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Do You Always Let the Hotel Bellman Take Your Bags?

June 19, 2009 at 4:35 PM | by Jenna | 6 Comments

Not too long ago, we were staying in a hotel for one night and showed up with a miraculously light load of nighttime supplies. All we had was a teensy wheelie bag, one of the airplane-cabin-friendly kinds that were small enough to fit in the overhead compartment. 'Twas a load of luggage that we were perfectly capable of handling by our perfectly capable selves — but as we checked in, the bellman whisked it away from us and ran off into the night. Er, ran off into the elevator. Or, worse, stood there with us before accompanying us up the elevator to our room.

And then we have to tip them.

What are we supposed to do, though? Do we just stand there and let them take our bags? Or are we the only people on this earth who are too awkward or flustered to stop the staffers from doing jobs that we are clearly capable of doing ourselves? Are there people who never, ever let the hotel staffers anywhere near their luggage?

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[Photo: Digiart2001]

6 Comments

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  1. juliana

    HotelChatter Editor

    noooo

    it makes me so uncomfortable but that's bc i stay in hotels all the time. still, my theory is if i managed to put my carryon luggage in the overhead bin then i can carry it up to my room.
    June 19, 2009 at 5:31 PM
    #Permalink

  1. abellman

    HotelChatter Member

    This bellman always asks first.

    I could probably be more aggressive, but it's just not in my nature. If someone is perfectly capable of carrying their own stuff, then I give them the space to do that. I always offer assistance because even a traveler with only one small briefcase sometimes wants help, but I'm never grabby.
    June 20, 2009 at 1:10 AM
    #Permalink

  1. JetSetCD

    HotelChatter Contributing Editor

    only if i feel fancy

    Usually I'm only out with a small carryon, but if it's a lengthy trip with two checked bags and I've just gotten off of a long flight and made my way to the hotel, then extra hands are welcome. This is very rare for me, however. Or you know, if I'm feeling fancy.
    June 21, 2009 at 12:47 PM
    #Permalink

  1. zeverson

    HotelChatter Member

    Sometimes

    If it's an expensive hotel and I don't want to come across as cheap.
    June 21, 2009 at 2:10 PM
    #Permalink

  1. Jasonhiex

    HotelChatter Member

    Not always

    I don't always let them. A posh hotel I usually do though - like was said above, I don't want to seem cheap! Jason
    Cheltenham hotel manager
    July 13, 2009 at 4:23 AM
    #Permalink

  1. tellsthetruth

    HotelChatter Member

    Savvy or needy

    If you have loads of luggage yes you should utilize the bellman - if you are a savvy travelor who has one bag - your choice; the bellman's job is also to inform you of all the amenities the hotel has to offer and where things are located ie. sundries, ice, restaurant, meeting rooms, etc.  so if you are a needy travelor you should use the bellman and listen to him and please leave a tip.
    September 1, 2009 at 8:36 AM
    #Permalink

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