At Least One Overpriced NYC Bar Ditches Mandatory 20% Tip

Yesterday we brought you the story about several overpriced, overhyped NYC hotel bars that were adding mandatory 18-20% tips to drinks that already cost more than a good meal. Today, we’re happy to report that at least one of these spots has changed its policy.

A rep for the Gansevoort Hotel Group clarified that its flagship hotel in the city’s Meatpacking District has never required a minimum gratuity and sent Consumerist the following statement about its other property:

Since its opening this summer, Gansevoort Park Avenue NYC, the newest hotel from the Gansevoort brand, has included a 20 percent gratuity on all bar tabs. We are pleased to note that as of today, this automatic gratuity has been eliminated. Moving forward, neither Gansevoort property in New York City will include a gratuity on bar bills, and an automatic gratuity will only be added for large parties and bottle service.

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