Valet Parking

Have not used valet parking before and need a bit of help. Do you normaly tip when you drop your car off or when picking it up, or at both times? Also, what is a good amount for most situations? We will be staying at the Grand Wailea, but might use valet at other locations as well. If parking the car for the night, do you tip the person on duty then as they might not be there in the morning? As usual, thanks for your great input...Ed

Valet Parking

I usually tip both times. The reasons are slightly different.

You tip it when you drop it off because:

1. They will remember you when you need to pick it up; and

2. They will not park it in Iowa.

You tip when you pick it up because in nicer places they really run for the car. It is hard work.

I usually give $2 - $5 each time. If it is packed and I see them really running, it is closer to $5. Also, if I leave my convertible top open and they close the car up for me, it is closer to $5.

I tend to tip on the high side though. Others may disagree.

Valet Parking

i am in no way an expert on this situation...but, you tip when you pick up your car and usually $2 will do. you can always give more...they will not object to that, ever. :)

i believe valets work on a tip pool. it doesn%26#39;t matter who you tip, it all gets put into a jar and distributed evenly.

someone correct me if i%26#39;m wrong.

Tipping amount is up to you based on what you can afford.

I never give less than $2

Valet is the only way to go.Why use your time and energy when you need more of both.

Maybe 4-6 times a day x # days,cheap for the savings.They need the jobs and have all the info you need, make friends.Enjoy the help you give and get.

';i believe valets work on a tip pool. it doesn%26#39;t matter who you tip, it all gets put into a jar and distributed evenly.';

Each establishment sets their own policy in regards to this ';tip pool';. The resort I work at did it this way at one time but has since done away with it. It seemed that some valets were pocketing 80% of the tip for themselves and throwing in a very portion to the jar! You can always ask at each place...the valets and/or the cashiers are more than willing to help you determine what is the right thing to do. As someone mentioned earlier, the valets (most are local boys)are an awesome wealth of local information. From everything to a little known picnic spot to what bartender to ask for at certain places!

woops! Sorry, should be ';very small portion to the tip jar';. I%26#39;m tired. Is it pau hana yet?????????

Hmm ... tipping when you drop it off so they ';won%26#39;t park it in Iowa.'; Well, unless you%26#39;re in a super hurry, it doesn%26#39;t really matter where they park it -- they%26#39;re the ones that have to go get it.

Tip when you pick the car up. I seem to be a bit more generous on vacation ... but at a hotel where you are tipping repeatedly, I%26#39;d probably go for $2 each time. It can add up. If a valet is particularly accommodating, add a couple of bucks.

At a restaurant, if the valets are super nice or helpful, I%26#39;ll tip $3-$5 on pickup ... otherwise it%26#39;s $2. If I%26#39;m really impressed for some reason or another I might be persuaded to chip in a bit more.

A little off the subject, but one thing I always do before using Valet services is pick a recognizable landmark close to the destination and take quick pictures of all four sides of the car. This has twice proved beneficial in damage disputes; to the tune of over $500. With a digital camera, the expense is limited to time.

Two more things: It helps if your partner is in full view for one of the pictures for clothing assisted verification of not only where, but when. Also, even though you may hand them only the ignition key, most cars have passenger compartment trunk releases, so don%26#39;t have anything of value in the trunk.

To Konagirl:

If I give the valet $5 or so when I drop off the car, I often find it right in front when I am ready to leave. They toss me the keys and I am off. It beats waiting for 15 minutes when there are 10 people in front of me also wanting to leave.