How much to tip at spa?

September 1, 2005 11:10 AM

Spa tipping? We're staying at a spa soon for our honeymoon, and have paid for a package that includes several spa treatments.

I'm assuming we should tip our service folks for the massages, facials, etc., but how much is appropriate? Cash? Or will we be able to bill things like to the room? Disclaimer - never been to a spa before.

posted by tr33hggr to travel & transportation (8 comments total)

When I get a massage, I usually tip 15-20%
posted by brujita at 11:29 AM on September 1, 2005

Whoops - it'd be tough for me to track down the price of each individual treatment - it's all in the package price.
posted by tr33hggr at 11:30 AM on September 1, 2005

I would contact them and ask their tipping policy. They will have one.
posted by gaspode at 11:38 AM on September 1, 2005

Yeah, a place like that will definitely have a policy. Sometimes there is even a flat-rate per-day policy that gets divided amongst staff according to invisible hierarchies. Lots of places like that are also cash-free while you're there, so they'd have to have a policy for tipping on services through your room or charge account.
posted by fionab at 11:44 AM on September 1, 2005

it'd be tough for me to track down the price of each individual treatment - it's all in the package price.

They list the individual treatment prices on the site.

Spa Services >>> Spa Treatments (under the pretty lady)

It's not the best interface.
posted by probablysteve at 11:52 AM on September 1, 2005

Price list.
If the spa's policy allows, you should tip 15-20% of the price of each treatment individually. Even though the treatments may cost less than the listed price when you get a package, you should still tip as if you were paying full price. (Similar to when you use a coupon, you should tip as if you were paying full price).
Have a great time! That place looks amazing!!
posted by nprigoda at 12:40 PM on September 1, 2005

Cool, thanks everyone.

And thanks nprigoda - we think the same. It's not the type of thing (spa treatments) we'd usually go for, but this occasion seems to beg for it. :)
posted by tr33hggr at 1:08 PM on September 1, 2005

I did a spa day a few months ago and gave $10 for each service. According to what people are posting here, though, this might not have been enough. I thought you were supposed to tip per service, and not per the amount the service cost. Giving a $10 tip for less than an hour of work is, I think, adequate.
posted by elisabeth r at 1:14 PM on September 1, 2005