Whether it’s helping you with luggage or setting a dinner in front of you, it seems these days almost everyone is eligible for the acceptance of a tip. This seems to become even more evident when it comes to traveling, especially within the U.S. How much should I tip the valet for parking in America?
Though it’s incredibly difficult for even the most avid of travelers to know when it is appropriate to tip, and how much, and foreigners traveling throughout the United States are looked upon as incredibly cheap for not opening their wallets to almost every-one they encounter. What to tip a valet for parking
So how does the culture of tipping apply to a valet? If staying in luxury accommodation in America and driving, it’s likely that at some stage, you’ll come into contact with a valet. And regardless of whether or not the hotel gives you the option to self park, if you hand over your keys, you’re expected to give them tip. Do I need to tip the Valet when staying in hotels in America?
Pro Tip: Compare prices on US Hotels via HotelPlanner.com – find discounts to brag about.
Utilize the following tips for a stress free experience, and to know how much is an appropriate tip. What kind of tip should I give for parking my car?
How Much to Tip Valet Parking in the United States
You can hover over these (or any image) to quickly pin it!
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- It’s incredibly difficult for even the most avid of travelers to know when it is appropriate to tip, and how much, and foreigners traveling throughout the United States are looked upon as incredibly cheap for not opening their wallets to almost every-one they encounter.
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- It’s incredibly difficult for even the most avid of travelers to know when it is appropriate to tip, and how much, and foreigners traveling throughout the United States are looked upon as incredibly cheap for not opening their wallets to almost every-one they encounter.
How Much to Tip for Valet Parking in the USA (And Other Advice)
$2 – $5 for the valet who returns your car to you is a standard tip.
$2 – $5 for the valet who parks your car on arrival is not necessary, but we do it anyway out of appreciation…and as an incentive to take good care of our precious car! How much to tip the parking attendants?
The majority of establishments offering valet parking pool their tips, and generally everything made throughout the course of the day will be split evenly among the employees. Do valets at hotels pool their tips?
Carry cash with you. You don’t want to pull up to the valet and then realize you have no cash for their tip. Also, make sure you have the correct change on you so that you don’t have to dig throughout your wallet or purse in front of them. How much can I make as a valet in the States in tips?
Organize your car. Make sure you have all of your gear already organized before you arrive at your hotel. We held up traffic screwing around trying to organize our suitcases after we arrived. As you can imagine this was incredibly stressful! What does a valet in America earn in tips?
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- Make sure you have all of your gear already organized before you arrive at your hotel. We held up traffic screwing around trying to organize our suitcases after we arrived.
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- You literally couldn’t fit anything else in our trunk if you tried!
Don’t forget anything! Keys, wallet, phone, phone charger! Some hotels have a service charge for every time you request your car during your stay. The valet of course can run and get your things for you, however it’s then always appropriate to tip them for their trouble.
Travel with a second pair of car keys. A lot of the time your car will not be accessible to you without having hotel employees fetch it for you. On the chance that you do have access to the car lot and left something in your car, pack a second set of keys. Do you need to tip the valet in the States?
While staying in Savannah the valet kindly parked our car in the outdoor lot so we could access our bikes. Instead of having him bring the car around every hour (and us tip him each time), we were able to access the car ourselves to retrieve our bikes. Do you need to tip the people who park your car?
INSPIRED? PIN THIS TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS ↓
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- It’s incredibly difficult for even the most avid of travelers to know when it is appropriate to tip, and how much, and foreigners traveling throughout the United States are looked upon as incredibly cheap for not opening their wallets to almost every-one they encounter.
-
- It’s incredibly difficult for even the most avid of travelers to know when it is appropriate to tip, and how much, and foreigners traveling throughout the United States are looked upon as incredibly cheap for not opening their wallets to almost every-one they encounter.
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Photo Credits: Hollywood Valet (First Pinterest Image) by Graham.
18 Comments
I think you are right on with $5 for a tip. At nice hotels with valet parking I expect they pay their attendants a decent wage. If I am going to spend $20-40 for valet parking I think I should be able to figure some of that goes to the parking attendants.
Great article. As an american, I don’t even know this. probably because i never was able to afford to eat anywhere that had valet. haha…kidding, but i think i always gave 5 or 10 bucks depending on what i had in my pocket…so this is spot on!
Good guide. I never carry cash but always make sure I have lots of singles when traveling for tips at hotels. When we stay in hotels we’ve ended up staying in more nicer places lately, partially because we sometimes use Priceline to secure nice hotels cheaply. And while we might be able to snag a great luxury hotel room in downtown Atlanta for $60, for example, you have to factor in an extra $20 to $30 a day for parking and the valet tips.
Ever hear the story of Frank Sinatra and the valet in Las Vegas? As the valet brought his car, Frank asked him, “What’s the best tip you ever got?”
The valet answered, “$50.”
Frank said, “Here’s a hundred. By the way, who gave you the $50?”
The valet, “You did, Mr. Sinatra, last week.”
Great advice! I usually tend to forget cash for valet parking and second car key which often gets me into an awkward situation.
I find tipping the most daunting thing about travelling to the US. I’m sure it’s second nature to those that live there or have a longer stay but when you don’t, working out who to tip and how much is a bit tricky. I wouldn’t have had any idea about how much valet parking.
Thanks
But i think ‘$2 – $5 for the valet who returns your car to you is a standard tip ‘ so expensive !
I’ve definitely not planned ahead and forgotten to have cash on me at the valet. It’s such an awkward situation! One time, after this had happened, I actually went back later and gave the tip. The guy probably didn’t even remember me, but he was still glad to take my cash! I’ll definitely have to start being better about that. Thanks for the great tips!
Great tip. I usually do $5 so great I was doing the right thing. Thanks for sharing. Great read and great tips.
Oh, yes, Megan and Mike! I won’t forget Keys, wallet, phone, phone charger. Thanks for your advice.
This is such a great article. Good to know about tipping the valet, i guess i left a few unhappy folk on my last American tour…..
I am so surprised I was able to stumble upon this! It is so difficult knowing the proper amount to tip anyone, especially when it comes to those who do these types of services, so this is quite useful for me! Thanks for sharing!
That was very nice of the valet to park so near your bikes. It’s great to have considerate professionals on your side in the midst of trying to conveniently get from one place to another.
Great advice! I never thought of bringing a second set of keys but I can see why it would make things easier. Thanks for sharing!
I didn’t realize some car lots are closed to the public, so that’s definitely good to keep in mind, especially if you’re forgetful like me! Thanks for these tips!
It may seem like common sense, but people often forget to remove their valuables. “I would recommend clearing your car out of all items of value before you valet park just to take this issue out of the equation,” Ryder said. “Why invite the problem?”
I think you are right on with $5 for a tip. At nice hotels with valet parking I expect they pay their attendants a decent wage. If I am going to spend $20-40 for valet parking I think I should be able to figure some of that goes to the parking attendants.
Hi Meg, I am in a restaurant in Hawaii that only charges $3 for valet. I appreciate your helping people with tip etiquette! One thing, valets have more cash on hand then any person in the restaurant, so in our case a customer could give us a $10 and still get like $2 by back, or give a twenty and ask for whatever… No real need to give us singles, we’ll have ample ones on us… Mahalo : )