- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2015-2023 walked all or part of CF 11 times
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You might want to consider this article about the plight of housekeepers in Spain and how the pandemic made the situation worse. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...f-working-conditions-on-new-hotel-booking-appHaving travelled in the US and being aware of the wages which housekeepers get there, I have a natural tendency to leave a small tip (50c or a euro). It is not customary in Spain, and not necessary as staff are decently paid and have benefits (in larger hotels they are unionized). However, I don't feel particularly guilty if I forget. My approach suffers from a lack of logic.
You might want to consider this article about the plight of housekeepers in Spain and how the pandemic made the situation worse. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...f-working-conditions-on-new-hotel-booking-app
Apparently, as I understand the article, the hotels are cutting salaries by making the housekeepers meet unattainable standards. If one has to clean between 25-30 rooms per day, that means that each room has to be cleaned and sanitized in about 15minutes. If they can’t meet the standard, the workers are receiving reduced salaries. Not a living wage…I already read the article some time ago .I honestly don't know what is the best way to approach veshis in general.Choose for an independent small hostal/hotel where most often a family runs the place entirely themself or where they hire some local person?
Or choose a bigger and more fancy hotel ( if ok with the finances ) and that way enable the " Las Kelly's " to earn a decent living?
In general I never tip housekeeping but I do round up at a bar or resto.
Yes, always for both.Many of us have tried to help those albergue owners by sending contributions, here and there.
I am wondering, if any of you that are staying in private rooms at private albergues are or might consider leaving a tip for the cleaning personnel, as we might do at home? Are you tipping at restaurants?
Yes. Modestly, by American standards, in bars and restaurants. 10% +/-. Housekeeping, I leave €5-10 cash per night - handed over personally if the opportunity arises.Many of us have tried to help those albergue owners by sending contributions, here and there.
I am wondering, if any of you that are staying in private rooms at private albergues are or might consider leaving a tip for the cleaning personnel, as we might do at home? Are you tipping at restaurants?
I am wondering, if any of you that are staying in private rooms at private albergues are or might consider leaving a tip for the cleaning personnel, as we might do at home?
You might want to consider this article about the plight of housekeepers in Spain and how the pandemic made the situation worse. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...f-working-conditions-on-new-hotel-booking-app
Imagine, if we all left €2 a night for the chambermaid/housekeeper on Caminos…If one’s budget could financially afford it, that is. We might make a big difference to some people’s lives. Even in a small establishment 5 rooms would be 10 euros a day it would boost their income $250 euros per month. If there were 10 rooms then they would get €500 per month. Of course it is seasonal work. I like @jsalt idea of putting the money under the pillow.. This way we are pretty darn sure the person cleaning the room gets it.I now recall having read this. I'll now err on the side of leaving a euro or two for the cleaner-- a Spanish friend told me that this is considered very generous in the backwater Caminos I tend to frequent.
Noting @Tincatinker 's anecdote, I have had tips returned to me by waiters, presumably the owner. It's not happened often (IIRC about 2 or 3 or 4 times over 20 years), but it has happened.
Helping those chamber personnel who are being taken advantage of by the tourist industry which is inflicting ridiculous standards on its workers after many workers went unpaid during the shutdowns Is likely without precedent. Nevertheless, I would , like to think, and certainly hope those Spaniards who can afford to vacation, would consider helping out their fellow country men and women. .In Spain, what would the average Spaniard do?
And if you are doing something different, is this a good thing?
I think in the context of this thread, being generous is usually considered a good thing by the recipient...in my experience anyway, even in Spain.In Spain, what would the average Spaniard do?
And if you are doing something different, is this a good thing?
Times two.Yes. Nearly always leave something for housekeeping when staying in hotels/hostels.
We left something for housekeeping (like one euro) whenever we stayed in a private room. It's an old US habit. Generally, we left no tip at restaurants.Many of us have tried to help those albergue owners by sending contributions, here and there.
I am wondering, if any of you that are staying in private rooms at private albergues are or might consider leaving a tip for the cleaning personnel, as we might do at home? Are you tipping at restaurants?
Well said, Alex; makes sense to me.Rules vary. In Europe, tipping is not expected, but of course welcome. I am a pensioner, but even so, coming from a rich country, my pension is way above average salaries in countries like Spain. So yes, I tip. Not big time, but I most often do. I have enough, so why not share a little...
