The New York City Traveler

Few cities in the world have as many doormen or randomly-placed attendants as New York City.  But regardless if you live in New York or are just traveling to the city for the holidays, nothing can be more confusing than tipping the people that make life in the city a little easier. 

While tipping is a very subjective act meant as an expression of satisfaction, it seems that everybody’s hand is out looking for a little extra.  I conducted a brief, non-scientific survey gathering information from people that work in various service industries in New York.  While they all were tipped different amounts, there was one recurring theme… everybody thinks they deserve more than what they receive. 

Personal Service:  They keep crazy ex-girlfriends out of your apartment, raise your kids, clean up your mess, and make sure your car doesn’t get keyed.  Take care of them and they will continue to take care of you.

• Your Building’s Doorman -  The average holiday tip is $100 and increases depending on your address and net worth
• The Nanny -  Two weeks pay is typical but bump that up if you’re making them work on holidays or your kids are hell-raisers 
• The Housekeeper -  Average is two weeks pay but more if you’re a slob
•  The Garage Attendant – $50 is average but if you drive a Porsche in Manhattan, you can afford more

Taxis:  Despite what your driver will tell you, tipping in a taxi is not required.  When talking to fellow New Yorkers, this was the most hotly discussed topic.  As one friend stated, "If he drives like a maniac or is an ass, his tip is greatly decreased."  From my personal experience, only once in my life have felt that my cab driver deserved a 20% tip and that was I made him drive me through Times Square on a Friday afternoon.  I know, I’m pure evil.

• Driver - A minimum of $1 for a short cross-town trip and 15-20% for longer trips (or driving through Times Square)

Keep reading to find out how much to tip while in restaurants or staying in hotels…

Dining Out:  Watch your bill carefully in New York because there has been a movement towards automatic gratuity.  Normally, automatic gratuity was reserved for larger parties (6+), but recently an extra 18% slipped onto my bill at a Soho restaurant while having lunch with two friends. 

• In the Restaurant -  15-20% tip on the bill is the norm.  Some patrons double the 8.3% NYC restaurant tax which leaves a 16.6% tip
• At the Bar-  Remember that Manhattan is home of the $20 martini so the standard $1 per drink may not suffice.  $2-3 per drink on the pricier drinks  
• Wine Seward -  15-20% of the wine bill
• Server at Deli or Other Counter -  15% with a minimum of $1
• Coat Check -  $1-2 per coat
• Restroom Attendant -  $1
• Valet Attendant -  $2-5

In the Hotel:   

• Bellman -  $1-2 per bag; and $5-10 for running errands
• Concierge -  $10 for a special effort or more for scoring you those hard-to-get theatre tickets
• Housekeeping -  Generally no tip for one-night stays and $2-$5 per night for longer stays
• Doorman -  $1-$2 for hailing a cab; $2-$5 for unloading baggage
• Room-service waiter – 15-20% of bill but check to see if it is included on the bill

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