A bellboy, also known as a bellhop, messenger boy, page boy, doorman, or porter, helps hotel guests with their luggage and may hail taxis, open doors, or perform errands. Tipping customs vary by country. Bellboys historically were young men, but now both men and women hold the position. Experienced employees typically provide better service.
A bellboy is a person who helps hotel guests with their luggage, possibly by taking them to the reception or hotel room. He or she may also hail taxis, help a person check out of a hotel, or open doors for hotel patrons. This person may also be called a bellhop, messenger boy, page boy, doorman, or doorman, or porter. Bellboy and doorman are often the preferred terms since they are not masculine or feminine.
The term is short for “bellboy” and comes from a time when many hotels had bells that a patron would ring to obtain service. Of course, good service was implied if an errand boy threw himself into the task of assisting the patron. One often sees these service people today waiting outside the hotel doors to welcome guests and help carry their luggage to hotels. He often wears a fairly smart uniform, making him easily distinguishable from the rest of the staff.
In some cases, a bellboy may also act as a bellhop for guests. This can include simple errands like fetching some stamps or a toothbrush from the hotel guest shop. Alternatively, in full-service hotels, the person might perform more specific errands such as picking up dry cleaning.
In the United States it is customary to tip the bellboy performing a service. This is usually a tip of $1 to $5 in United States Dollars (USD), depending on the amount of service provided. When a bellhop is super helpful carrying luggage upstairs or downstairs and answering questions about the hotel, tips should be bigger. However, if he or she simply signals a cab for someone, they could be rewarded with $1 USD.
It’s a good idea to check with local customs in other countries regarding tipping the bellboy. In some countries a tip may be welcome, but in others it is considered an insult.
The bellboy may also perform services such as giving basic directions, but most often work for the purpose of helping customers enter or exit a hotel with luggage. Often, the front desk is a better place to get directions or information about an area than the bellman, who can get quite busy, especially when large numbers of guests are checking in or out.
Historically, very young men often held bellboy positions in hotels before moving on to positions of greater responsibility and service. The same is not true today. Many of these positions are held by women and by men and women who have been in the same job for a long time. Typically, better service comes from the more experienced employee.
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