How much do you tip a valet and how often?

Question

I've been staying in a hotel for the last 2 months. I have to use thier valet everyday, and to be honest with you, i'm a little tired of tipping. (I'm not cheap...but) Its a hassle for me. I'm from the new era where we no longer use cash...So in order to tip the valet at my hotel I have to go to the atm (pay $3) and withdrawl money, then I have to get that money in ones.....I notice that people tip when they drop off and pick up their car...so I do about $4-$6 a day in tipping. My question is.......how often do I tip? How much do I tip? Would it be wrong if I just wait until my departure and just give each $10-15? This really frustrates me....so any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Answer 1

When i park in a garage i tip $1-2 when they return my car to me. If i want them to park it close or something special, i tip before and after, usually $5 before, $1-2 after. If you are there everyday, i certainly dont think tipping before is necessary and if they know you (if you pay a monthly rate) im sure you can just add gratituity onto that bill

Answer 2

I think as long as you want to use valet service, you need to tip them no matter what each time... paying at your departure is also not a good idea because it's not the same person that's getting your car all the time...
my suggestion is to pay $1 each time. calculate how many times you use valet service a day... times how many more days you are going to stay in that hotel... then go to the atm machine, get the whole amount then change them into $1 bills and use them whenever you need them. You are tired of going to atm and changing money into dollar bills, so do that at one time so that you don't have to be stressed by it anymore.

Answer 3

Clearly the valet recognizes you as a regular by now. I say you should tip them at the end of each week, like on Friday night or something. Isn't there a parking lot where long-term guests can park themselves? Most hotels have that. Ask your concierge.

Answer 4

You can just have a few dollar bills in your pocket/purse and tip one or two bucks every time you park. This way you'll always tip the guys who will remember you and try to be nicer to you (and your car). Tips are tips, i.e. they are voluntary, so even if you tip smaller amounts, but more often, you get the guys more happy.