Devaluation of the IHG Diamond breakfast benefit in North America

[Mattg]

I've noticed at a few hotels lately in North America that the breakfast voucher they give as the Diamond welcome amenity says "gratuity not included".

I don't know if IHG intended for this to be the case, but at a Holiday Inn I recently stayed at in Mexico, the server brought me a bill as I was leaving the breakfast area. The bill was for $0 but I still had to write my name, room number and sign it. There was also a field on the bill to enter a tip amount, and the server had stamped "service not included" onto the bill then stood over me and watched while I signed it.

I wasn't expecting this and found it quite jarring, to be honest. I don't feel like I should have to leave a tip on a "free" breakfast. Then it's not really free, is it?

This is the first time I've been pressured into tipping when using the Diamond breakfast benefit at an IHG hotel after hundreds of stays. On one other occasion at a Holiday Inn in South Africa, I was asked to sign a receipt that had a "tip" field but I just left that blank and it wasn't an issue.

Anyone else noticed this?

 

[kpc]

You are still expected to tip a few dollars for "free" breakfast in the US...it is a joke tbh!

 

[drron]

I have had the same happen to me at marriott and hilton properties in the US and our last visit was 2019.

try south Africa. at an airport restaurant the server who as little as possible was very severe on me as I wrote no tip on the CC invoice. So I just rounded up to the next 10.
But tonight at another JNB restaurant had a reallygreat server and he didn't pressure me at all so he got a 20% tip plus told the manager how good he was.

 

[DC3]

You are still expected to tip a few dollars for "free" breakfast in the US

 

[serfty]

You are still expected to tip a few dollars for "free" breakfast in the US...it is a joke tbh!

I did not realise this until having Diamond free breakfast with some local friends about 20 years ago at the Hilton EWR. I was taken aback when they each left $2 on the table as we got up to leave.

 

[serfty]

Interestingly, if you are Hyatt Globalist you get free breakfast - the WoH T&C's specifically state that the gratuity is included with this benefit. i.e. you are not expected to tip (although reports are some places still encourage you to do so).

When staying at a participating hotel or resort that does not have a Club lounge (or if Club lounge is closed), Globalists will receive daily complimentary full breakfast (which includes one entrée or standard breakfast buffet, juice, and coffee, as well as tax, gratuity and service charges) for each registered guest in the room, ...

https://www.hyatt.com/help/terms/world-of-hyatt#VC

 

[muppet]

I tip at breakfast if I’m served (at least coffee or OJ). If it’s a buffet and I’ve had to do it all, I don’t tip. I do wonder why I’m presented with a bill for $0… seems for no reason other than to seek a tip for doing nothing.

 

[Aeryn]

I notice that Americans also tip the bartender and waiters in airport lounges like the SOHO at JFK where the drinks and meals are also free.

 

[DC3]

I tip at breakfast if I’m served

 

[DC3]

I did not realise this until having Diamond free breakfast with some local friends about 20 years ago at the Hilton EWR. I was taken aback when they each left $2 on the table as we got up to leave.

I recall having a diamond breakfast at Palm Springs at around that time. A really good breakfast and added a tip for the server.