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Originally Posted by host
Doesn't seem to be the case....
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With all due respect, you're quoting a survey of hotel managers. I've found by and large that Londoners hate American tourists. Londoners are usually in a hurry: we rely on public transport, it takes ages to get anywhere, and missing a train can mean a long wait. American tourists ARE usually the ones blocking train station exits etc... and it's obvious that they are Americans because they are about twice as loud as anyone else. My commute to work takes me an hour and a half every day, and at least once a week I am delayed by a group of American tourists while trying to catch a train.
I am speaking here as an American living in London, so I'm not saying this as someone who hates Americans - it's just what I have observed. I realise that there are probably many wonderful American tourists, but the inconsiderate ones naturally draw attention (and ire).
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Originally Posted by host
If anyone from outside the US is still willing to answer a question, I would like to know if you have ever inquired via the internet or other reference source, or discussed tipping etiquette in the US, in anticipation of a visit or because of actually visiting the US?
If you have wanted to know about when and what percentage to tip in US restaurants or in other situations, did you also seek information on other facets of US etiquette or local customs?
If you did not ask about tipping before you came to the US, did you try to find out information on how much Americans routinely tipped when they dined in one of their restaurants, while you were visiting, or since?
If you did not inquire about US tipping etiquette in anticipation of a visit to the US, did you ask about other US practices and customs, so that you could "fit in" more smoothly during your visit, or be more knowledgable about American society?
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Host, you should probably keep in mind that if tipping is not a part of the culture for someone else, they are unlikely to do research on it until they are made aware of it. You don't know what you don't know. Do most Americans research the details of Sharia law before visiting the Middle East?
Also, remember that Americans have a terrible reputation for being completely ignorant of cultures elsewhere. This is not to excuse anyone else's behaviour when in the US, but to put a little perspective on things.