Valet parking

[wez]

Unfortunately the self park lot of our hotel is closed so our only option is valet. I've never done this so can someone tell me how it works? Do you just give them your keys? Do you get them back or does the valet keep them? Am I supposed to tip both ways? Do we have to wait while the guy parks the car? What if they damage it? I'm not feeling v happy about doing this & having to pay out tips & parking charge for a service I don't really need/want. Any help would be appreciated, Thanks!

[Guest]

I'm not a valet expert but from what I know about it...

Pull up, hand the keys over to the valet guy
They give you a ticket
Head into the hotel, no need to hang around
When you want to head out again, hand your ticket in and they will collect your car and bring it round
Then tip.

[Mr Tom Morrow]

Before diving in to the Valet issue I would be questioning the booking of the Hotel.
Was it advertised as having free parking?
Are you on a package booking that the brochure states has free parking?

If either of these cases I would be getting my valet costs back.

However, ref Valet parking you pull up and hand over your keys. They keep these secure and give you a ticket to produce when you want the car back. I dont tip when I drop the car off but do give $3 on collection.
Coverage for damage is a moot point and I have never bottomed it out ref a rental car hence I only use Valet when I am at a Disney Restaurant and its hammering down!

[Viking17]

We are heading down to Clearwater in a few days to stay at the Sandpearl. We've never done valet parking either and wondered how much you a supposed to tip the valet. What's the normal amount?

[UncleLatch]

We usually tip a couple of dollars on pick up, unless cases are involved, then if they help you load tip about $5.

[wez]

Thanks all, really helpful. So only tip on return then?
Tom - no, I knew parking had a nightly fee (in Clearwater beach) but the hotel has reduced the cost of valet to match the self-parking fee. Feel a bit aggrieved at having to pay a tip when I usually wouldn't have to. (I realise this isn't the fault of the valet guys & will definitely tip them) I do think the hotel should knock a bit off the parking fee to reflect the tipping though!

[UncleLatch]

Yes, tip on pick up, not on drop off.

[Guest]

I love valet parking. For a few bucks extra, roll up at the end of the day and just toss the keys to them and disappear to the room/bar/pool. Call them from the room the next time you need the car 10-15 mins before and it's right there waiting for you.

If only they had it at Sainsburys...

[Guest]

Originally Posted by misterh

I love valet parking. For a few bucks extra, roll up at the end of the day and just toss the keys to them and disappear to the room/bar/pool. Call them from the room the next time you need the car 10-15 mins before and it's right there waiting for you.

If only they had it at Sainsburys...

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Yes if you have a rental car, not sure I'd trust em with my own

[wez]

It's funny but to me it doesn't seem as easy or convenient as just parking the car yourself! I might be won over though...