I don't like washroom attendants either. Obviously they're people, and they deserve common decency, but I find the whole idea quite strange. I believe that this custom evolved from the days of having a butler or ladies maid to take care of guests before they entered a party or dinner in the days when people traveled by coach, may be quite dusty or wind blown from the road. The help would brush dust from coats, provide a brush, hair pins, and inspect your clothes which were very complex, for wrinkles and if they found a tear even make the repair for you. This was service and tipping would have been insulting as they were paid by the host, in order to help guests feel at ease and look their best. I believe this was still common in good society in 1910. In these times, considering modern wash and wear clothing, modern transportation, and the very limited services they offer - they aren't really necessary.
If you use any of their products or their assistance, you should tip. If you have to take a towel from them because they're holding them hostage, I don't consider that worthy of a tip either. I find a polite "no thank you" is adequate to avoid having to tip them.
Is it normal to hate the bathroom guy!!
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I don't like washroom attendants either. Obviously they're people, and they deserve common decency, but I find the whole idea quite strange. I believe that this custom evolved from the days of having a butler or ladies maid to take care of guests before they entered a party or dinner in the days when people traveled by coach, may be quite dusty or wind blown from the road. The help would brush dust from coats, provide a brush, hair pins, and inspect your clothes which were very complex, for wrinkles and if they found a tear even make the repair for you. This was service and tipping would have been insulting as they were paid by the host, in order to help guests feel at ease and look their best. I believe this was still common in good society in 1910. In these times, considering modern wash and wear clothing, modern transportation, and the very limited services they offer - they aren't really necessary.
If you use any of their products or their assistance, you should tip. If you have to take a towel from them because they're holding them hostage, I don't consider that worthy of a tip either. I find a polite "no thank you" is adequate to avoid having to tip them.