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For people who are unaware of the custom and etiquette of tipping hotal and motel housekeeping / maid staff in the U.S., may I suggest a quick Google (or similar) search on something like .... tipping hotel . . . or tipping hotel housekeeping.
You'll probably find quite a variety of pages, and the info is generally along the lines of "tip $1 or $2 a day." A few sites say as much as $5 a day, but in my estimation that amount would be appropriate in a true luxury hotel / motel / resort, not in the ordinary Holiday Inns, Days Inns, Hiltons, Sheratons, Hyatts and so on that most business or pleasure travelers use.
At least one site said to leave the tip on the pillow, but I usually leave it on the desk or on a table with a note saying "Housekeeping - Thank you."
I've been amazed at the number of colleagues who were not aware of this custom / etiquette. For several years now, if there are new staff coming along on a trip, I'll try to mention in passing that I need to be sure to have a dollar or two on me to leave for the maid. This sometimes gets a comment or question, and gives me a chance to educate (not to insist, just to educate).
Oh, and as far as housekeeping staff who are "legally retarded" -- I prefer saying "people with mental retardation" if it is even necessary to do so -- gee, they are doing the job, and I'll bet they appreciate the money and the thanks!
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