Tipping in Las Vegas – how, who and how much to tip in Las Vegas

Las vegas StripBelow is what I tip, I am not saying that this is generous (I am mean) but its what I generally tip and only once has anyone acted in a way where they thought that I had not tipped enough. My tips are based on a mid range casino like MGM, Luxor or Monte Carlo if you are at a top hotel like Wynn, Mirage or Bellagio adjust up slightly and a cheaper property like Excalibur or Circus Circus slightly less.

Bell Boy – I generally tip $2 per bag when it arrives in the room I don’t generally tip the person who gets my stuff out of the trunk as the tips are pooled so they should be covered. I would do the same for the Bell boy who delivers my bags back to my car or taxi when I leave. Sometimes you can wait ages for your bags or for a Bell boy to come to your room I still tip as the Bell Boy is generally doing his best but in busy times there are just not enough of them employed by the hotel.

Check in clerk – I always tip the check in clerk before my room is assigned, if I want an upgrade using the $20 trick, even if its just for a view of the Vegas Strip then I tip at least $20 (see here). If I just want to make sure I don’t have the room by the kitchen extractor fan or with a stunning view of the third level of the parking lot maybe $10.

The Maid – the poor maid often gets forgotten about because you don’t see her, I always leave at least $3 per day for the maid, usually on the pillow or under a spent bottle of toiletries.

Dealers – I am slightly funny about this I rarely tip a dealer directly but if I am doing well I put small side bets for the dealer every now and again, when I leave the table if I am up I will usually tip the dealer about 5% up to about $50. I have had many dealers in Las Vegas who I have found either moody or boring in this case regardless of what I win I will not tip.

Cocktail Waitresses –In Las Vegas all drinks are free whilst you are playing if they are served to you by a cocktail waitress but you need to tip.If I am just passing and don’t expect to stay I tip $1 – $2 per drink if I am going to be there for a while I tip $5 per drink for the first one then usually $1 per drink after that. See here for more detail.

Barman – I tip $2 – $5 per round up to 5 drinks I think that this is probably on the stingy side but that is what I tip. In London you dont usually tip a barman but this is expected in Las Vegas.

Valet Parking – There is no charge for valet parking in Las Vegas (except at the Four Seasons) so tip the guy, but only when you collect your car usually tip $2 if I want it quickly and ask and I get it quickly thi.s can become $5 – $10

Guy that calls the cab, outside most hotels there is a guy who calls the cab and opens the door for you, most people tip him $1 I don’t I am happy an capable of calling a cab myself just not allowed to.

Cab Driver – This depends if it’s a very short trip under say $6 I give the change to $10, this is to compensate the cabbie for the time he has spent waiting and the fact he could have got a better fare. $6-$10 generally the change and a couple of dollars $10 upwards the change + 20%. If the cab driver is moody or if he takes me what I think is a long route he won’t get tipped he wont like it but he wont get tipped. I am on vacation I am paying for a service and part of that service is his attitude.

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