How much should I tip at a restaurant?

In the U.S., 15-20% of the pre-tax bill is standard for sit-down service. Tip around 18% for good service, 20% or more for excellent service, and closer to 15% if something went wrong.

Do I tip on the total with tax, or before tax?

Etiquette says tip on the pre-tax subtotal, since sales tax isn't part of the service. Many people tip on the total anyway because it's simpler - the difference is usually only a few cents, so either is fine.

How do I calculate a 20% tip quickly?

Find 10% by moving the decimal one place to the left, then double it. On a $50 bill, 10% is $5.00, so a 20% tip is $10.00. For 15%, take 10% plus half of it.

Should I tip on takeout or counter service?

It's optional. A couple of dollars or about 10% is a kind gesture, especially for large or custom orders, but it isn't expected the way it is for table service.

How much should I tip for food delivery?

Plan on 10-15% of the order, with a $3-5 minimum. Tip more in bad weather, for large orders, or when the driver carries items a long way.

Is it rude not to tip?

In the U.S., tipping is expected for many services because workers are often paid a lower base wage and rely on tips. Withholding a tip sends a strong signal; if service was poor, it's better to speak with a manager.

How does tipping work for large groups?

Restaurants frequently add an automatic gratuity of 18-20% for parties of six or more. Check the bill before adding anything extra so you don't tip twice.

How much do you tip hotel housekeeping?

Tip $3-$5 per night at a standard hotel and $5-$10 per night at a luxury property. More for suites or special requests.

Where should I leave the tip?

On the pillow, desk, or nightstand in an envelope or note marked 'Housekeeping.' Staff won't take cash that isn't clearly a tip.

Do I still tip if there's a resort fee?

Yes. Resort fees go to the hotel, not housekeeping, so a per-night tip is still customary.

Home / Tipping Guides / Hotel Housekeeping

5 min read

How Much to Tip Hotel Housekeeping

Housekeeping is the most-skipped tip in travel — partly because it's invisible. Here's how much to leave, and the one timing trick that makes sure it reaches the person who actually cleaned your room.

Maya Bennett ✓

Reviewed & updated June 2026

Quick answer

Tip hotel housekeeping $3–$5 per night at a standard hotel, or $5–$10 per night at a luxury property. Tip daily rather than in one lump at the end, and leave it in a marked envelope or with a note so it's clearly for housekeeping.

Standard hotel

$3–$5/night

Luxury hotel

$5–$10/night

Extra requests

+$5

Photo: Roberto Nickson / Unsplash

Housekeeping is hard, low-paid, often-overlooked work, and the staff rarely cross paths with guests — which is exactly why this tip gets forgotten. A little planning fixes that.

The standard: $3–$5 per night

Leave $3–$5 per night at a standard hotel and $5–$10 per night at a luxury or resort property. If you're in a suite, traveling with several people, or requested special accommodations, lean toward $5–$10 a day.

Hotel type	Per night	3-night stay
Budget / standard	$3–$5	$9–$15
Upscale	$5	$15
Luxury / resort	$5–$10	$15–$30

Tip daily, not at the end

This is the key trick: leave the tip each morning, not as one lump sum when you check out. Housekeeping staff often rotate, so the person who cleaned your room on night two may not be working the day you leave. Daily tipping makes sure the money reaches whoever actually did the work.

Leave it where it's clearly a tip

Housekeepers are trained not to take cash that isn't obviously meant for them. Leave the tip on the pillow, the desk, or the nightstand in an envelope or with a note marked "Housekeeping" / "Thank you." That removes any ambiguity about whether it's a forgotten bill.

When to tip more

Big messes — kids, pets, spills, lots of room service dishes
Special requests like extra towels, a cot, or an emergency razor (add ~$5)
Long stays, suites, or multiple guests in one room
Around the holidays

A few notes

Tipping housekeeping is customary in the U.S. even when a "resort fee" appears on your bill — that fee does not go to the housekeeping staff. And it's worth doing even for a single-night stay.

The bottom line

$3–$5 a night, more at luxury hotels, left daily in a marked envelope. Adding up a longer trip? The tip calculator can total it for you.

Skip the mental math

Enter your bill, pick a percentage, and split it instantly.

Open the Tip Calculator →

Frequently asked questions

Tip $3–$5 per night at a standard hotel and $5–$10 per night at a luxury or resort property. Tip more for suites, multiple guests, or special requests.

Tip daily. Housekeeping staff often rotate, so leaving a tip each morning ensures it reaches the person who actually cleaned your room, rather than whoever happens to work on checkout day.

Leave it on the pillow, desk, or nightstand in an envelope or with a note marked 'Housekeeping' or 'Thank you.' Housekeepers are trained not to take cash that isn't clearly designated as a tip.

Yes. Resort fees go to the hotel, not to the housekeeping staff, so a per-night housekeeping tip is still customary on top of any resort fee.

It's still a kind gesture. Even for a single night, $3–$5 recognizes the work of preparing and cleaning your room.