I went to an Escape room last night. I’ve been to plenty before and have booked them in-person and online. And to be honest, tipping never crossed my mind. Nor was it ever mentioned when I booked online. However, last night when I booked online, the app asked me if I wanted to pre-tip and I didn’t know the answer. Pretty ironic from someone writing a tipping blog. So I set out to do my research…

Tipping at escape rooms is not a universal practice, and it can vary depending on the location and the establishment’s policies. Sometimes, employees may receive a regular wage, and tipping may not be expected. However, if you had a particularly enjoyable experience or received exceptional service from the staff, you might consider leaving a tip as a gesture of appreciation.

It’s advisable to check with the escape room facility or inquire with the staff about their tipping policy to ensure you’re following their guidelines. If in doubt, a polite way to ask is, “Do you accept tips here?” or “Is tipping customary for escape room staff?”

If the escape room facility allows and encourages tipping, you can consider leaving a tip for the game master or staff who assisted you during your experience. The amount is subjective and can vary based on your satisfaction with the service.

A common practice is to tip a few dollars per person in your group, but you can adjust this based on the complexity of the room, the level of assistance provided, or your overall enjoyment. If the escape room experience includes additional services like a guided walkthrough or personalized hints, you might consider a higher tip.

Remember that tipping is a personal choice, and if the staff went above and beyond to make your experience memorable, it’s a nice way to show your gratitude. If you’re unsure about the tipping etiquette at a specific escape room, feel free to ask the staff directly or check the facility’s policies to ensure you’re following their guidelines.

In addition to leaving a monetary tip, you can also express your appreciation verbally or through written feedback. Many escape room facilities appreciate positive reviews, whether on their website, social media platforms, or review sites. Sharing your positive experience can contribute to the business’s reputation and help others make informed decisions about trying the escape room.

If you had a great time, mentioning specific aspects of the experience, such as creative puzzles, immersive themes, or friendly staff, can be valuable feedback for both the establishment and potential customers.

Overall, the key is to be mindful of the escape room’s policies and practices regarding tipping. If they do not accept tips or have a policy against it, respecting their guidelines is important. However, if tipping is customary and you are satisfied with the service, leaving a tip can be a thoughtful way to acknowledge the efforts of the staff and contribute to a positive atmosphere.

In the end, before I researched this topic, I ended up giving him a cash tip of $20. Maybe a little high, but it was the only bill I had on me and he was great! And the bill was around $200 for 5 of us, so that was about 10%. And for the record, we escaped with 12 minutes to spare, but we did get one hint.