Marriott International has teamed up with A Woman’s Nation to support AWN’s “The Envelope Please” initiative. The program encourages hotel guests to show appreciation for housekeeping staff by leaving notes of thanks and voluntary gratuities in designated envelopes provided in guest rooms.
Founded by Maria Shriver, A Woman’s Nation is a nonprofit organization committed to ensuring the value of women is recognized and respected at home, in the workplace, and as caregivers. The Envelope Please highlights the vital but often unseen work of guestroom attendants and provides a simple way for guests to acknowledge their efforts.
Marriott International will place signature envelopes in more than 160,000 guest rooms at participating Marriott-managed hotels across the United States and Canada, making it easy for guests to express gratitude and leave a tip for their room attendants. Marriott has also invited franchise hotels to join the initiative, expanding the program’s reach.
“The Envelope Please was born from conversations with women who have taken care of my room during hotel stays,” said Shriver. “Their stories of hard work and perseverance inspired me. Many room attendants are the primary earners for their families, yet they are often overlooked when it comes to tipping because guests rarely see them face-to-face. I hope this gratitude initiative will help these women feel seen and valued.”
The initiative is designed to be straightforward and respectful: envelopes placed in guest rooms include a short message of thanks and a space for a personal note or tip. By normalizing this small act of recognition, The Envelope Please aims to make appreciation part of the guest experience and to ensure that room attendants receive direct acknowledgment for the essential services they provide.
Industry observers note that tipping practices can vary widely, and front-of-house staff typically receive more visible recognition than back-of-house employees like housekeepers. Programs such as this one help bridge that gap by making it easier for guests to offer thanks discreetly and meaningfully. For many room attendants, these gestures represent both financial support and emotional recognition of their daily efforts.
Marriott’s rollout across its managed properties underscores a broader effort to elevate the visibility of housekeeping teams and to encourage a culture of appreciation within the hospitality industry. The optional nature of the gratuities ensures guests retain full choice while providing a clear, convenient method to reward exceptional service.
By combining a simple physical reminder with an invitation to leave a personal note, The Envelope Please fosters direct connections between guests and the staff who maintain clean, welcoming rooms. The program’s organizers hope that, beyond immediate monetary tips, the initiative will shift guest habits and strengthen long-term recognition for the essential work of room attendants.