Marriott is rolling out a new feature in its mobile app, which is sure to be controversial. I can’t decide whether to be annoyed at the implications, or just accept that if I’m going to have to tip, making it easy is good.
At the same time, I think that in-app tipping is almost just a way to catch up with the times, and a logical development:
- Many hotels already have QR codes or envelopes in rooms so that you can tip housekeeping, so this would just be another way to facilitate that
- There are hotel employees in the United States who do generally expect tips, so making it easier to tip those people seems like a positive (again, for those who intend to tip)
- I’m also really frustrated nowadays when trying to tip in cash, by the lack of change at hotels; often the hotel front desk doesn’t have change for a $20, and the shuttle bus driver can’t break a $20 either
So yeah, my real feelings on this depend on the execution, so that’s why I’d love to hear any firsthand experiences.
I certainly don’t love the precedent this sets, and the potential increase in the number of employees who will solicit tips. At the same time, it does seem there should be better options in place for facilitating tipping, in situations where guests want to.
But yeah, we’re talking about Marriott here, so… I’m skeptical. I just picture a world where name tags are replaced by tipping QR codes.
What do you make of Marriott’s new in-app digital tipping?