Money Saving Travel Tips for Monday, August 21st

by Mary Jo Manzanares on August 21st, 2006

This week’s Money Saving Travel Tips focus on making sure that you don’t overpay for goods and services that you receive.

Check your restaurant bill to determine if a gratuity (often called a service charge) has been added. This is frequently done for groups of six or more, but more and more restaurants and resorts are just adding it to all bills automatically, It usually totals 15-18%. By all means, feel free to add on a little extra if your server has done something extra special, or if you’ve received marvelous service. Just make sure you’re not inadvertently leaving a double tip.
When ordering room service, ask if a service charge is included on the bill, and if that covers the server’s gratuity. Usually it does. But it can cause confusion when you sign the receipt and it still has a spot to add a gratuity. Again, feel free to add more, if you feel it’s appropriate, but don’t be confused into thinking you haven’t tipped if you don’t add something on.
For simple questions from a concierge, there is no need to tip. Part of his/her job is to do just that, and it’s reflected in the price of your hotel room. If your concierge gets you prime seats for the theater, a reservation at the hottest restaurant in town, or provides some special service, then a gratuity is in order.

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