I tip well... It works like a charm especially if you aren't a ****. I have folks in Victoria that remember me by name after I haven't been there for a year or so, I have local restaurants that will bend over backwards to get me a table on short notice, and hell the Pizza Guys beat a path to my door when I call... Seriously, anytime I call at 1800 on a friday or Saturday and I am told it will be 45min- an hour? 15-20 minutes to my door tops, pretty sure I can hear footsteps...
It's all because I am friendly, and I tip well enough to be remembered. Especially the valet... If I am staying someplace for a week or more, I make certain to get the Senior Valet, and tip him about $100 right up front, thus my car stays... right up front. I call down to get it, and phoomp like some sorta Disney magic... there it is...
This weekend in Spokane was a classic example, Tip well from the start, Valet and Bell hop, then dinner tip the waiter really well (charge it to your room, it stings less) and you can just about ask for anything and get it wicked quick...
Ice cream at 0200? Took about 10 minutes
served with a smile...
BUT
Treat me bad, and I'll talk to your management...