Going, how many people are going to be with you on your vacation? What size is the condo?

If the only remuneration that the maid will receive is what you tip then that's a very suspect deal in my opinion. It's irrelevant how many people are staying at the condo. If the owner/agent wants to stipulate maid service in the rental agreement than that should be clearly stated in writing and agreed to by both parties. A tipping suggestion can be made but the provided service should be paid for by the owner/agent, not by the renter as a non-contractual addition. It doesn't sound right and I'd suggest getting everything in writing with more specifics. Get it all sorted out and have a wonderful vacation. Cheers!

STT - This is not a typical situation on the island? I had inquired about the need to book the maid ahead of time, or if I could just call during the vacation and schedule it at that point if needed. The manager of the rental said she would have the maid come by daily and I should just tip her directly. Now I am a little nervous. It is a well known agent and condo unit. I find it hatd to believe they would risk their business reputation, but I don't want anything to end up "missing" while we are on vaction......

Connie - there are 4 of us. 2 adults and 2 kids (15, 10). I plan to make breakfast in for the most part, but dine out for the rest of the time. There is a dishwasher and I plan to do my own dishes. I am guessing the maid would just sweep and tidy the bathrooms?

To the best of my knowledge it's not unusual to have pre-arranged maid service (you'd have the same in a hotel, after all) but the confusing part is that you say, "I was told my tip is all the renumeration she would recieve." Maybe you misinterpreted/misheard because that DOES sound odd and I think it would raise a question for most. Check back with the management company rep and get clarification to put your mind at rest. Cheers!

Going, if you don't feel that you need maid service, then decline it. Tell the management company you're not interested.

To tell you the truth, we don't like maid service during the week. We aren't in the condo/villa alot and when I'm on vacation, I really don't care to even be cleaning myself.

I don't like having to be around when a maid is there and i don't like a maid being there when i'm not around. Make sense?

I wanted to add that if maid service is offered, I would feel I would have to clean up myself before they came, so what's the point?

My take was that the daily maid service was not included in the rental, the renter asked for it and the manager said he could arrange it but the renter would have to pay the cleaning person directly.

Linda J:

Well said! That was my thought as well. You win the critical reading gold star award! 😎

Mountain Runner

Well, yes I did inquire about it. It was NOT part of the original rental agreement. However, my tip is the only payment the maid will receive. I typically leave $5/day at the hotel for my family of 4. However, that would be only $35 for the week for this person. Is that sufficient or is it cheap? I don't want to go overboard, but I know the residents depend heavily on tipping. Just wondering what anyone thought would be the "proper" amount.

That's still what sounds odd. Tipping is tipping, remuneration is remuneration. $35 would be nowhere near enough for a week of daily service. Please do check back with the management company for clarification. Cheers!

A daily "tidy up" could get pretty expensive. I still think if you don't think you need it, turn it down.

I would decline any maid service. I don't need someone to make my bed or take out my trash when I am renting a condo/villa.

I think that a reasonable tipping rate for housekeeping services are the suggested rates on cruise ships. The last time I was on one the suggested rate was $3.50 per day per person. This works out to $49.00 per 7 days for 2 people. When we have excellent service as we do when we stay at Cottages by the Sea, we'll add about another $25.00

Here's how it works for villas. Most villas (not all) are paid to do a mid-service cleaning (this comes with the rental). If the guests request more cleanings the fee is: $50 per visit for 1-2 bedrooms, $75 for 3 bedrooms, $100 for 4 bedrooms and up with a $10 fee for roll away or sofa beds. This fee for extra cleaning requested by you is to be paid BY you, directly to the maid. Tipping is recommended at $30 to $40 dollars to each housekeeper if you are happy with your service!
Maid service is hotel type cleaning and includes changing/making beds, cleaning the bathroom and tidying up!

Goingback, What I would first want to know, is what is INCLUDED with your rental. Does the maid come daily, once per week, or not at all. If the rental does not provide maid service during your stay, then you should pay the maid directly $50 per visit plus tip!
Hope this helps! 🙂