Should You Tip Hotel Maids?

You know, it's one of those things I do not make a habit of doing, especially on a one or two night stay. And I guess the only excuse I could offer is how do I know the person who cleaned my room is working or has the following day off? Would a tip get to the right person? I know, that's kind of weak, but it's all I got. So here's a promise to be more generous about that.

And former California first lady Maria Shriver and Marriott Hotels are launching a "gentle reminder," shall we say.  The Envelope Please is a program to encourage the tipping of hotel maids. The name of the person who cleans the room will on an envelope left in the room. I don't think this is a brand new idea, is it? Well, anyway, Maria Shriver is the founder of A Woman's Nation, an organization to help empower women. Shriver says many travelers don't even realize tipping is customary. And the CEO of Marriott says "customary" is between $1 and $5 per night.

I'd like to think I am a pretty good tipper. But I do it based on how well the job was done, but yes, I pledge to be more aware that that should include hotel staff. I'm on it!

DB