Valet parking and appropriate tips.

[Dreamfinder2]

OK ... at our recent AKL stay we used valet parking heavily, and are glad we did. But I've read all sorts of differing opinions on tipping the parking attendants. Should you tip on drop off, pick up, or both?

I'm interested in your opinion. And, if you're "in the know" about what the attendants expect (not necessarily want), I'd love to hear a reason for your vote.

Thanks!

 

[patsal]

I tip when I pick up my vehicle, except I also tip when I drop it off if I have luggage or groceries that the valet removes for me. I found that throughout any given day I would have the same valet for drop off and pick up so it wasn't like he wasn't getting the tip at some point!

 

[robinb]

I tip $2 when I pick up my car and I'll tip more if it's raining.

Like patsal, I will also tip the bellman if s/he helps me out with bags or groceries. But, that's usually a different person than who takes the car. Then, I tip the next bellman who brings my bags to the room.

 

[Misti]

I tip $2 both ways. Although, nowadays, I use Valet parking alot less. The $6 daily charge has me self-parking much more.

 

[Mickymark]

I valet parked several years ago when we stayed at the WL. This was before the $6.00 fee. As I remember, they washed my car on the day of my return trip home and even gave my car a jump because the glove compartment light was left on due to a short. All of this was very convenient but, really, it was a pain to get mey keys every time I wanted to go to my car. I typically don't unload everything when we arrive at the resort and go down to my car as I need things. I usually bring beer and snapple with me for a refreshing respite on hot afternoons(I am on vacation after all) so I have to make these trips to the car. Even when I stay at the GF (last year and this year coming) I self park - and thats a bit of a walk. To me, its better than bothering the guy and tipping him every time I want my keys.

 

[Sally Bradley]

When I was there the last time (3 yrs ago) at GF, I needed quick and daily access to my rental, as I had a child competing in the Jr Olympics every day. I loved being able to call and have the car waiting (one less thing to worry about!) I tipped $2 on drop off and the same on pickup.

HOWEVER...I strongly feel once they start charging for valet...I will tip alot less, if at all. I feel the same about pizza delivery. Once they start charging...it is a service I am already compensating for...and there should be no obligation or expectation of tipping more...especially when it's $6 a day whether you get the car or not!

 

[Miller_Mouse]

$2 drop off and pick up...more if it is raining....

call ahead and your car will be ready...

use the valet if you plan on going to the variouos hotels for dinner

again if you don't plan on doing a lot of driving during day and/or night then self park...

 

[jwfla422]

When I stayed at WL with 4 yr old dd I valet parked everyday. Made it much easier with dd especially when it was raining out.

I tipped $2 at pick up but very rarely at drop off except like others mentioned if they helped with luggage or if it was raining. And, we mostly drove to other resorts and valet parked there (of course more tipping). SO, it was already costing $10 which was getting a little high (not to mention trying to keep all the $1 bills around all of the time).

If it was raining at drop off then I would tip. But, that wasn't the case (it mostly rained when I picked up the car). I often felt I was being "cheap" when I didn't tip the CM who was parking the car but it was just becoming too much with the charge of $6 a day plus $2 here and there each time I'd get the car.