Do you need to tip hotel reception in Egypt to get a good room or better service?

One traveler checked in without luggage first to inspect the room. Didn't like it, asked for another — about 20 minutes later staff moved the bags to a better room without being asked again. Tipped reception afterward as a thank-you, not upfront.

One guest warned the hotel in advance about their anniversary and asked about arrangements, but got nothing — not even fruit in the room. Had to order balloon delivery themselves.

Across 5 stays at the same resort (rooms in buildings 5 and 6), everything worked fine without complaints, tipping only occasionally and at the end of the trip. Rented a beach cabana for $10 and used the adults-only pool to avoid noise from kids.

At a different resort (Arabiana), fast and attentive service was mainly reserved for guests in the Posh club tier — without that status, staff were slower to respond.