It is the million-dollar question… How Much to tip valet parking attendant? In this post, we will review all the elements of this debate.
It’s a standard scene in television and film that’s designed to show what a smooth, cool dude the protagonist is.
He cruises up to a club in his sleek car and hands the vehicle over to the parking valet.
Then confidently strides inside this elegance.
However in reality, we grapple with a few questions. How much should you tip a valet parking attendant? When is the best moment to tip a valet?
You could be having these questions and you don’t seem to wrap your head around them.
Well, here are several interesting tips related to tipping valet parking attendants.
Who To Tip?
Probably the most confusing part is using a valet parking for the first time. Which valet are you supposed to tip?
In most cases people will just tip the valet that retrieves their vehicle when they’re leaving the hotel/event.
However, consider a tip for the valet who takes your car when you drop it off.
First of all, you’re a gentleman. Take care of the person you are entrusting with what is likely your most valuable possession (besides your home).
As humans we tend to take better care of items in our care if we’ve been treated well and appreciated.
Using valet for overnight parking can be tricky sometimes. Many times, the person you gave your car won’t be working in the morning.
This means the morning valet will reap the entire reward, even though he only did half of the service.
For a one-time event, it’s also no guarantee that you’ll have the same person handling your car both times.
Tip all the folks who had a hand in your valet service.
How Much To Tip Valet Parking?
Valet Parking Tip Amount
You should tip from $1 to $5, depending on their preferences or the quality of the service.
Tipping less than $1 is not really a good idea as it is really too low and can appear insincere.
Tipping more is not wise either as the average tip for valet parking services is $4 or $5.
If the parking attendant has displayed exemplary then go ahead and tip more than the average rates.
Tip Whenever You Park
It doesn’t really matter if a customer needs to pay a fee in order to park in a particular parking.
Sometimes the driver could also find the lot or the parking spaces are completely free. The tipping guidelines remain the same.
Basically, when you tip, it shows your gratitude for a fast and quality service. This has nothing to do with the parking space.
Tip At Drop-Off Or Pickup?
A lot of drivers tend to tip the valet when the vehicle is taken or brought from the parking lot.
This is also known as “drop-off” and “pickup”.
Consider it appropriate to tip at “drop off” or “pick up”.
However, there are no rules in this case. You can tip upon drop-off only, upon pickup only, in both cases or not at all, depending on your preferences.
You Don’t Have To Tip All The Times
If you happen go to a certain hotel more than a few times a day. It is perfectly fine to tip a valet multiple times in the same day.
However, you shouldn’t feel obliged to do so every time you hand the keys to the valet or get them back. For example, it will be okay to tip the valet every two departures.
Tip More If You Are Helped With The Luggage
If the valet offers help with other services or tasks, then he is entitled to a more generous tip in this case.
For example, if the valet is courteous enough to help with the luggage then you should tip him a couple bucks more than usual.
Similarly, if you want a specific spot or enquire about surrounding services then you should tip the valet more.
Tip More for Other Services
In some cases, you may forget something in your vehicle. This might happen several times a day or several times during a hotel stay.
The valet parking attendant needs to bring the car back from the parking a lot more because of your negligence. Obviously, he is entitled to a more generous tip.
If you forget something or needs the vehicle back on a regular basis for various reasons, you should tip the valet parking attendant more.
Tip More For Extra Services
Naturally, when you require assistance, the valet attendant is human enough to help.
You may be disabled or have a special needs passenger with you.
If the valet staff is tactful enough to help tremendously in such a situation, then you should tip him.
Basically, every single kind gesture should be repaid by tipping a couple dollars more than usual. You are showing your appreciation accordingly.
Make Sure That You Have Small Bills With You
When visiting hotels where valet parking services are offered, it is a good idea to have several small bills.
This comes in handy when it comes to tipping the valets. Also, if you wish, you can also offer a $10 bill to the valet and ask for small change back.
It is customary to tip valet parking services. However, it is ultimately up to your discretion whether if there is a need for tipping.
A reputable company would have trained their staff on industry’s best practices.
Usually, to deliver the best services regardless of whether the customer is tipping them or not.
Do Not Tip If You Don’t Like The Service
Courtesy dictates that to always tip the valet parking attendant.
However, it is very important to refrain from tipping if the valet service was poor.
For example, if your vehicle wasn’t brought out on time, especially if the venue is not crowded.
Whenever the valet had an impolite attitude then you shouldn’t tip.
The rule of thumb is that tipping is optional and it should only be done if the valet offers satisfactory services.
Final Thoughts
Even if the hotel you’re staying at offers complimentary valet service, make sure you still tip your valets.
Although it is not mandatory to tip a valet, it is always good to appreciate good service. Express your gratitude for good service received through tips! You may want to check out our guide on how much to tip your barber