Knowing when and how much to tip the doorman can serve you well when staying in hotels or an apartment with its own doorman. Traditional tipping standards must be adjusted for the level of service, the type of assistance and other variations. To maintain first-rate attention, tip your doorman appropriately.
Many hotels have a doorman that assists visitors with entering and exiting the establishment. If you arrive by car at the front of the hotel, the doorman may open the door for you and assist your party out of the vehicle. Simple assistance out of the car does not warrant a tip. However, if you arrive with luggage and the doorman assists you with your bags, provide a tip of $1 per bag, with a minimum of $2. If the doorman assists you with your bags from the vehicle to your room, provide $2 per bag, with a minimum of $4.
Whether you are checking out of the hotel or simply out for the day, pay attention to the level of service your doorman provides. If your doorman hails a cab, tip between $1 and $2. If he hails the cab and assists you with your bags, tip an additional $1 per bag with a $2 minimum.
Many doorman quietly provide courteous service with few words. At the same time, the doorman possesses extensive knowledge about directions, local events, dining and related information. If your doorman provides you with helpful recommendations, tip a minimum of $5. Increase the tip based on the quality of information.
Many apartments and condos also have doormen in the lobby. If you reside in a building with a doorman, you are not required to tip every time he opens a door for you. However, if you come home with your hands full and he assists you with your packages, opens your door and calls for elevator, tip your doorman at least $2. If he hails your cab, tip him between $1 and $2. If the doorman signs for a package, tip him at least $2 and increase the tip based on the size and fragility of the package.
During the holidays, show doorman a token of your appreciation. Consider the size of the building and the quality of service. A doorman's holiday tip ranges between $25 and $100. If he always provides you with great service, he will deserve a higher tip than a lackluster doorman.
