Tips and service charges on the hotel bill: what you can charge and how to show it (Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece, 2026)

Updated: 9 November 2026

A surprise «service not included» line on the bill annoys guests and ends up in reviews. We read the EU directive, Spanish consumer law, the Portuguese restaurant rules, the Italian consumer code and the Greek tax law (links at the end). Where we could not confirm something we say so. This is not legal advice: check with your adviser.

A tip and a service charge are different

Service charge: an amount you always charge. It is part of the price.
Tip: the guest decides whether to give one and how much.
If it is called a tip but cannot be removed, it is not a tip.

If it is mandatory, it goes in the total price

Spanish consumer law (consolidated act, BOE):

Art. 20.1 c): the offer shows the full final price with taxes and itemises additional charges, including handling fees.
Art. 60.2 c): before the contract, you state the total price with all taxes and charges.
In practice: a fixed service charge must show in the price from the first screen, not appear at checkout.

If it is optional, ask for an express yes

Directive 2011/83/EU, art. 22: any payment on top of the agreed price needs the consumer's express consent.
If you inferred it with a default option the guest had to untick, they are entitled to a refund.
Spain, art. 60 bis: acceptance must be on an opt-in basis.
Italy, art. 65 of the Consumer Code: the same rule.
Result: no pre-ticked boxes for tips, donations or extras.

Portugal: couvert only if ordered

Decree-Law 10/2015, art. 135, for restaurants and bars (including your hotel's):

The price list includes all dishes and drinks, and the couvert price if you offer one.
Couvert: items identified as such on the menu and served at the guest's request before the meal.
No dish, food or drink, couvert included, may be charged if the guest did not order it or render it unusable.
The list is displayed at the entrance and inside, in Portuguese.

Italy: coperto and servizio

We found no official rule on «coperto» (cover charge) or «servizio». If you charge them, show them on the menu or rate before ordering. An optional extra needs express consent (art. 65 of the Consumer Code).

Greece: tips and tax

Law 5162/2024, art. 5, amending the Income Tax Code:

Employees' tips are exempt from income tax up to EUR 300 a month.
It applies whether they come through the business or directly.
A fixed percentage of pay or a fixed, regular contractual amount does not count as a tip.
If you cut pay while tips rise, there is a 22% penalty on the reduction.
Law 4997/2022 and a duty to accept tips by card: not confirmed.

Spain: tips and payroll

We have not checked the tax agency's or social security's position on tips, nor Andalusia's Decree-Law 13/2020 on prices. Ask your adviser.

How to show it properly (good practice)

All-inclusive price on the website, in the confirmation and on the invoice.
Tip: an optional blank line, never pre-filled.
In the hotel restaurant, a priced menu with the couvert clearly identified.
Tell your team how tips are shared.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I add a mandatory service charge to the bill?

If it is mandatory, it must be in the total price you show before booking (arts. 20 and 60 of the Spanish consumer act).

Can I pre-select a tip at payment?

No. An extra payment needs express consent; if it was inferred with a default option, the guest can claim a refund (Directive 2011/83/EU, art. 22).

Are tips taxed in Greece?

Employees' tips are exempt from income tax up to EUR 300 a month (Law 5162/2024, art. 5).

Sources

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