Thanks for sharing. Was unaware of these conditions. Las Kellys is an interesting approach to try to remedy poor working conditions. Good to know.You might want to consider this article about the plight of housekeepers in Spain and how the pandemic made the situation worse. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...f-working-conditions-on-new-hotel-booking-app
Always!Many of us have tried to help those albergue owners by sending contributions, here and there.
I am wondering, if any of you that are staying in private rooms at private albergues are or might consider leaving a tip for the cleaning personnel, as we might do at home? Are you tipping at restaurants?
You speak for me. I think to quibble and worry about giving "too much" of a tip in Spain (or elsewhere) is petty. I doubt the generosity of a few will damage their industry's "rules". I give tips for good service provided, no matter the country.For me, I appreciate what people do, Camino or not, and try to show it. They might be a mother or father with no spouse and trying to make ends meet.
It works for us.
I guess I see it a bit differently. I try to see myself as a goodwill ambassador of sorts when traveling—representing all the good things of the people and places I come from, all that I was taught as a child, all that I’ve learned by experience which includes washing dishes, bussing and waiting tables, and the odd minimum wage jobs. Leaving a tip for the person likely making the least amount of anyone I encounter today is a way of giving back to those who are supporting my travel. It also is an opportunity for me to exercise generosity, which is a gift I give myself. For much of my life I’ve seen myself as a miser, cheapskate, as a poor person. It’s part of my therapy of rewriting the narrative.I don't normally tip hotel housekeeping staff.
That was indeed rude and I do not believe representative of our country...I see that buffoon as a loudmouth exception. Most people tip what they choose and servers get what they get...whether it is generous or not.When we tried to order a last beer, the waiter just looked at us, and shouted so all the guests could hear: "You guys never give a tip! Get out of here!"
A shocking experience that I have never experienced in any other country. But I learnt my lesson. Different cultures and habits/customs/rules.
A horrible experience!!! I’ve worked in restaurants and bars and our culture always was that we give the best service without expecting tips, treat each customer equally, provide an excellent experience for each customer. And then at the end of the night count up the tips. I’m sorry you experienced such horrible treatment in my country and in my state. If you return, I hope you have a totally different experience.This thread is also about a culture clash. I try to tip in Spain, but not making a big deal about it. I have never felt any pressure for tips in any country in Europe, and I have visited most of them.
As I mentioned in an earlier post in this thread, I have visited USA many times and traveled the country more than most Americans (25 diff. states). On my first visit, in San Fransisco, at the end of a long day, we 3 guys went to a sports bar and had some chicken nuggets and 2 beers each. We paid as each serving came. As I mentioned earlier, Europeans do not have a 20%(!) tipping culture, and thie US way was unknown to us.
When we tried to order a last beer, the waiter just looked at us, and shouted so all the guests could hear: "You guys never give a tip! Get out of here!"
A shocking experience that I have never experienced in any other country. But I learnt my lesson. Different cultures and habits/customs/rules.
IMHO, tourist tipping is not the best way to fix the social conditions of a country. It seems to exaggerate the perception and focus on who has the economic advantage, and that is why it can seem patronizing.
I’m an American who can’t keep European rules straight so I tip everyone…I’m sure many laugh at me for many reasons including this. I figure that’s better than being cursed if I should have tipped but didn’t. This may be influenced by having been a Denny’s waitress for a summer.I already read the article some time ago .I honestly don't know what is the best way to approach this in general.Choose for an independent small hostal/hotel where most often a family runs the place entirely themself or where they hire some local person?
Or choose a bigger and more fancy hotel ( if ok with the finances ) and that way enable the " Las Kelly's " to earn a decent living?
In general I never tip housekeeping but I do round up at a bar or resto.
I figure that’s better than being cursed if I should have tipped but didn’t.
This may be influenced by having been a Denny’s waitress for a summer.
Tip an appropriate amount for the culture of the host country.
Sorry. I split mine…you had the harder jobMy first job was washing dishes deep in the kitchen. None of the front of house tips ever came my way…
That’s a good question and I’d love to know the answer but I’m not sure it would modify my behavior.In Spain, what would the average Spaniard do?
And if you are doing something different, is this a good thing?
