Published August 21, 2026 · 4 min read
Hotel housekeeping is one of the most overlooked tips in travel. You never see the housekeeper — they clean your room while you're out — so it's easy to forget. But the work involved is significant: making beds, sanitizing surfaces, scrubbing bathrooms, replenishing supplies, and handling whatever state guests have left the room in. Here's exactly how to tip, when, and how much.
Quick Answer
Tip $2–$5 per night at a mid-range hotel. At a luxury or resort property, $5–$10 per night is appropriate. Leave the tip each day — not at checkout — since different housekeepers may clean your room on different days.
Why You Should Tip Daily, Not at Checkout
This is the most important thing to know: hotel housekeeping staff often rotate. The person who cleaned your room on Monday may not be the same person who cleaned it on Tuesday or Wednesday. If you leave one lump sum at checkout, only the last person to clean the room benefits — and they may not have done most of the work.
The fix is simple: leave a small amount each day before you leave the room. Put the cash on the pillow or nightstand with a short note that says "For housekeeping" so it's clear it's intended as a tip and not money you forgot.
How Much to Leave by Hotel Type
| Hotel Type | Tip Per Night |
|---|---|
| Budget / motel (1–2 star) | $1–$2 per night |
| Mid-range (3 star, Holiday Inn, Marriott standard) | $2–$5 per night |
| Upscale (4 star, Hilton, Hyatt Regency) | $4–$6 per night |
| Luxury / resort (5 star, W, Four Seasons) | $5–$10 per night |
| Extended stay (week+) | $3–$5 per service day |
Adjust for Your Room Situation
These are baselines. There are a few reasons to tip more:
- Large room or suite: More square footage means significantly more work. Add $2–$3 per night.
- Traveling with kids: Kids make rooms messier. Bump up accordingly.
- Pet-friendly room: If you're staying with a dog, especially, the cleaning burden is higher. $5+ per night is appropriate.
- Extra services: If housekeeping fulfilled special requests (extra towels, turned down service, replenished toiletries mid-stay), recognize that.
What If You Opt Out of Daily Housekeeping?
Many hotels now offer guests the option to skip daily housekeeping in exchange for loyalty points or a small credit. If you opt out for most of your stay and only have the room cleaned once at the end, a larger single tip is appropriate — something like $3–$5 per night you were there.
How to Leave the Tip Properly
- Leave cash — credit card tips don't work for housekeeping the same way they do at restaurants.
- Place the tip on the pillow, nightstand, or the bathroom counter with a note saying "For housekeeping."
- Leave it before you leave for the day so the housekeeper can collect it while cleaning.
- Some hotels provide tip envelopes — use them if available.
Resort Fees and Housekeeping
Many hotels charge resort fees or service charges of $30–$60 per night. Despite the name, these fees typically do not go to housekeeping staff — they go to the hotel's general revenue. Always tip housekeeping separately regardless of what other fees appear on your bill.
The Bottom Line
Housekeeping is hard, invisible work. The standard is $2–$5 per night at a typical hotel, $5–$10 at a resort or luxury property. Leave it daily, in cash, with a note. Don't assume resort fees cover it — they don't. This is one of the simplest and most meaningful tips you can leave on any trip.