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Made in us
Shadowy Grot Kommittee Memba




The Great State of New Jersey

 gorgon wrote:
Eh, I'm Gen X and tipped 20% when no millennials were even of legal drinking age. I think the 15-18% rule and such go back another generation or two. Millennials try to take credit for everything, LOL.

I also think there are slight regional variations with tipping. Around bigger metro areas you'll see much better tips. Out in the sticks you could see more 15-18% tip culture. But I'd never tip as low as 15% unless the waitperson themselves really fethed up my meal and then laughed about it or something, LOL. They rely on those tips, and if there's a problem with the kitchen, etc. it's not their fault. Basically just be generous, and if the restaurant was a bad experience, don't go back.


I dunno, its just based on my personal experience. My parents (boomers, though 70s/80s era immigrants to the US) tipped 15% as a fairly hard rule unless it was really good service they might give a bit more. Some of my older Gen X era friends generally tip 18%. Everyone in my own age range tips 20% or more.

Eating at a sit-down spot, for me, is usually something I'm doing by myself while trying to get something done while out




YOU ABSOLUTE SOCIOPATH!


CoALabaer wrote:
Wargamers hate two things: the state of the game and change.
 
   
Made in us
Ollanius Pius - Savior of the Emperor






Gathering the Informations.

I can't get some stuff done while at home or around people, so...done while out at a sitdown spot is the way to go!

ADDITIONALLY!
MDG? Don't use UberEats, GrubHub, or any of that kind of stuff. Inquire if the place you're staying at does so for any food deliveries.

There's been an...interesting issue here in the US with those kinds of food delivery apps creating a "menu" and website for places that don't actually offer delivery, then charging the places for it when they get forced into using the app. My brother works for a burger joint that had this happen to them, and it's been a flipping nightmare to get it all sorted out because the place gets calls about how poor their food was when delivered etc.
   
Made in us
Shadowy Grot Kommittee Memba




The Great State of New Jersey

Seconding that, for a while the problem was particularly bad in NYC, not sure if thats still the case. A lot of the ordering options are also ghost kitchens of questionable quality.

CoALabaer wrote:
Wargamers hate two things: the state of the game and change.
 
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






Given I am going on my Jack Jones, would I need to tip a bit more generously, given I’ll be spending less, but still taking up at least a two seater table?


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Also, are there any oddities in law I should be aware of?

I kind of know about jaywalking (cross at proper crossing being the way to sort those out before they happen).

I ask because the police have better things to do with their time than have to bother with my ignorance.

I’ve already decided to smoke straights rather than roll ups (if I’ve not quite by then) lest my ciggie be confused with Devil’s Lettuce.

I’d of course be happy to fully cooperate with the police should something occur, but I’d rather both parties have as little reason as possible to interact.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2021/10/21 13:28:46


   
Made in us
Shadowy Grot Kommittee Memba




The Great State of New Jersey

Jack Jones? I'm guessing from context maybe that means by yourself?

Nah, you'll be fine, the expectation at a sit down restaurant is that you tip a percentage of your bill, while servers have a love/hate relationship with large tables/parties because they can pull a few hundred in tips just from that one table, I've never once seen/heard a server complain about a table of one. Granted if its a really really busy service (i.e. the place is packed and theres a long wait time to get in) you dining on your lonesome is technically lost income for the server, so if you're feeling conscientious tossing a few extra bucks in won't hurt, but its certainly not expected.

Also, are there any oddities in law I should be aware of?

I kind of know about jaywalking (cross at proper crossing being the way to sort those out before they happen).

I ask because the police have better things to do with their time than have to bother with my ignorance.

I’ve already decided to smoke straights rather than roll ups (if I’ve not quite by then) lest my ciggie be confused with Devil’s Lettuce.

I’d of course be happy to fully cooperate with the police should something occur, but I’d rather both parties have as little reason as possible to interact.


