I tip the shuttle drivers and bartender fairly well at my usual SFO hotel. They all know me (I stay there enough!) and give me great service. I had one guy though who had an attitude and I gave him nothing. I never saw him again, so I guess he didn't last. A couple of weeks ago, the Blue Angels were at the bar (after their last show of course!) and I bought a round of drinks for them and their wives and girlfriends. Set me back a few bucks, OUCH!, but my father, an ex-Navy man, would have been proud of his little girl for buying a round for the boys in blue. The bartender got a fat tip as well. I think I'm his new best friend...LOL...hope he doesn't expect that all the time though!

If times are lean though, one shouldn't stress out over tipping. Give what you can, and if you can't, a kind word will be appreciated. I waited tables when I was young and could pick up on little signs if a person was struggling financially, but a kind person.