Valet etiquette

[Conservative Hippie]

DH and I are going to a restaurant this evening (before seeing the Lion King!) that only has valet parking. Sorry if I sound dumb, but I've never used a valet before. What is the proper etiquette, and how much is a normal tip ($5 charge)?

 

[Mrs.Toad]

As for etiquette, let them open the door for you. I don't park valet that often, and I usually start to open my own door. They get this perplexed look on their faces, like "what am I supposed to do know?"

I believe I've read that you're "supposed to" tip a buck or two each time they handle the car, so at first when they take the car from you, then again when you pick it up, although we usually only tip them at the end. $2-5, depending on the restaurant and our mood, etc. Since you're already paying a $5 charge for the valet, I'd probably only tip an additional $2-3.

ETA: Have fun! The Lion King is fantastic!

 

[Conservative Hippie]

Do we pay for the valet charge when we drop off or pick up the car?

 

[diznygirl]

We usually just tip when we pick up the car - $2 and a nice thank you.