Interesting post - I think in most hotels someone other than the maid restocks the mini fridge, so that might not work. Under the blanket not that bad an idea. Handing it to them directly, IF you get the opportunity, is obviously most effective, especially since it gives you the opportunity to thank them verbally as well, something they probably don't hear much.
I have a friend who for some reason gets suspicious in some restaurants (I don't know if it's mostly casino restaurants, or if that's just where we seem to eat together most often) and will make a big point of finding the server for our meal and handing them their gratuity personally.
My own habit has just been to leave the money on the pillow, and I've never thought about anyone bothering to come in the room other than the housekeeping personnel. I use the envelope that is provided if I see it, but on reflection, there's no security in doing that, I suppose.
It would take an inquiry to someone in the business to see how to best handle these situations, I would think. Another problem is when different people service the room from day to day or on the weekend, and you would like to reward someone in particular or with an additional amount because they did something special that you noticed - but if you leave the money the next morning, will they be the one to get it?
--BG
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3a. Re: Tipping the Chambermaid
Date: Mon Jul 2, 2007 4:31 pm ((PDT))It happens more often than one might think. I know some people will
leave tips inside the mini fridge or under the blanket to make sure
it goes to the proper person.--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "whitejeeps" wrote:
>
> One addition from my experience. Once in AC left the room sign to
> clean and left my daily tip. Doubled back to the room because I
> forgot something. I took a scenic elevator ride. As I got near my
> room I saw a person leaving my room. I believe it may have been a
> supervisor. In any event, the tip was gone and it was taken by
> someone other than the person who would eventially clean my room.
> Since then, if possible, I will ask person in hall with cleaning
> cart, "Are you cleaning #---- ? If they are to clean my room I'll
> tip them directly and sometime ask for extra mouth wash or towels
> etc. I don't imagine tips are swiped very often, especially today
> with room door locks that track all who enter room.
>