Tipping Etiquette at UK Hotels: How Much and Who to Tip

Hotel tipping in the UK is one of the least understood areas of British tipping culture. Most people know roughly what to tip at a restaurant, but the question of whether to tip hotel porters, housekeeping staff, concierges, and room service is far less clear. The short answer: tipping at UK hotels is optional but appreciated, and the amounts involved are modest.

Is hotel tipping expected in the UK?

No — unlike in the United States where hotel tipping is deeply embedded in the culture, UK hotel staff do not expect tips as part of their income. They are paid at least the national minimum wage regardless of tips received.

That said, hotel staff work hard in roles that often go unnoticed — particularly housekeeping staff who clean rooms while guests are out and rarely receive direct thanks. A small tip is a meaningful and appreciated gesture even if it is not expected.

How much to tip hotel porters

If a porter carries your luggage to your room, £1–2 per bag is the standard tip. For a single bag, £1–2 total is fine. For a trolley load of luggage, £3–5 is appropriate. Hand the tip directly to the porter as they leave your room.

At airport hotels where porters are frequently handling large amounts of luggage for groups or families, £5 for the whole trolley is a generous and well-received amount.

How much to tip hotel housekeeping

Housekeeping is the most commonly forgotten recipient of hotel tips — and arguably the most deserving. Housekeeping staff clean your room, change your sheets, restock your amenities, and tidy up after you, often working quickly through a large number of rooms in a shift.

£1–2 per night is the standard tip for housekeeping at a standard hotel. At a luxury hotel, £2–5 per night is more appropriate. Leave the tip daily rather than as a lump sum at the end of your stay — different staff may clean your room each day and you want the tip to reach whoever actually cleaned it.

Leave the tip on the pillow or bedside table with a note saying "thank you — for housekeeping" so it is clear the money is intended as a tip rather than forgotten change.

How much to tip hotel concierge

For basic requests — directions, restaurant recommendations, calling a taxi — no tip is needed or expected. For more involved assistance — securing a last-minute restaurant reservation, arranging theatre tickets, or going significantly out of their way to help — £5–10 is an appropriate thank-you.

At luxury hotels, concierge staff are accustomed to tips for significant assistance and £10–20 for exceptional service is not unusual. At budget hotels, concierge tipping is rare and not expected.

How much to tip for room service

Check your room service bill before tipping — many hotels add a service charge of 12.5% automatically. If it is already on the bill, no further tip is needed.

If no service charge has been added, £1–2 for a simple delivery or 10% of the bill for a full meal delivered to your room is appropriate. Hand the tip directly to the person who delivered your order.

How much to tip hotel restaurant staff

The same rules as any UK restaurant apply in a hotel restaurant. Check whether a service charge has been added — many hotel restaurants include one automatically. If not, 10–12.5% for good service is the standard. The 2024 Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act ensures these tips reach the staff directly.

Hotel tipping abroad

Hotel tipping norms vary significantly around the world. In the USA, tipping hotel staff is expected — $2–5 per night for housekeeping, $1–2 per bag for porters, and $5–10 for concierge assistance. In Japan, tipping hotel staff is considered rude. In much of Europe, small tips are appreciated but not expected.

Before travelling, check the hotel tipping conventions for your specific destination. Our country guides cover hotel tipping for 30 countries with specific amounts and local customs.