Do You Tip Valet? When and How Much to Give

Valet services offer convenience at a variety of establishments, including restaurants, hotels, and event venues. Tipping is a customary practice in service industries, serving as a direct acknowledgment of the service provided.

Timing Your Tip

The decision of when to tip a valet often depends on personal preference and the specific scenario. Many people choose to tip when retrieving their vehicle, as this allows them to assess the overall service received. Alternatively, some individuals opt to tip upon dropping off their car, which can establish goodwill and potentially influence the level of care or preferred parking placement. For continuous service, such as at a hotel where a car might be retrieved multiple times, some guests choose to provide a larger, upfront tip to cover the entire stay. However, if you only plan to tip once, the most common practice is to do so when your car is returned to you.

Determining the Amount

General guidelines for valet tipping typically suggest an amount between $2 and $5 for standard service. This range is widely accepted at most venues, including restaurants and casual establishments. For high-end service or at luxury hotels and upscale restaurants, a tip of $5 to $10 or more is often considered appropriate. The specific amount can also depend on whether you choose to tip both at drop-off and pick-up. If tipping at both instances, a total tip ranging from $4 to $10 is common, with $2 to $5 given at each interaction. Valets often rely on tips as a significant part of their income.

Situational Tipping Guidance

Several factors can influence an adjustment to the standard valet tip. If the valet service is complimentary, meaning there is no charge for parking, tipping remains customary as the valet is still providing a valuable service. Exceptional service, such as a valet quickly retrieving your car during peak hours, assisting with heavy luggage, or going above and beyond expectations, warrants a higher tip. Inclement weather, like heavy rain or snow, also justifies increasing your tip to acknowledge the valet’s efforts in challenging conditions. Similarly, if you have an oversized or specialty vehicle that requires extra care or maneuvering, a more generous tip can be appropriate, and long wait times for car retrieval might also influence the tip.