Our columnist on whether a reader should leave a tip for staff when she stays at her friend’s villa.
A few years ago, an old friend of mine married for the second time and has a very wealthy husband.
They own a large villa in Spain with a cook, gardeners and a housekeeper. They have invited me to stay for New Year.
Another friend says I should leave a tip in my bedroom for the staff who have looked after me. Really?
Hard to say. A couple I am close to live in the South of France. They have a cleaning lady twice a week, and the wife always says to guests: "It would be nice if you left a little something for Monique."
Interestingly, years ago, when Michael Foot was leader of the Labour Party, his wife, the filmmaker Jill Craigie, told me that when they stayed at Windsor Castle they received gentle guidance to leave a thank-you tip.
Why not ask?
Your friend might say, "Don’t be ridiculous."
Or alternatively: "Yes please, 30 euros would do the trick."
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