Valet Parking Tipping Etiquette

[Mongoose]

Just wondering when everyone tips for valet parking. I was always told in the hospitality industry you tip only at pickup.

 

[artringwald]

I've never requested it, but if you need special treatment, like parking the car very close to the valet, you might want to leave a generous tip in advance. Otherwise, I always tip at pickup.

 

[Mongoose]

It’s funny, there are a lot of what appear to be AI written articles saying “It’s best to tip” at drop off and pick up. Several say you should tip 15%. Not sure how that works!

 

[PigsDad]

Several say you should tip 15%. Not sure how that works!

15% of what?!?

Kurt

 

[VacationForever]

If you want your car to be parked close to the exit or whatever desirable spot so that they can get your car quickly when picking up, you tip upfront. If you don't care, just tip at pick-up.

 

[dioxide45]

If you want your car to be parked close to the exit or whatever desirable spot so that they can get your car quickly when picking up, you tip upfront. If you don't care, just tip at pick-up.

How much faster could it really be though? It isn't like you are actually walking to get it.

 

[dioxide45]

I picked the last option in the poll. I don't know what "Vart" is and I certainly don't tip them.

 

[VacationForever]

How much faster could it really be though? It isn't like you are actually walking to get it.

It really depends on the place.

 

[Passepartout]

I don't use valet parking much, but absent some guidance, I'll tip $3-$5 on pickup. Where we live there's little valet parking and $5 is about par for paid parking for 1-2 hours at a restaurant or parking garage. Probably too cheap, but that's how I roll.

A further question- In parking, what's Good Service? As long as the car comes back in one piece and the radio isn't blasting Rap.

 

[easyrider]

I tip $5 in and $5 out for valet parking these days. $5 bucks isn't really that much these days. For me it also depends on the length of time. If it's a restaurant I tip going in only. If it's over night I tip in and out.

Bill

 

[1Kflyerguy]

I usually tip 5 bucks when I get the car back, without any damage... I suppose that's not that much as percentage of the cost of the parking.. Or perhaps its a lot when the valet parking is free... either way its what I do...