Not really. Just don't smoke indoors or within ~20ft of the entrance to a building, avoid littering, and don't drink in public (i.e. don't walk down the street with a beer/cocktail). Even the jaywalking thing is kind of a nonfactor, people do it all the time, the only time you will get slapped for it is towards the end of the month when cops need to make their quota, and even then its really only used as an excuse/probable cause to hit you if they suspect that you're intoxicated or if you're acting like an ass but not dong anything else overtly illegal, etc. Another one you'll absolutely never get hit for is wearing slippers in public after 10pm (I believe its an anti-homeless law, still on the books, doubt its been enforced in the past 10 years). Its also illegal for elevator passengers to speak to one another Oh, also "cocking a snook" is illegal in NYC . Flirting is also a fineable offense ($25). Again, very doubtful any of these laws are enforced.

CoALabaer wrote:
Wargamers hate two things: the state of the game and change.
 
   
Made in ca
Hangin' with Gork & Mork






I don't recall seeing it mentioned before but the listed price of things is not the actual price. Sales is not included in the listed price. This is food as well at restaraunts.

There is an American Gundam action figure with Freedom™ accessories and is listed as $20 it will be $22 when go to buy it.

(made up numbers as tax % varies from state to state)

Amidst the mists and coldest frosts he thrusts his fists against the posts and still insists he sees the ghosts.
 
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






Just booking the trip now, so I am hella excited!

Being sensible and booking a private airport transport transfer. Removes much of the possibility of getting ripped off/mugged/kidnapped etc.

Arriving late June, home 3rd July. Gives me plenty of time and opportunity to book visits and sight seeing in the coming months.

Definitely doing the Statue of Liberty. Booked that before, so know what I’m doing there!

   
Made in us
Terrifying Doombull




 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Just booking the trip now, so I am hella excited!

Being sensible and booking a private airport transport transfer. Removes much of the possibility of getting ripped off/mugged/kidnapped etc.


A whatnow? That sounds like it creates the possibility of getting ripped off, mugged or kidnapped.
Just... get a cab or take the subway. Or a hotel shuttle.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2021/11/25 18:10:56


Efficiency is the highest virtue. 
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






Car already booked, through what I trust is a reputable service.

If not, I shall burp in their face.

   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






Another question on tipping.

What is a reasonable amount to tip the hotel’s housekeeping?

The place I’m booked at only does housekeeping a couple of times a week due to pandemic, which is fair enough.

Given they’ll sooner or later be changing my manky* sheets, and sadly housekeeping doesn’t tend to pay that well? Should I budget say five bucks a night, and leave it in tranches for when they are sent round? Because it’s not their fault their services are less required due to plague.

*I’m speaking figuratively for amusement. Even my own sheets at home (Egyptian cotton, thank you very much!) aren’t at all manky and are regularly laundered!)

   
Made in us
Daemonic Dreadnought





Eye of Terror

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Another question on tipping.

What is a reasonable amount to tip the hotel’s housekeeping?

The place I’m booked at only does housekeeping a couple of times a week due to pandemic, which is fair enough.

Given they’ll sooner or later be changing my manky* sheets, and sadly housekeeping doesn’t tend to pay that well? Should I budget say five bucks a night, and leave it in tranches for when they are sent round? Because it’s not their fault their services are less required due to plague.

*I’m speaking figuratively for amusement. Even my own sheets at home (Egyptian cotton, thank you very much!) aren’t at all manky and are regularly laundered!)


The times I've tried to leave a tip for housekeeping in NYC, the money was still there when I got back.

I think the practice is discouraged in most hotels.

   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






Interesting.

Mayhap the best tactic is to politely approach the housekeepers, and give them the bills? Discreetly like.

   
Made in au
Grizzled Space Wolves Great Wolf





 techsoldaten wrote:
 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Another question on tipping.

What is a reasonable amount to tip the hotel’s housekeeping?

The place I’m booked at only does housekeeping a couple of times a week due to pandemic, which is fair enough.

