One of my clients has an office in a hotel in downtown Chicago. I went there Monday for a meeting. I was barely in front of the hotel, when a member of the staff approached me and started griping about tips. He had just helped a guest with her luggage and hailed a cab and the guest apparently gave him too small of a tip. This isn’t the first time he has mentioned tips to me.
ID 38345852 © David Watmough | Dreamstime.com
I am not here to start the debate about tipping. However, I will state that he “carried” her luggage from the ground to the luggage cart and wheeled it about 10 feet. Then he signaled the (already waiting in line) cab. His minimal effort took about 3 minutes.
Anyway, my issue is that he actually openly complained about tipping. Yes, he recognizes me, but he doesn’t know me really. It’s not like he was sitting in the bar with his friends. If that is the case, complain all you want. Heck, I have some complaints I can toss in there, too. If he complains about tips to me, who else is he telling?
Guests don’t want to hear it. Businesspeople don’t want to hear it. The hotel’s management certainly would not tolerate hearing it. It presents a bad image for the hotel to have this guy out there whining about tips. Much the same way a receptionist is the first face a person sees when going into an office and therefore should present a good image, so should the doormen. As a distributor, I deal mostly with the doormen and Concierges. Almost all do a really good job, even the previously-mentioned griper.
My distribution team does a great job, but I have never heard of them getting any tips and I better never hear them griping about that. I have drivers who make deliveries to that same hotel. I wonder if he complains that they don’t tip him for his help in pointing to the cart for them to use. Fortunately, my day ended on a better note, as business took me to a few other hotels and their doormen/Concierge combos were all pleasant and positive. I even heard one trying to refuse a tip. Imagine that!
-John Wroblewski, distribution specialist
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Sep 18, 2026Downtown Phoenix Welcomes First Upscale Urban Retreat
This month, in Phoenix, Arizona, Pacific Hospitality Group opens Denū Hotel & Spa, the newest hotel property in The Meritage Collection.
Sponsored Content
The World Awaits with Turkish Airlines’ Global Access
Turkish Airlines enjoys the unique position as the airline flying to more countries than any other airline. Its unrivaled global reach is only the beginning of the experience that awaits passengers with Turkish Airlines.
Daily
Sep 18, 2026New Short-Term Rental Brand Just Hit the Scene … And It’s Worth a Second Look
In early 2026, more than 5,500 former Vacasa homes across 24 markets were quietly taken over by an emerging brand. From beach destinations along Florida’s Gulf Coast to mountain getaways in Park City, Utah, these properties are now under Avari, formally launched this month.
Daily
Sep 18, 2026Windstar Unlocks Tower of London After Dark and Other New 2027 Experiences
Explore three different remarkable European destinations in 2027 with Windstar Cruises. The brand’s newest 224-guest, all-suite yacht, Star Explorer, debuts alongside complimentary Destination Discovery Events in Livorno, Dubrovnik and London.
Sponsored Content
What Actually Happens If You Get Sick or Hurt on a Cruise?
You’ve booked your cabin, mapped the ports and packed the sunscreen. Hopefully, you also bought some insurance. But have you ever thought about what actually happens if a medical emergency strikes mid-voyage?
September 2026
Sep 17, 2026High-Spirited Hong Kong: The Dynamic Hub Embraces Its Maritime History and Culture
It was known as the “Kai Tak heart attack” — the thrilling, terrifying final approach into Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Airport. Airliners were required to bank sharply at the last moment, dodging hills and apartment blocks to line up with a runway jutting out into Kowloon Bay. The airport is long gone, but international visitors are arriving at Kai Tak again, albeit more sedately. Their cruise ships dock smoothly at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, a modern gateway designed by Sir Norman Foster.
METT Hotels to Debut in Albania
Daily
Sep 17, 2026Review: InterContinental Barcelona
eFlyer Reviews
Sep 17, 2026Conrad Washington D.C. Introduces 1/3/5 Experiences
Daily
Sep 17, 2026eFlyer News
Sep 16, 2026LXR Hotels & Resorts Coming to Costa Rica in 2029
Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts debuts in Costa Rica in 2029 with the launch of Maravé Manuel Antonio, bringing a new level of luxury to Costa Rica’s Pacific beachfront. The property will sit on a nearly 40-acre estate of rare beachfront that descends from rainforest ridge to ocean.
Sponsored Content
Elevate Your Journey with TAP Air Portugal’s New Economy Prime
Exciting news ahead for TAP Air Portugal, as Portugal’s flag carrier prepares for the launch of its brand-new Economy Prime cabin, offering customers more space, additional privacy and a superior travel experience. Flights boasting the new cabin take off June 1; booking for Economy Prime is now available across all TAP channels and travel agents.
Airlines
Sep 16, 2026Delta, Hyatt Announce Long-Term Loyalty Collaboration
Hyatt and Delta Air Lines announced a new, long-term strategic loyalty collaboration bringing together two leading premium travel brands to create a connected, personalized and rewarding experience for World of Hyatt and Delta SkyMiles members.
ShareThis