Marriott Begins “The Envelope Please” Initiative to Encourage Tips for Housekeepers

The company will place envelopes encouraging tips in 160,000 hotel rooms

September 15, 2014 9:42 a.m.

Bethesda-based Marriott International is starting a new initiative this week it hopes will draw more attention to the room-service attendants that provide turn down service and clean its hotel rooms.

The hotel chain has partnered with the woman’s advocacy group A Woman’s Nation to place envelopes in more than 160,000 hotel rooms that encourage guests to leave a tip or note of thanks to hotel room attendants.

“Marriott is proud to support [this initiative] to shine a light on the excellent behind-the-scenes work our room attendants do day in and day out,” said Arne Sorenson, president and CEO of Marriott International, in a statement. “Room attendants are the largest employee group within Marriott International and the heart of the house.”

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Sorenson told The Washington Post that hotel guests frequently tip a bellman or wait staff, but often don’t tip the company’s more than 20,000 housekeepers because guests don’t see or interact with them.

The American Hotel and Lodging Association suggests guests leave a $1 to $5 tip for housekeepers per night.

The advocacy group A Woman’s Nation was founded by former California first lady Maria Shriver in 2011 and works to make sure “the value of women is recognized and respected,” according to its website.

Shriver said “The Envelope Please” initiative came about after her discussions with hotel housekeepers, who told her they are often forgotten when it comes to tipping, according to a statement.

On average, housekeepers earn less than $10 per hour, according to U.S. Bureau and Labor Statistics.

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Marriott's headquarters is located on Fernwood Road, near Walter Johnson High School, in Bethesda.

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