My mother was a waitress in her younger years. I did it for a summer. The waiter was out of line and I would have done what my mother taught me to do for something so outrageous: tip a penny. If you leave nothing they will assume you forgot. One penny on the table says you didn’t.When we tried to order a last beer, the waiter just looked at us, and shouted so all the guests could hear: "You guys never give a tip! Get out of here!"
Faith, I never gave a thought about needing to learn about tipping, but you make a good point and you certainly know more than most of us; living full time for a number of years in Santiago.Learn as much about tipping in the host country, and like @firstshirt did, it's OK to ask.
I always find it difficult to reconcile my view that tipping should be unnecessary and what I see as the practical necessity for US workers in the hospitality industry to have their appalling wages supplemented by diners rather than their employer. Add to that the irony that many from the US, a country many see as the paragon of egalitarianism, are now actively promoting the practice to areas of the world where it was once perhaps just a patronising gesture of the nobility and wealthy.I completely agree with this. I think a good lesson from this thread is to keep as the first point of reference the host country you're traveling to. Learn as much about tipping in the host country, and like @firstshirt did, it's OK to ask.
I do not tip to "give back". It is to show appreciation for a service rendered...nothing moreI will continue to give back, but certainly don't believe that tipping is the best way to do this.
I do not tip the business "owners" if I am aware of who they are at home or abroad, whether restaurant, bnb, or hairdresser.
I think that the reasoning behind it is that it is they are who setting the prices of the business, and are not just "hired help."Chrissy, that's so interesting! I've never heard this.... Curious what the reasoning is behind this.
Well we tip the owner's employees of an establishment, at least that is how I was raised in the Midwest. It could be a "pride thing" for the owners, I'm not sure, but is what seems to be a normal practice in my area...I only speak for myself.Chrissy, that's so interesting! I've never heard this.... Curious what the reasoning is behind this.
Good point, Trecile. That makes sense and I'm sure that is a big part of the reasoning.I think that the reasoning behind it is that it is they are who setting the prices of the business, and are not just "hired help."
Australians don’t tip unless exceptional service is given, and then maybe $10 or $20. Many wouldn’t even tip then. Certainly not a percentage and it needs to be exceptional. All our employees are paid good wages with overtime and penalty rates for public holidays, etc. We are not a tipping society.Those in the UK, USA, Oz and some parts of Europe who have worked in the industries will know this, the rest won't. Most of the "industrial" restaurant industry operates a Tronc system. All those "discretionary" 10 - 12 - 20% service charges are aggregated and shared under the Tronc system between all staff on a fractionated basis. So Head Waiter gets 15%, Chef gets 15%, Sous, Commis & Sommelier 10%, Wait staff will get variables of between 5 & 10 and the poor Kitchen Porters & Plongeur 1- 5. There is an argument for the Tronc. Customers come for the skill of the Chef and the oily charm of the Maitre D'. The sweating kitchen crew never get the opportunity to impress the customer with their charm and enthusiasm. All the Waiters do is carry the plates and the Sommelier gets to drink a drop of everybody's selection.
Where that all falls apart is when the management, the owners, allocated themselves 20 - 50% of the Tronc before anyone else gets a sniff.
And in Spain, where places are family owned & run. Where a competent employee is happy with their role and will probably progress with the business....
AS I said above, I leave a tip whether its expected, required or not
Couldn't have said it better myself. Happy to be on another, fair, planet. Decent wages, fair working conditions, and honesty.I always find it difficult to reconcile my view that tipping should be unnecessary and what I see as the practical necessity for US workers in the hospitality industry to have their appalling wages supplemented by diners rather than their employer. Add to that the irony that many from the US, a country many see as the paragon of egalitarianism, are now actively promoting the practice to areas of the world where it was once perhaps just a patronising gesture of the nobility and wealthy.
I will continue to give back, but certainly don't believe that tipping is the best way to do this. And as @natefaith suggests, I try and learn and apply the practices of the country that I am in, and not to export what might be aspects of my own culture that are inappropriate to the circumstances where I am at the time.
Very interesting how countries are so different one from another. I personally see "exceptional service" as highly subjective.given, and then maybe $10 or $20. Many wouldn’t even tip then. Certainly not a percentage and it needs to be exceptional. All our employees are paid good wages with overtime and penalty rates for public holidays, etc. We are not a tipping society.
Chrissy, that's so interesting! I've never heard this.... Curious what the reasoning is behind this.
