Valet Parking

[MIGrandma]

It’s been several years since we had to use a car parking valet service, and we will be at a hotel in Miami a couple of nights before our January cruise so I need a refresher course about tipping. Do we tip when they take our car away AND bring it back to us? And how much is a proper tip?

 

[ronandannette]

It’s been several years since we had to use a car parking valet service, and we will be at a hotel in Miami a couple of nights before our January cruise so I need a refresher course about tipping. Do we tip when they take our car away AND bring it back to us? And how much is a proper tip?

Generally the practice is to tip when the car is returned. The guy taking it away to park won't turn down an offering though. As to the amount, I'll let someone else advise on that.

 

[LuvOrlando]

We usually give $5 going and also coming as insurance against dings if it's my car. In some locations it's not necessary & unexpected so I will drop it to $2 each side of it but I found people in Miami & big cities to have their hands out a lot so when in Rome...

 

[JimMIA]

Which hotel are you staying in? That may have a lot to do with the expected tip.

 

[kdonnel]

I only tip when picking up the car and typically tip $2-$5 depending on what cash I have on me.

 

[RedAngie]

I tip both coming and going, although the norm is probably just when the car is delivered to you.

Two or three bucks is fine. Maybe more if the valet assisted you in another way, i.e. gave directions, recommended a restaurant, etc.

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

I tip coming and going - $5.

 

[evilmommie]

I live in a Mecca of valet parking. (So Cal coastal area). I usually tip $5ish when the car is returned. If they give some type of outstanding service, ie water bottles, park my car in a great location, give directions or great recommendations…I will tip more.

 

[Kitty 34]

I tip both ways when I use Valet which is extremely rare.

Now once in awhile when I used them at the hospital, we were not allow to tip but I always brought them plenty of treats. Of course, because of Covid they have done away from Valet so I'm hoping I don't catch pneumonia walking in the wind and snow for my weekly infusions

 

[_19disnA]

It seems that tipping when they return your car is most common. We mostly use valet parking when in Vegas and I can't recall ever seeing anyone tip when they first drop off the car. How much to tip usually results in an argument on here. Tip whatever you think is reasonable.

 

[MIGrandma]

Thanks everyone

 

[Orion Nebula]

I don't do it often but I always felt it was a good idea to tip decent outgoing, and more modest in. Maybe I am wrong but I feel like a good tip when someone takes away and parks your car gives some assurance they will care more. And then when you get it back it's not such a huge deal.

 

[DisneyHardin]

I don't use Valet a ton, but I have always just tipped when I picked it up.

 

[wenrob]

In general when leaving but if the place is packed it’s amazing how fast a $20 bill will find room for ya.