I spent a few days in Sun Valley, Idaho (for work, believe it or not!) last month and asked the valets working a National Ballet of Canada event what was the conventional/expected tip. “Ten or twenty,” was the response.
(I expected to see Justin Trudeau in blackface among the corps de ballet, but was disappointed.)
Readers: How much are you giving to valets? ChatGPT: “$2 to $5 when your car is returned; $2–$3 is common for average service; $4–$5 is appropriate for prompt, courteous, or extra-helpful service.”
Note the 1948 Buick Roadmaster in the photo below.
Speaking of expert witness duty, when is Rust going to replace C?
This depends on the event.
For events that I have attended with 200 or more people at a hotel, like a wedding, I give $20. I find my car is “closer” to me when I exit late at night.
If it is a restaurant and I “must valet”, I would typically give $5 on the way in and $2 on the way out.
Overall, I usually try to avoid valet parking and only do it for events where walking after the event is time-consuming. Valet parking is a treat if I am in a nice car and ant to feel “luxurious” and get to say to them “keep it close!”
JJD – Lifestyle of the Not So Rich and Not Famous