Heloise: Tipping maids? Here are tips

Dear Heloise: I just read the comment in your article about tipping housekeepers and maids. I like to tip housekeepers, especially if I am at a hotel for several days. Sometimes they leave an envelope with their name on it. I want to be sure that the ones who do my room are the ones who get the money.

It’s very confusing, and I really do care about this because my mother raised me and put me through school on her tips. If I leave a tip in the morning before I leave the room, it might not be the same housekeeper who cared for me the day before.

Rae in Texarkana, via e-mail

Rae, thanks for writing. Here’s a hint just for you: Put your tip in one of the hotel envelopes, and leave it at the front desk.

Here are a couple more comments:

Daisy, via e-mail, says: “I read you in the Portland [Maine] Press Herald. I feel that my husband does not leave enough money in appreciation for the good service he requests, so I keep lots of $5 bills in my wallet [tucked away] when we go on any trips or overnights at hotels or motels. I leave one every morning under my pillow with a short note of appreciation.”

Jamie from Monroe, La., says: “I agree with you about tipping housekeepers. Previously, during stays of multiple days I would leave a tip on the pillow after the first night. This always ensured that my room was clean and tidy and was done early in the day. However, on my last trip, when I returned to the room at the end of the day, hardly anything was done. Beds were unmade, and only used towels had been replaced. It was late, and all of the housekeeping staff had finished their shift.”

Jamie, please see my comment above about leaving the tip. Also, you usually can call and ask for service.

Heloise

Dear Readers: Here are some uses for empty, clean yogurt cups:

A fast measuring cup.

Storage for small items like paper clips, rubber bands, pencils, etc.

A starter pot for seedlings.

Turn upside down and use as a cookie cutter.

Several can be used as building blocks for kids’ playtime.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: Another way to give instead of a gift card: All of my children and grandchildren are avid readers. I like to buy books as gifts and put “bookmarks” in them. I use crisp bills from the bank. The teens love looking for the “bookmarks,” and can then buy a gift when and where they choose.

Lynn B. Huron, Oak Ridge, N.J.

Dear Heloise: I have this request: Wait for others to get off the elevator before entering and/or blocking the doorway. People charge in as soon as the doors open, without allowing others to get out.

Amy in Texas

King Features Syndicate