How much does a bellman make in tips at a 5-star hotel?

Question

I am a 20 year old college student, and I just got a job at a new 5-star hotel as a bellman for (at least) the summer, and I'm curious as to how much money I'll be making in tips....are there any bellmen out there that could answer this?

Answer 1

It depends on how busy your hotel is and how good of a customer service person you are.

I work for a four star Marriott and I average at least 20 a night, but that's on the graveyard shift. The daytimers, if they really work it, can get anywhere from 20-50 up to as much as 80. You really have to know how to anticipate guest needs, though, to make that kind of scratch.

For instance, if your hotel has pull out sofa-beds and you are checking in a large family, offer to get them extra pillows or sheets, etc. Stuff like that really increases your purse. It also helps to know all about your city, because people will ask stuff like "how big is this city compared to this other city" or "how long has this hotel been here". If you know the answers, people are impressed and they pay out greatly.

It also helps to have a great restaurant/bar recommendation handy should anyone ask.

Just my .02. Enjoy your new job!