Valet Parking Etiquette: Complete Tipping & Protocol Guide for Guests

Using valet parking shouldn't be stressful or confusing. Whether it's your first time or you want to brush up on valet etiquette, this guide covers everything from tipping to proper protocol.

Valet Parking Basics

What Happens When You Arrive

The valet arrival process:

1. Pull up to the valet stand/entrance
2. Stay in vehicle until attendant approaches
3. Put car in park, leave running (or turn off if instructed)
4. Exit vehicle when attendant opens door
5. Take valuables and anything you need
6. Receive claim ticket from attendant
7. Proceed to your destination

What Happens at Departure

The retrieval process:

1. Present claim ticket to valet stand
2. Wait in designated area (or venue)
3. Tip attendant when car arrives
4. Verify vehicle condition (quick check)
5. Depart safely

Valet Tipping Guide

Standard Tipping Amounts

| Situation | Recommended Tip | |-----------|-----------------| | Standard valet (restaurant, hotel) | $2-5 | | Upscale establishment | $5-10 | | Luxury hotel/fine dining | $10-20 | | Large/difficult vehicle | Add $2-5 | | Bad weather service | Add $2-5 | | Special assistance | Add $2-5 | | Exceptional service | $10-20+ |

When to Tip

Most common: Tip at retrieval (when you get your car back)

Alternative approaches:

• Tip both ways: $2-3 at drop-off, $2-5 at pickup
• Tip at drop-off only: Ensures good treatment of your car
• Tip at pickup only: Standard practice, most convenient

When Tipping May Not Apply

• Valet included in event ticket/venue fee
• No-tip policy establishments (rare but exists)
• Validated valet where gratuity is included

When in doubt, ask if gratuity is included.

Arrival Etiquette

Before You Arrive

Prepare your vehicle:

• Remove valuables or secure them
• Clear personal items from driver's seat area
• Note any existing damage mentally
• Have claim ticket expectation (key ring, phone, pocket)

At the Valet Stand

Proper arrival protocol:

| Do | Don't | |----|----| | Wait for attendant to approach | Jump out immediately | | Put in park before exiting | Leave in drive/gear | | Hand keys to attendant | Toss keys | | Take your claim ticket | Leave without ticket | | Remove valuables | Leave laptop, purse visible |

What to Leave and Take

Take with you:

• Wallet, purse, phone
• Medications
• Important documents
• Expensive sunglasses
• Anything irreplaceable

Okay to leave:

• Vehicle registration (in glove box)
• Umbrella, jacket
• Non-valuable items in trunk

During Your Visit

If You Need Your Vehicle Mid-Event

• Inform valet you may need car during event
• Allow extra time (10-15 minutes)
• Tip for additional retrieval
• Re-park with valet when returning

Communicating with Valet

If you have special requests:

• Mention at arrival: "Please don't adjust my seat"
• Be specific and polite: "Could you park it close? I may need to leave quickly"
• Tip accordingly for accommodations

Departure Etiquette

Requesting Your Vehicle

Options for retrieval:

• Present ticket at valet stand
• Call number on ticket (if provided)
• Text service (if available)
• Through restaurant/venue (they may notify valet)

When Your Car Arrives

Best practices:

| Do | Don't | |----|----| | Verify it's your car | Drive off without checking | | Quick visual inspection | Hold up line for thorough check | | Tip the attendant | Forget to tip | | Say thank you | Ignore the attendant |

If Something's Wrong

If you notice an issue:

1. Stay calm and polite
2. Point out the specific concern
3. Take photos if damage apparent
4. Get supervisor contact information
5. Don't blame the individual attendant
6. Follow up with management/company

Special Situations

Bad Weather Etiquette

When it's raining or snowing:

• Be patient—retrieval takes longer
• Tip extra—they're working in tough conditions
• Accept help with umbrellas graciously
• Don't rush the attendant

When You Have Large/Special Vehicles

For oversized vehicles:

• Mention SUV/truck size at drop-off
• Provide guidance if unique features
• Tip extra for difficult parking
• Be understanding of timing

Expensive or Classic Cars

For valuable vehicles:

• Ask about parking location
• Mention concerns politely
• Consider self-park if very uncomfortable
• Tip well for extra care

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I tip at arrival or departure?

Departure is standard. Tipping at arrival is extra but can encourage attentive service. Do what feels natural.

What if I don't have cash for tip?

Options:

• Ask if they accept Venmo/CashApp
• Visit an ATM before retrieval
• Apologize and tip extra next time

Is it rude not to use valet?

Not necessarily. Self-park if:

• Valet is optional and you prefer it
• Your vehicle requires special handling you'd rather do
• You're staying briefly

How long should I expect to wait for my car?

• Standard: 3-5 minutes
• Busy times: 5-10 minutes
• Large events: 10-15+ minutes

What if my car smells like cigarettes after valet?

If you suspect improper use:

• Note the condition when retrieved
• Report to management immediately
• Document anything specific
• Most valet companies have strict policies against this

Can I request a specific parking spot?

You can ask, but:

• May not be possible depending on lot
• Tip accordingly for accommodation
• Don't expect guarantees

Being a Great Valet Customer

The Golden Rules

1. Be patient—valets work hard
2. Tip appropriately—it matters to them
3. Communicate clearly—about needs or concerns
4. Be polite—even if frustrated
5. Say thank you—acknowledge their service

Remember

Valet attendants:

• Stand for hours in all weather
• Handle hundreds of cars
• Deal with difficult customers
• Work for service-level pay
• Take pride in their work

A kind word and fair tip go a long way.

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Open Door Valet: Great Service, Everywhere, All the Time.