Express By Holiday Inn Madrid-Alcobendas

I was told by many locals in Madrid that it was not customary to tip your waiters, and that they are not expected. The Spainish that much pride in what they do and waiters are professionals. They are paid a wage that allows them to live well, and they are not expected to make tips. There will not expect a tip even if they do a good job, it is what they are expected to do to get paid. They will not "get mad" if you do leave a tip because they will know you are a tourist, but they do not expect it. So show the waiters some respect and don't tip them, they don't need it. Take the money you would use to tip and use it on street performers, people that really expects small sums of money. And there are street performers in the more touristy areas of Madrid. So there will be no way to avoid them. Stay and watch for a minute or two throw them some change.