How much to tip hotel housekeeping in the United States (2026 Guide)
$1–$5 per night, left daily
Tipping calculator
Cultural notes
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) formally recommends $1–$5 per night for mid-range hotels and $2–$20 per night for luxury properties. Critically, the tip should be left daily — not in one lump at checkout — because housekeeping assignments rotate, and a single end-of-stay tip rarely reaches the people who actually cleaned the room earlier in the trip. Place cash on a desk or nightstand with a small note labeled "Housekeeping" or "Thank you" so it is not mistaken for cash left behind by accident. Tip more if the room required heavy cleanup (pets, kids, in-room dining mess).
Common mistakes
Leaving one tip at checkout — it goes only to that day’s cleaner. Leaving cash on the bed (often mistaken for forgotten money and not taken).
Frequently asked questions
How much do I tip hotel housekeeping per day in the US?
The AHLA recommends $1–$5 per night for standard hotels and up to $20 for luxury properties. Mid-range business hotels are typically $3–$5; budget motels closer to $1–$2. Leave it on the desk or nightstand with a thank-you note so it is clearly identified.
Should I tip housekeeping daily or at checkout?
Daily. Different housekeepers may clean your room on different days, and a single checkout tip only reaches the final-day cleaner. Daily tipping ensures gratitude reaches the actual worker.
Do I still need to tip housekeeping if a resort fee is charged?
Yes. Resort fees go to the hotel as revenue, not to housekeeping staff. They cover amenities like Wi-Fi, pool access, and gym use — not gratuities.
Tipping other services in the United States
- Sit-down restaurant18–20% of the pre-tax bill (15% is the floor)
- Counter / takeawayOptional — $1–$2 or up to 10% if you tip
- Café$0.50–$1 per drink, or skip the prompt
- Bar$1–$2 per drink, or 18–20% on a tab
- Porter$2 per bag ($4–$5 heavy or oversized)
- Concierge$5–$20 for reservations; $50+ for hard-to-get bookings
- Taxi15–20% of fare, $2 minimum
- Rideshare15–20% of fare, $2–$3 minimum
- Food delivery15–20% of subtotal, $5 minimum
- Grocery delivery15–20% of subtotal, $5 minimum
- Hairdresser18–20% of service cost
- Spa18–20% of service cost
- Tour guide$5–$20 per person for group tours; 15–20% for private tours
- Tattoo artist20–25% of the total price
- Valet$3–$5 at retrieval; $5–$10 at luxury hotels
- Airport baggage$2 per bag standard, $3–$5 for heavy/oversized
- Busker$1–$5 if you stopped to listen
- Movers$20–$60 per mover, or 15–20% of total bill
- TradespersonNot expected; $20–$50 cash for exceptional or emergency work
Tipping hotel housekeeping in nearby countries
Last verified: · Sources: ahla.com, smartertravel.com, cluballiance.aaa.com