Tipping fatigue: When even booking a hotel feels like a tip fest

Tipping has become so common that it's now expected even when booking a hotel online. This has left many travelers frustrated and questioning why they should tip a website.

The Frustration with Online Tipping

People are used to tipping hotel staff for their help, but tipping a website for finding a good deal feels wrong. Some travelers have even shared screenshots of these tipping prompts online, sparking a heated debate.

The website asks for tips, saying it helps them find better travel deals. But many travelers argue that these sites already make money from booking commissions, so why should they pay extra?

Travelers' Reactions

• Some refuse to tip and even pay more elsewhere to avoid it.
• Others joke about the absurdity of tipping a website, calling it a scam.
• A few suggest that tipping should be regulated to prevent such practices.

Not Everyone is Upset

Some see the option to tip as just that—an option—and choose to ignore it. They argue that if you don't want to tip, just click "no" and move on.

The Broader Issue of Tipping

This isn't the first time hotels have pushed tipping. Some have added QR codes in rooms and on key cards, making it easier for guests to tip staff. While tipping real people is generally accepted, tipping a website feels different.

Many believe that employers should pay their staff fair wages instead of relying on tips. They argue that tipping should not be used to make up for low wages.

The Decline in Tipping

In recent years, Americans have been tipping less in restaurants, showing a growing tiredness with constant tipping. This trend might be spreading to other services, like hotel bookings.