tipping house keeping at motels?

It is incorrect that housekeeping staff in the US will think you are European or not know what to do with a tip. They will think you are AWESOME. Housekeepers don't make very much money and they really appreciate it when you tell them they are doing a good job by leaving a tip. Many hotels and motels provide a little tip envelope, but if they don't, just leave it with the note that tells you your housekeeper's name or write your own note so they know it is for them and not some money you accidentally left.

Customary tipping says 20% but that is a lot for a hotel room over a week. I usually leave $2-$5 per night unless it is a big room and I've been really messy. Then I might leave a full 20%.

Be kind to those who serve you! They will be kind back. :-)

I'm not sure I understand your edit, but what would be the difference? A housekeeper working at a motel will probably be making less than one at a hotel and so would probably appreciate the tip even more. When we stay in motels (which we do a lot b/c DH is in the Army), we still leave $2-$5 per night

Despite what some have said, it IS appropriate to leave a gratuity for the cleaning staff at a motel or hotel...in America or anyplace else. At a minimum, I will leave $1 or $2 per person per night stayed. As always, any special effort on their part should be further rewarded on my part. It should be left on the day that you check out. It is typically left in the room with a very short note of thanks; but it can be placed in an envelope and left at the front desk.

Oh, me.

I'm a Tipping Freak.

I don't use motels, etc., but I'd hope to leave a few-several dollars per night. I figure it like this: it's less than treating someone to a drink & feels just as friendly. I like to support my support staff, no matter that they're not "my" staff. They're still there for me & mine.

I just heard this answered on a radio program by an etiquette expert. Tips should be given daily rather than weekly to make sure you're tipping the person who actually attended to your room. She suggested only one or two dollars per day. Good luck.

3 buck a night & whatever beers that are left over.

Never in America. Expected in Europe provided they made your bed every day -- 5 to 10 euro for a week's upkeeping upon check-out day. Maybe the Americans think you are European, or they are supposed to turn the money into the front desk.

I've never tipped at a hotel before and never heard of anyone doing it.

I wasn't aware you were supposed to tip the maids.