Q: Thanks to a new job requiring business travel, I have elite status with a hotel chain’s loyalty program. I’ve been getting gifts in my room — a basket of fruit, chocolates and, on a couple of occasions, half-bottles of wine. I have two questions. First, am I supposed to tip or thank somebody for these things? And second, is it bad form to ask if I can swap the gift for something else? I’m pregnant, and thus had no use for the half-bottle of wine that was in my hotel room in Boston a few weeks ago. But I’d have gladly swapped it for the bottle of Perrier in the mini-bar. A: You don’t need to tip — these are gifts. But it would be nice to thank the hotel, perhaps upon checkout. You could also call the hotel manager or leave a quick note in the room. I’m sure they’re not expecting you to do any of these things, but I bet they’d appreciate it.

I don’t know about swapping the gift for something else, though. If you don’t like the gifts you’ve been getting, check your loyalty program’s website, because sometimes you can put in special instructions (e.g., “I’m pregnant — no alcohol, please”) or specify a favorite beverage.