Given they’ll sooner or later be changing my manky* sheets, and sadly housekeeping doesn’t tend to pay that well? Should I budget say five bucks a night, and leave it in tranches for when they are sent round? Because it’s not their fault their services are less required due to plague.

*I’m speaking figuratively for amusement. Even my own sheets at home (Egyptian cotton, thank you very much!) aren’t at all manky and are regularly laundered!)


The times I've tried to leave a tip for housekeeping in NYC, the money was still there when I got back.

I think the practice is discouraged in most hotels.


Is it just an NYC thing? Coz I don't recall that happening anywhere I stayed, but I never stayed in an NYC hotel.

Typically just leave a couple of bucks on the pillow for the cleaning staff, if they're not doing daily cleaning I don't know what the etiquette would be, whether to save it up or still just leave a couple of bucks, dunno.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Interesting.

Mayhap the best tactic is to politely approach the housekeepers, and give them the bills? Discreetly like.


But then you wouldn't know if you're actually giving it to the person cleaning your room?

That's why you usually tip each day, because it could be a different person from one day to the next. If they're not cleaning every day then I dunno.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2022/01/09 23:29:02


 
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






That’s fair enough.

Also really fancy getting another Tattoo when I’m out there. A pleasing permanent memento of my first international trip in aaaages.

Any ink Dakkanauts able to recommend a studio?

   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






ESTA applied for. Given how we’ve lived these past two years, this is a slightly surreal experience.

Really looking forward to this break.

   
Made in us
Daemonic Dreadnought





Eye of Terror

AllSeeingSkink wrote:
 techsoldaten wrote:
The times I've tried to leave a tip for housekeeping in NYC, the money was still there when I got back.

I think the practice is discouraged in most hotels.


Is it just an NYC thing? Coz I don't recall that happening anywhere I stayed, but I never stayed in an NYC hotel.

Typically just leave a couple of bucks on the pillow for the cleaning staff, if they're not doing daily cleaning I don't know what the etiquette would be, whether to save it up or still just leave a couple of bucks, dunno.

I'd describe it as an everywhere thing. Tipping cleaning staff appears to be the exception these days. I get the feeling they leave the money out of fear of being accused of stealing.

Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:ESTA applied for. Given how we’ve lived these past two years, this is a slightly surreal experience.

Really looking forward to this break.

Keep us updated on your trip.

Sadly, I don't have a tattoo parlor to point you at. But I hope the advice I've shared proves useful.

   
Made in us
Ollanius Pius - Savior of the Emperor






Gathering the Informations.

Could always try leaving the money in an envelope labeled "For Housekeeping Staff" or just asking the hotel itself?
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






Think I’ll do the latter, then the former if told not to tip them!

ESTA all approved, there’ll be nothing to stop us this time.

   
Made in in
[MOD]
Otiose in a Niche






Hyderabad, India

Got your jabs? Scheduled your COVID test?

 
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






Triple vaccinated. Trip isn’t until June all will follow the relevant guidance.

   
Made in in
[MOD]
Otiose in a Niche






Hyderabad, India

Saint Marks Place (8th street and 2nd avenue) has some good tattoo parlors. Or at least it used to. Who knows. They may all be sushi bars now.

 
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






Shopping tips…

I will of course be getting souvenirs for my friends, and we’re all kind of into tacky home accessories.

Tacky is of course somewhat subjective, but if anyone can recommend any stores or chains, I’ll do a dedicated Quest For Tat shopping day.

   
Made in us
Legendary Master of the Chapter





SoCal

What do you mean by home accessories?

   
Made in in
[MOD]
Otiose in a Niche






Hyderabad, India

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Shopping tips…

I will of course be getting souvenirs for my friends, and we’re all kind of into tacky home accessories.

Tacky is of course somewhat subjective, but if anyone can recommend any stores or chains, I’ll do a dedicated Quest For Tat shopping day.


