Hotel Workers Tell All

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Reservationist, Ramada

“Online descriptions can be misleading. Our Web site says we’re centrally located, but we’re about four miles north of downtown.”

Head Housekeeper, Holiday Inn

“The average housekeeping tip is maybe one or two dollars. If a housekeeper cleans seventeen rooms, often she’ll make only $17 in tips the whole day.”

Front Desk, Hampton Inn

“When people come to me with complaints about their stay—the fire-alarm battery went low and kept them up all night— I have the authority to refund all their money.”

Assistant Manager, Marriott

“It’s okay to send your kids to the front desk for toothpaste and toothbrushes, but please don’t let them run around the lobby by themselves. I’m not a babysitter.”

Front Desk, Hilton Garden Inn

“We have leeway on the rate if we’re not at high occupancy. On a slow weekend I’ll sometimes take off $20.”

Bellhop, Marriott

“We usually get tipped three to five dollars for a full cart—I think a dollar a bag is fair.”

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