Make America Great Again. Pay ordinary people. Tax the billionaires.I live in the states, I have been to one of the local big chain restaurants. When talking to a good waitress I asked if she fared alright. Then she told me if she does not receive tips she makes very little. She told me at that time her hourly wage was $3.00. I gasped and said seriously! She said yup. I also was standing waiting to pay at that same location, at another time and one of the waitresses was cashing out. She told the cashier my $3.00 wage isn't cutting it. I don't know how they get anyone to work. This is South Carolina by the way.
Amen!We have strayed a long way from the OP's question, we are now discussing wages and tips in the US which has nothing to do with the Camino.
Lets get back on topic.
I don’t tip housekeeping but I do leave my room immaculate and take my rubbish with me.Many of us have tried to help those albergue owners by sending contributions, here and there.
I am wondering, if any of you that are staying in private rooms at private albergues are or might consider leaving a tip for the cleaning personnel, as we might do at home? Are you tipping at restaurants?
In a country that typically doesn’t tip, it can be awkward to tip. I learned this in a grocery store in the US when a European colleague tried to tip the cashier. (Because he thought we tipped everyone in a service position.) She was totally surprised and insisted that he take it back. Made her feel very uncomfortable.I guess I see it a bit differently. I try to see myself as a goodwill ambassador of sorts when traveling—representing all the good things of the people and places I come from, all that I was taught as a child, all that I’ve learned by experience which includes washing dishes, bussing and waiting tables, and the odd minimum wage jobs. Leaving a tip for the person likely making the least amount of anyone I encounter today is a way of giving back to those who are supporting my travel. It also is an opportunity for me to exercise generosity, which is a gift I give myself. For much of my life I’ve seen myself as a miser, cheapskate, as a poor person. It’s part of my therapy of rewriting the narrative.
If we are staying in the same place for a few nights we try to seek out the person who has been taking care of our room. Less than two or three days I don't think it is possible. If more we leave a gratuity no matter where we are, the US, Spain, Ireland etc. There has been someone coming in each day to make our bed and clean up and leave fresh towels etc. They are making our stay more enjoyable.I don't normally tip hotel housekeeping staff.
The *average* Spaniard if travelling the camino, is likely to be doing it pretty frugally--so perhaps would not tip.In Spain, what would the average Spaniard do?
And if you are doing something different, is this a good thing?
100%.IMHO, tourist tipping is not the best way to fix the social conditions of a country. It seems to exaggerate the perception and focus on who has the economic advantage, and that is why it can seem patronizing.
No.... I had to adjust my American sensibilities to many different things in Europe/Spain that are done differently.
What I always can do, though, is to be patient when service is slow, act grateful for a service given, and treat the person providing that service the way I would treat a friend.
I think that there are many who might take the view that the tipping culture of the US is key to the survival of workers in the hospitality industry in particular. It seems so entrenched that it is even considered in some places when setting award wages, and appears to be part of the reasoning for keeping these wages suppressed well below the minimum wages in other industries.Adding to someone's standard of living by leaving a gratuity should not change the culture or economy of where you are travelling.
C clearly, as a fellow Canadian, you will no doubt tip wait staff for good service. I have long felt that if I am tipping someone who brings me a plate of food, I should likely leave sometning for the person who cleans the room, sink and toilet in my hotel room.I don't normally tip hotel housekeeping staff.
The hotel room cleaning people are always in the background and rarely seen. I see them as a type of unsung hero and like to leave a couple of dollars on the bed each day before leaving the room or checking out.C clearly, as a fellow Canadian, you will no doubt tip wait staff for good service. I have long felt that if I am tipping someone who brings me a plate of food, I should likely leave sometning for the person who cleans the room, sink and toilet in my hotel room.
Depending on the type of hotel, private room, albergue, etc. The cleaning person may also be your hospitalero and/or your chef/server. If it is a donativo, just put the extra money in the donation box.The hotel room cleaning people are always in the background and rarely seen. I see them as a type of unsung heros and like to leave a couple of dollars on the bed each day before checking leaving the room or checking out.
I'm sorry if I've not made myself clear. I am speaking of hotel rooms, not any of the albergues on the Camino, and mostly of my experiences in the USA. Cruise ships are another story; often having different envelopes for various types of services, passed out on the last day.Depending on the type of hotel, private room, albergue, etc. The cleaning person may also be your hospitalero and/or your chef/server. If it is a donativo, just put the extra money in the donation box.
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