Good points, MM.

If you are in doubt about giving money, you may want to give the chambermaid a nice recommendation at the desk, in front of the managers. Explain why her service made your stay so enjoyable. Praise is seldom eschewed in any culture.

I'm with Ignacio: But I stay mainly in 'mom & pop' type Hostals at which the Owners or the Owners' family do the chores.

As for tipping in restaurants: If there is a 'Service' charge on the bill, my top tip will be about 5%. I don't know if that 'Service' charge finds its way back to the wait staff but I think it should.

I don't tip the bartender if I have a drink at the bar but I might tip a waitress who serves me at a table.

I really deplore the fact that Big-tipping (mostly American) tourists have led many Spanish service-providers to expect tips for just doing a small service, thus ruining things for those of us who prefer to follow the lead of our Spanish hosts.

MadridMan- I think you’re right and its more cultural differences. When I say super polite, it was basically stopping my conversation with companions and acknowledging servers by saying ‘thanks’, etc. when they bought stuff to the table. It wasn’t over the top fake or inauthentic but just remembering manners even when I was engaged in a great conversation with people at the table. Fwiw—I definitely don’t mind people being themselves, but when I’m paying for a service (here or aboard) I would like a soda served without literally slamming the glasses down on the table and a bad attitude.

As for tipping a housekeeper/maid, I think Booklady is on the mark since tipping isn’t the norm. I’ve never heard of praise not being appreciated worldwide. (especially in front of the boss)