Valet Parking - Tipping

[dlvanslyke]

What is a reasonable amount to tip for the "free" valet parking? Do you tip when you drop off the car and when you pick it up?

 

[vernon]

I usually tip a couple of bucks and pay when I collect the car. I can see an argument for paying both on collection and dropping off so both valets get some money, but I guess they work it so they get the same amount of drops and collects.

From previous posts on this subject it seems $2-3 is the "average" with a small minority giving $5+ and a smaller minority $1 or less

I think it does depend on how often you are "in and out" during the course of a day/trip. If you drop your car on Monday and collect it back on Saturday, I'd probably give a bigger tip. I know the valet's job is no different, but I view it as a parking permit . If you're using the service 5 or 6 times a day, it could work out DAMN EXPENSIVE, in that case I'd probably stick to just $1.

 

[Regina]

We tip for having the car parked and again for picking it up. We usually give the valet $3.00.

 

[Dean]

Standard etiquette is to tip when you pick up. Usually $1-2 is appropriate. I usually do $2 and would do more if raining or other special circumstances. Some do tip on drop off but this is not an industry standard or expected. If someone did more than just stand there as I opened the door, I would tip drop off also but likely only $1 in most situations.

 

[DIGGER68]

I also tip $2.00 to $3.00.

 

[Jimbo]

I read that tipping when you pick up your car is considered reasonable and customary, so that's what I do. I know that a different valet from the one that parked my car will likely fetch it, but I'm sure that it all averages out over the course of a shift. I usually tip $3.

I valet parked at the Contemporary for a Chef Mickey's dinner on our last trip. The valet mentioned to me that her shift was ending, and that someone else would be retrieveing the car for me. I said OK. So she repeated it. After she brought it a couple more times, the light bulb finally went on and I gave her $2. It's the only time I've been pressured to tip at WDW.

 

[tonyboy]

That's always an awkward thing to find out but since I stayed at an upscale hotel in Palm Springs with my wife, I just asked the head valet. He said that they usually get a tip when you pickup the car, not while dropping off. Not sure why but I guess it's a standard.

 

[canda]

when I have to go to conventions, I may use valet 3-4 times a day. THe standard is to tip the person bringing your car around. (I used to be a valet parking attendee) it will even out with the valets. If you use it alot by the second day they are used to you. I will even drive up get out and go inside with just a nod to the valet, not having to wait for him to come get my car. will .
$2 when they bring your car to you, is a good tip for a heavy use.