Is Tipping Necessary for Fee-Based Valet Parking?

Quote from Piccaboo : Well, NRP does have a point At the one place I stay, I call them "bellhops" not cart people. As far as Choice Only Valet Parking; if one has to pay $25 per night to park; I would tip once per day, even if I was coming and going several times a day. I Valet Parked where I stayed, and it wasn't by choice; but easier for me; and I specifically asked for a particular Bellhop to get my car for me each day, and I tipped him in the morning, for the entire day, regardless of the amount of times I came and went. Nice guy, and I made it worth his while, to make sure he was around to get my car each morning; as he was the most prompt of all the "bellhops" at this locale.

Normally we know each by name by the time they are finished. I carry lots of stuff wherever I go.

My question is, typically, you tip valet parking, of course. However, when they "require" you to use valet parking and charge you $25 for it (and no self parking is available), do you still need to tip?

Quote from WhoIsThat : My question is, typically, you tip valet parking, of course. However, when they "require" you to use valet parking and charge you $25 for it (and no self parking is available), do you still need to tip?

Yes. Give what you can. Tips, as always, are only a suggestion, but I'll probably "accidentally" scratch your car if you know what I mean...

Tipping is never required, but if the service is good, then of course you should tip. The attendant doesn't get any piece of the $25, nor does your waiter/waitress get any portion of what you paid for your food. Don't punish the attendant because the proprietor has chosen to only offer paid parking.

Quote from WhoIsThat : My question is, typically, you tip valet parking, of course. However, when they "require" you to use valet parking and charge you $25 for it (and no self parking is available), do you still need to tip?

I would.

Quote from ALVSGIRLY : Normally we know each by name by the time they are finished. I carry lots of stuff wherever I go.

Same here, as I stay at a particular place when I travel, so I know the staff there; and when I return each time; they say welcome back, you're here again for another stay

Quote from WhoIsThat : My question is, typically, you tip valet parking, of course. However, when they "require" you to use valet parking and charge you $25 for it (and no self parking is available), do you still need to tip?

Let's say it's a high rise garage, which is what I deal with where I go; not only are the twists and turns going up quite "tight", but the parking spaces for a larger vehicle like mine, are quite "tight" as well. I'd rather Valet Park, and not worry about my vehicle and Tip the Bellhop; then not Tip the Bellhop and they have on their "Parking Slips" they are not responsible for any damage. Getting the picture yet

Last time I was there, I saw a compact vehicle hit the wall, trying to go down, and a line of traffic was backed up. I just sat there amused, as this time I had rented a vehicle and decided to go retrieve it myself. This person actually wanted other people (guests) to come help him "lift" his vehicle off the wall to not do anymore damage to the vehicle. Well, dumb ass, you already ran into the wall backing it off the wall isn't going to do much more damage to it A Realtor I was using had a Mercedes and I asked him how he got the scratches on the front passenger bumper and quarter panel; and he said from those dang high rise garages and the tight turns in them.

Yeah, Valet Parking in situations like this sometimes makes more sense; especially if you are not used to these tight situations and they do pack them in like sardines. Tipping might save you a few dings to the vehicle.

I know the staff well enough to talk to them; and have over heard them say "you mean that person didn't give you any bread" - meaning no money. I've also heard some of the Housekeepers talking about the "fake smiles" given by guests; and they knew the smiles were "fake" as this guest was talking to them. People working at these places are not stupid. I think when you are not for lack of better terms; a little generous; the people who work there, might not be as generous to you as well. Need an extra pillow, sorry we gave the very last one out, right before you called. See how that works. You would like to park your vehicle in the 15 minute waiting zone, while you go upstairs, and you'll be a little longer; I don't think so "sir".

Tipping and generosity goes a long way for a pleasant stay

Quote from ALVSGIRLY : You can try self parking. The hotel in Chicago we just stayed at wanted $55 a night. The garage around the corner wanted $35 or $40. Not as convenient but saved us a lot of $$.

$15 is a lot of money?

Quote from nizzy1115 : $15 is a lot of money?

27% discount

That would be $105 over a week.

My dh was living in a hotel last month so it adds up. When I was there we had 2 vehicles to park. I stayed for 1.5 weeks. He can expense his, but still why waste money plus it affects his numbers and bonuses are paid off that.