consider for this case is the time and effort he is putting in to do this for you. If it were me, I would estimate how many hours he put in and give him about $5-$10 per hour as a tip.

[Jen C.]

I humbly disagree.

When a concierge goes above and beyond basic items, I think they should be compensated for it.

Yes, just making a dining reservation for you could be considered normal duties and tipping is optional.

Well... tipping is always optional. Even to waiters, bellman, and valets. You might be suprised at how many people don't tip.

But when they are going in and decorating your room, shopping for you and wrapping presents. Personally, I consider that to warrant a tip.

I worked in the service industry when I was younger and understand what it is to deal with people who have an attitude of entitlement that treat you like you are a servant.

(Please don't take this as how I think you are. But trust me I have had plenty of experience to know how MANY people are like that ).

I ALWAYS put forth the extra effort and never expected anything in return as that was my job. But to refuse a tip... If offered, they certainly have every right to accept it.

Making a couple dollars an hour more base hourly hardly means they couldn't use or don't deserve a few extra dollars.

If someone puts forward "extra" effort, I feel they deserve a gratuity.

"The world moves much smoother when it is well greased"

I think what lockedoutlogic meant was they are not allowed/supposed to take tips. I agree you can offer, but I don't think they can accept...regardless. If I'm correct, and that is the case, I would then recommend writing a letter to Disney for this particular CM exemplary service. I would also inform the hotel directly of the great service you experienced at the hands of this employee.

[TammiMcMan]

Jen, you are correct. The official policy at Disney is that their concierge staff cannot accept cash tips. If the guest is insistent, the CM can take it, but it must be turned into management. The best thing anyone can do, is recognize this employee with their superiors. A bonus, promotion or pay raise will go much further in the long run.

In terms of the Swan however, they are not an official Disney resort. They also don't have a concierge level any longer, so I imagine the person helping is part of a general concierge team. While they may be the main contact, it could be a team of staff that are coordinating this special celebration. Not sure how you could find that out before acknowledging just one person.

[DizneyRox]

I may be mistaken, but they aren't doing this out of their own generosity, I'm sure there's going to be a bill associated with it. I would also guess that bill is going to on the high side as well. Personal shopper? Gift Wrapping?

I my opinion, the bill is going to be sufficiently high that I wouldn't feel bad about not being able to tip.

Now, if they are actually doing this out of the goodness of their heart, then at least a thank you note, maybe a small gift from home. Usually they are able to take small gifts, less than maybe $25 or so.

[SBETigg]

I did an internet search, and the concensus was that in general, tipping the concierge only applies when the concierge does something extraordinary, but isn't necessary for expected services like recommending a restaurant. I'm sure it never hurts, but not necessary. In the case of special services, the recommended tip range was from $5 to $20. CNN travel suggests that people usually don't tip or grossly overtip the hotel concierge.

In the case of Disney concierge staff, I would trust Tammi's information that they aren't allowed to accept tips. I would try to tip at the Swan considering the special service and that it's not technically a Disney hotel.

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Disney resorts are different.
2) Disney Resort Concierge
. . . are unionized (even if they don't belong)
. . . the contract says it is a non-tipped position
. . . the concierge must turn over any tips to a manager
. . . if they pocket a tip, it is a termination offense
3) In lieu of a tip, a gift up to $75 in value is allowed.

NOTE: As mentioned above, the Swan is NOT a Disney hotel. You should call them direct and check with a manager. After all, you would not want the concierge helping you to get fired.

[disneymomw_3boys]

Having had concierge do simular tasks for my family on our last Disney trip I would suggest the following. Bring something that is native to your area of the country as a gift for their service and then write a letter to the managment for the extra ordianary service you recieved.

We brought our person some Jams and Mackinaw Island fudge.

Just and idea.

[crazeedizneefinatic]

If it is Disney's policy for them not to accept tips I say tip BIG. Shame on Disney!! This person deserves it! Service positions are just that service. Just like waiters, they hustle to make the guest the most comfortable knowing they will be rewarded. Even if hourly, how much can these people really make? $10- $15 an hour? I am sure these people work hard and there are alot of people that take them for granted and do not even cosider a tip and are snotty on top of it (I have personally witnessed it, not at Disney though). Apparently this person has gone above and beyond. Shopping and decorating I cannot imagine are in there job description. If it were me at least a $75-$100 tip would be an order.

[Checkers]

I would definitely check with a manager about the tipping policy as well as what this particular person is doing for you that you will be charged for. Follow the manager's lead and if tipping is allowed, for the service alone I definitely think a tip in the order of $50-$75 is in order (or a combination of a small gift + cash). In addition, a letter of appreciation is always a welcome gesture.

[lockedoutlogic]

I think the bases have been covered...especially by the Scrapper....

You CAN NOT accept a tip as a disney "concierge"....

which is another reason why disney "concierge" is a mirage.

The individual is not allowed to accept a tip unless they are a tipped position by labor grade.

You may offer them..but they must refuse...and if they insist...then the employee is required to turn it in to the managers....where the money would supposedly go to the Disney Charities.....

People have been fired for accepting tips...I saw it once personally.

Just another reason why disney concierge is a myth...but that has been covered many times before

[PAYROLL PRINCESS]

Well, I know for a fact that Starwood Concierge used to be able to accept tips and since the S & D are managed by Starwood, I would safely assume they CAN accept tips. I know of instances where the convention service/catering managers have received BIG tips when Saudi princes have stayed at that hotel. So I would say tip whatever you feel the work warrants and whatever you can afford. They may very well be doing some of this on their own time.

[Grace]

We have tried to tip consierge, and believe me they went above and beyond on a couple of occasions, and all tips have been politely refused.