Just the other day, I ordered room service during my stay at a U.S. chain hotel in Latin America. Before placing my order, I followed my usual protocol of carefully reading the small print on the menu to see what service charges were included. I noted that a 15 percent delivery fee would be added to the bill, which I automatically assumed would cover any tip.
However, when my nice waiter arrived and delivered my food, I experienced the awkward linger and the giveaway sentence of, “Is there anything else I can do for you, ma'am?” Then I knew a tip was expected. Regrettably, I ran out of small notes in my wallet and there was no space on my bill to add a tip, so I just looked at him and sadly replied no. I could tell he was disappointed as he closed my door and left.
