5 APRIL 2008, Page 63

Q. On arrival at a London hotel I usually insist

on carrying my own case to my room because of uncertainty about how much to tip the bell-boy at, for example, Claridge’s. I consider it better to pretend my case is too light to bother with than risk tipping the wrong amount. Please advise.

J.F., Wanborough A. If you are to stay in a hotel with bell-boys, then you must play the game. Let the bell boy take your case/bag and tip him £5 to £10.