Frommer's Las Vegas 2004

52
CHAPTER 3 . FOR INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
New York City (EST); 2pm in Chicago (CST), and 1pm in Denver (MST).
Nevada, like most of the rest of the United States (but not all of it),
observes daylight savings time from 1am on the first Sunday in April
through 1am on the last Sunday in October. Daylight savings time moves
the clock 1 hour ahead of standard time. This results in lovely, long summer
evenings, when the sun sets as late as 8:30 or 9pm.
Tipping Tipping is so ingrained in the American way of life that the annual
income tax of tip-earning service personnel is based on how much they
should have received in light of their employers’ gross revenues. Accordingly,
they may have to pay tax on a tip you didn’t actually give them.
Here are some rules of thumb:
In hotels, tip bellhops at least $1 per bag ($2–$3 per bag if you have a
lot of luggage) and tip the chamber staff $1 to $2 per day (more if you’ve
left a disaster area for him or her to clean up, or if you’re traveling with
kids and/or pets). Tip the doorman or concierge only if he or she has provided
you with some specific service (for example, calling a cab for you or
obtaining difficult-to-get theater tickets). Tip the valet-parking attendant
$1 every time you get your car.
In restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, tip service staff 15% to 20% of the
check, tip bartenders 10% to 15%, tip checkroom attendants $1 per garment,
and tip valet-parking attendants $1 per vehicle. Tip the doorman
only if he has provided you with some specific service (such as calling a cab
for you). Tipping is not expected in cafeterias and fast-food restaurants.
Tip cab drivers 15% of the fare.
As for other service personnel, tip skycaps at airports at least $1 per
bag ($2–$3 per bag if you have a lot of luggage) and tip hairdressers and
barbers 15% to 20%.
Tipping ushers at movies and theaters, and gas-station attendants, is
not expected.
See chapter 10 for details on tipping showroom maitre d’s; casino dealers
usually get a few dollars if you’ve had a big win.
Toilets You won’t find public toilets or “restrooms” on the streets in most
U.S. cities, but they can be found in hotel lobbies, bars, restaurants,
museums, department stores, railway and bus stations, and service stations.
Large hotels, all of the casino hotels, and fast-food restaurants are
probably the best bet for good, clean facilities. If possible, avoid the toilets
at parks and beaches, which tend to be dirty; some may be unsafe.
Restaurants and bars in resorts or heavily visited areas may reserve their
restrooms for patrons. Some establishments display a notice indicating
this. You can ignore this sign or, better yet, avoid arguments by paying
for a cup of coffee or a soft drink, which will qualify you as a patron.