NO-TIP LUXURY

Consider this: Part of the hidden expense of staying at a luxury hotels is tipping but one hotel, the Elysian in Chicago has done away with it. USA Today's Hotel Check-In column reports that the hotel has adopted a no-tipping-necessary policy. David Pisor, the developer behind the 188 room hotel says that he finds thinking about tipping detracts from the luxury experience. The article points out that Pisor is also the nephew of Alice Waters whose Chez Panisse has had a service charge in lieu of tipping for years. Customers can tip if they want to but are told when they book the room and check in that tipping is not necessary. 
The Elysian is an ultra-luxury hotel where rooms cost around $350 per night. The hotel includes large residence-styled guest rooms and suites. The hotel has two restaurants, a bar and a health club and spa. It offers 24-hour room service and a 24-hour doorman and security. A private fleet of luxury automobiles are available for local transportation and airport transfers.