[jeffgrant]

I tend to tip well when I first arrive or use a service for the first time. The word gets around, and if you're staying for more than a night, then it's a great way to ensure that you get good service.

I'd rather grease the wheels to start with than wait and see and tip accordingly.

Same goes for a bar... when I first walk in and order drinks at a busy bar, I make sure that my first drink order has a $10-20 tip along with it that goes into the tip jar, and that the bartender sees it happen.

After that you could be the last guy in the back of the crowd, but if you need a drink, you'll get awesome service and bumped up to the front.