Quote:
Originally Posted by KTsuited
Coming over from the UK, would like to know a few things if possible:
I don't want to tip big (because I'm poor!), don't want to annoy everybody either.
Here is my guide to tipping for people unfamiliar with the concept, as previously found on the archives:
General tipping advice in Las Vegas
Tipping always causes a debate, and this is just my opinion. However, these suggestions will not be so far off from most people's custom.
That said, here's your quick tipping guide for Las Vegas (and the US in general)
People you don't need to tip generally, these are the people who are not waiting on you so much as minding the store. Hotel clerks and cashiers.
People you can tip, but no big deal if you don't Poker room chip runner, poker room brush(*), bell captain (the guy who runs the cab stand outside a hotel), restaurant maitre d'(*)
waiters 15-20% of the total bill (food and beverage) at restaurants
room service the same 15-20%, but generally the hotel is already adding on a gratuity percentage - look for this itemized on the bill and make up
only the difference, if any
cab drivers $2-$5 (10% or so) depending on the length of the ride, advice given, entertaining stories (
do engage your Las Vegas cab drivers in conversation, they are generally full of good stories), etc.
bartenders $1-2 per round of drinks, more if you ordered a big round or the bar is crowded and you want another round later without excessive wait
cocktail waitress at table $1 standard, go higher if you are looking for a special drink or more frequent service. For instance, cocktail waitresses are only allowed to bring you one drink at a time when you're playing. If you ask for a double and she brings you two drinks and pours them together for you or lets you do so, then she is hooking you up, so tip her a redbird.
poker dealers $1 per pot standard, if the pot is exceptionally big you can tip more, if small (blind steal) you can skip with no hard feelings
other dealers place a bet for them once or twice during your play
bell boy I tip $5 for bringing bags to the room, but I usually carry them myself
valet parking $2-$5 when you pickup the car
maid service it's nice to leave a dollar or two each morning on your pillow. It certainly makes getting extra towels easier.
coat check $1 per coat
hotel concierge nothing for simple assistance, $5 or more for making something happen for you
spa masseuse, barber, hairdresser 10-15% or so
strippers if you are sitting next to a stage, tip each girl at least a $1-2. If you are paying for lap dances, no need to tip, but an add-on for good dances is a nice gesture.
strip club bouncers I'm paying admission, I see no need. But some do it regularly to avoid hassle or get what they consider good seats.
club bouncers the going rate for tipping to help speed up your wait in line and get into the high end clubs has gotten outrageous. I'm not even going to put a dollar figure on this. If you really want to be at a high end club, get bottle service.
(*) these people may be able to provide special services sometimes, so a tip might be in order