The hotel concierge is one of the most underused — and undertipped — people in hospitality. A great concierge can transform your trip with insider access, impossible reservations, and local knowledge. Tipping appropriately keeps the relationship strong and the access open.
| Situation | Tip Amount |
|---|---|
| Simple directions / recommendation | Not required |
| Restaurant reservation (standard) | $5–10 |
| Hard-to-get restaurant reservation | $20–50 |
| Show / event tickets arranged | $10–20+ per ticket |
| Transportation arranged (cab, car) | $5–10 |
| Spa / tour booking | $5–10 |
| Extensive trip planning / daily help | $20–50 at end of stay |
The guideline for concierge tipping is simple: tip based on how much effort the concierge expended. Getting you a table at a restaurant that's been booked for 3 months required real relationships and skill — $20–50 is appropriate. Pointing you to the nearest ATM required none — no tip needed.
For standard requests completed on the spot, tip when you receive the service. For larger requests like hard-to-get reservations, tip at the beginning — a $20 upfront at check-in introduces you as a guest worth prioritizing. Many frequent travelers tip the concierge on arrival to establish the relationship for the entire stay.
At luxury 5-star hotels, concierges have extensive networks and can access truly exclusive experiences — tip generously at the $20–50 level for anything requiring relationship-calling. At midrange hotels, concierge services are more limited but still tip $5–10 for genuine assistance.
Tip $5–10 for standard requests like restaurant reservations, and $20–50 for hard-to-get reservations or complex arrangements. Base the amount on the effort required.
Tipping $10–20 upfront at check-in signals that you're a guest worth prioritizing and opens access to better service throughout your stay.
For simple verbal recommendations or directions, tipping is not required. For actual bookings made on your behalf, $5–20 depending on difficulty is appropriate.
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