Tacky souvenir shops are everywhere around Times Square and the Empire State Building, try walking a block or two off of the major sites and prices may drop by 50%

 
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






 BobtheInquisitor wrote:
What do you mean by home accessories?


Gonks, Gnomes, Lampshades. Chintz, tat, treasures. Knick-knacks etc.

   
Made in us
Shadowy Grot Kommittee Memba




The Great State of New Jersey

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
That’s fair enough.

Also really fancy getting another Tattoo when I’m out there. A pleasing permanent memento of my first international trip in aaaages.

Any ink Dakkanauts able to recommend a studio?


Can't really recommend anywhere in NYC proper, grossly overpriced for what you get, and anyone thats actually good at it has months-long waitlists to get into their chairs (in addition to being 3-4x more expensive than what you would pay for similar quality on Long Island, NJ, or upstate New York).

 Kid_Kyoto wrote:
 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
Shopping tips…
I will of course be getting souvenirs for my friends, and we’re all kind of into tacky home accessories.
Tacky is of course somewhat subjective, but if anyone can recommend any stores or chains, I’ll do a dedicated Quest For Tat shopping day.

Tacky souvenir shops are everywhere around Times Square and the Empire State Building, try walking a block or two off of the major sites and prices may drop by 50%


This. You might find some good tacky crap down by Canal Street too - Got a missus? You can get her a nice Coach or Gucci handbag for 95% off, of course it might be spelled Coech or Guchi, but you can't beat prices like that. And who could say no to a $15 dollar Rolex (or maybe "Rollex") watch? Some (overpriced) souvenirs and such to be had down by the world trade center as well. In general if you're anywhere near Time Square, Madison Square Garden, or in the theatrical areas of Broadway you'll find lots of dollar stores and chintzy goods dealers selling all manner of dumb gak to spend your money on.

CoALabaer wrote:
Wargamers hate two things: the state of the game and change.
 
   
Made in us
Legendary Master of the Chapter





SoCal

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
 BobtheInquisitor wrote:
What do you mean by home accessories?


Gonks, Gnomes, Lampshades. Chintz, tat, treasures. Knick-knacks etc.


Ah, I think I understand. In New York, you’d call them tchotchkes, pronounced “chawtch keys”.

If you’re in Manhattan, you can buy them everywhere. Central Park street vendors had a fun selection of weird, tacky stuff, if I recall.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2022/04/12 03:35:27


   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






That’s a bloody good word that! I like it!

   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






Not long to go now.

Proper proper planning is well under way. Tickets booked for Bettlejuice on Broadway, and a table booked at the Beetle House restaurant. Also decided I’m doing a $115 all you can eat, cooked to order Lobster Buffet.

Fully intend to visit the Ghostbuster’s Firehouse, with the hope of at least getting to see the Pole, maybe have a pretend “me at the bottom of it” go - as I suspect Elven Safety will prevent a proper slide down it.

Statue of Liberty and Coney Island are also an absolute must, because they are. May do Empire State Building, definitely doing Ground Zero, given the impact of that horrific event continues to affect our day to day lives.

   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






Getting hype now, as in four weeks I’ll already be in New York. I may even have developed a Bronx accent. Who can tell.

In terms of prep I’m there, barring the £115 (ouch) PCR Test, on account the negative result needs to be no more than 24 hours old. NHS App confirming triple vaccination downloaded and ready to go.

I could probably do with getting some Dollars ordered, as I suspect I may get a better exchange rate that way, which will allow me to tip cash (call me suspicious of the human condition, but I’d like to make sure my server gets the dosh, and it doesn’t disappear into the pocket of the business owner).

For tips, I’m thinking a mix of $1, $5 and $10 bills? For those who’ve been following this rather self indulgent thread, you’ll know I’m keen not to be seen as a bad customer, in case I visit a place more than once. I figure those offer the most flexibility. Plus I guess it’s always good to have some literal pocket money for lower value purchases, so I’m not paying fees on my debit card. Also I do wonder how many Bodegas and that won’t accept low value card purchases.

   
 
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