The unwritten rule of compensating someone for good service is never more present than in Las Vegas. The city's service workers are the backbone of the hotels and casinos on and off the Strip. Much of what is offered at the casinos is free, with the unwritten expectation of a gratuity. Nearly everyone you see working at the casino and in the hotel is working for tips.
When your taxi, limousine or airport shuttle gets to the hotel, you will be met by a valet who will unload your bags and escort you to the registration desk. You can refuse the service, but if you take it, you should tip for the service. If you have a car and park it in the self-parking garage, the bellhop that takes you to your room will expect a tip. Finally, if you drive to the hotel and have the car valet parked, both the parking attendant and valet will expect tips. The expectation is that you will tip $1 to $2 per bag. If you have especially heavy luggage, you should tip more toward the $2.
On the gaming floor, tip the cocktail waitresses, who bring gamblers free drinks as long as they play. These ladies should be tipped $1 to $2 per drink. Many gamblers will offer a larger tip, maybe $10 to $20, upfront. This usually ensures the waitress' attention and will keep her coming back regularly for orders. At the tables, it is customary to tip the dealer, at minimum, the amount of the starting bid for that table. If you are winning and/or the dealer is personable, you should tip more.
Tip as you would at any restaurant--15 percent for acceptable service, 20 percent for good service and up to 25 percent for exceptional service. Remember, tips are shared with all wait and bus staff, including the server, wine steward and busboys.
Buffets are different since you are only reliant on staff for beverage and table clearing. It is customary to tip $1 to $2 per person for drinks and another $1 each for the bus staff. If the buffet has self-service beverages, you only need to tip the table clearing team.
Spa services are available at almost every resort. Tipping at a spa works similar to tipping at a restaurant. Service that is good warrants a 15 percent tip. Great service is 20 percent and service that is above and beyond is worth a 25 percent tip.
The concierge desk is staffed by people who will go out of their way to make your stay pleasant. Based on the level of service they provide, you should tip anywhere between $5 to $20. If it is a simple task like setting up an excursion, tip toward the low end. If they are able to wrangle tickets to a sold-out show, tip high.
Valet parking is provided free to guests. It is customary to tip $1 to $2 at dropoff and pickup. However, busy nights result in longer waits at the valet stand. If you want your car parked closer to the front of the garage, consider tipping $10 to $20 at dropoff to ensure a lesser wait time.
It is customary to tip the housekeeping staff $1 to $2 a day. If you are particularly sloppy or if the effects of too much partying causes you to leave your bed or bathroom in a mess, tip in the $5 to $10 range.
