According to the American Hotel and Lodging Association, housekeepers should be tipped between $1 and $5 per day. Certified etiquette expert Lisa Grotts advises between $2 and $5, while Annie Davis, president of the boutique travel agency Palm Beach Travel says ?$5 is the new $1.?

In 2026, the standard tip for a hotel room attendant (housekeeping) in the United States is $2 to $5 per night. This should ideally be left daily rather than in one lump sum at the end of your stay, as different staff members may clean your room on different days. If you are staying in a high-end luxury suite or have a larger family group that creates more mess, a tip of $5 to $10 per day is more appropriate. Always leave the cash in a visible place—such as on the pillow or the desk—accompanied by a short note saying "Thank You Housekeeping" to ensure the staff knows the money is intended for them. While tipping is not strictly mandatory, it is a vital part of travel etiquette, as housekeepers perform physically demanding work and often earn near the minimum wage. If you choose "limited service" (opting out of daily cleaning), you should still leave a small tip on your final day.

Tipping hotel room attendants (housekeepers) is a common practice to show appreciation for their hard work, though it’s not mandatory. Here are the generally accepted guidelines:

Standard Guidelines:

• Per night: $3 to $5 per night of your stay.
• Per day: $2 to $5 per day, especially if multiple people are in the room or you leave a significant mess.
• Luxury hotels: On the higher end, often $5+ per night.

How to Tip:

• Daily vs. End of Stay: It’s best to tip daily, as different attendants may clean your room on different days. Leave the tip in an envelope or a clearly marked note (e.g., “For Housekeeping”) on the pillow or desk each morning.
• Cash is preferred: Leave cash (local currency) to ensure it goes directly to the attendant.

When to Tip More:

• For extra services (like additional towels or toiletries).
• If you’re traveling with children or pets.
• If you leave the room particularly messy.

Important Notes:

• Check the bill: Some hotels include a mandatory “service charge” or “resort fee” that may be distributed to staff. This is not a tip. Ask at the front desk if you’re unsure.
• Cultural norms: In some countries (like Japan), tipping can be confusing or even seen as rude. It’s wise to research local customs before traveling.

In short: A good rule of thumb is $3–$5 per night, left daily in cash with a clear note. Adjust based on service level, room condition, and hotel standard.