Hotels have become increasingly high-tech, with advanced check-ins, keyless room entry, and smart devices in every room. Yet, there’s one area where they’ve lagged behind: housekeeping. While many industries have embraced mobile payments and digital solutions, the process of rewarding hotel staff remains stuck in the past.
Even before the pandemic, tipping hotel housekeeping has been an ongoing challenge. While tipping customs vary globally (here’s a guide to help with that), in the U.S., housekeeping staff depend on tips to supplement their income. Marriott even introduced tip envelopes in 2014, urging guests to leave cash for their hardworking housekeepers (source).
However, there’s a growing disconnect: more and more travelers no longer carry cash. I’ve had to adjust by packing a mix of small bills. On a trip to Hawaii, I brought enough cash to tip the airport shuttle driver, valet, and bellman, but I ran out after just a few days. I found myself scrambling when it came to tipping the crew on a boat ride or even our helicopter pilot. Fortunately, those vendors provided digital options like Venmo, Zelle, and PayPal, making it easy to express gratitude without cash.
Why Digital Tipping Makes Sense
This got me thinking: Why can’t tipping housekeeping via mobile payment be a standard option at hotels?
It’s not unheard of—some hotels are leading the way. The Intercontinental Miami and the Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach have both introduced mobile tipping systems, and Wyndham recently announced chain-wide support for digital tipping at participating properties. These moves are a step in the right direction, especially as virtual payment platforms like PayPal and Venmo have become as ubiquitous as credit cards. Even older generations, once hesitant, are now comfortable using these platforms (source).
Potential Problems with Mobile Tipping
However, there are potential problems with this system that need addressing. For one, there’s a risk that guests may encounter fraudulent or fake QR codes posted by scammers in hotel rooms. If anyone can print and post a QR code, how can we ensure that the tips are going to the right people? Additionally, there’s the issue of transparency. Will the hotel or vendor take a cut for “processing fees”? If so, how much will the staff actually receive?
Even with these concerns, it’s hard to ignore that tipping is part of the culture for housekeeping in the U.S., and even if you’re not a fan of the practice, hotels should make it as painless as possible to give a few dollars to the staff. In the past, sending cash via mobile devices might have seemed tacky, but today, it’s a well-established and widely accepted payment method.
Improving the Efficiency of the System
But there’s an even better way to streamline this: Why not make a single payment for your entire stay, with the money automatically distributed to the staff that worked on your room each day? This would eliminate the need for guests to worry about leaving money one day and having it go to the wrong person. It also simplifies the process, ensuring the tips are appropriately allocated, and no one is left out. The system could even include a breakdown showing the contributions made to each staff member.
Conclusion: Time for Hotels to Catch Up
Imagine a housekeeping staff member leaving a card with a QR code linking to a mobile payment service. Wouldn’t this be as convenient—if not more so—than stuffing cash under a pillow? Sure, it might feel impersonal compared to handing over cash, but isn’t the gesture more meaningful if it happens seamlessly?
A decade ago, Marriott’s tip envelopes sparked debate. Today, digital payment options could solve the same problem without making hotels feel out of place. The technology exists, and guests are ready for it. The only question is, why are so many hotels lagging behind?
Come on, hotels—catch up with the times. Empower your staff by enabling digital tipping. It’s better for the employees, guests, and bottom line.
Want to comment on this post? Great! Read this first to help ensure it gets approved.
Want to sponsor a post, write something for Your Mileage May Vary, or put ads on our site? Click here for more info.
Like this post? Please share it! We have plenty more just like it and would love it if you decided to hang around and sign up to get emailed notifications of when we post.
Whether you’ve read our articles before or this is the first time you’re stopping by, we’re really glad you’re here and hope you come back to visit again!
This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.