However, not tipping at all is uncommon and should only happen if the service was absolutely terrible. Where Should I Park My Car Overnight? Valet parking services are fast-paced and have their own, specific forms of etiquette that should be understood before dropping off your car. Leave the car running. Before proceeding, you'll need to assess your budget, property, and staff to see if it is a viable option. While the vast majority of valets are honest and trustworthy, you never know when youll encounter a bad apple. Use, 7 Roadway Engineering Design Strategies To Make, Top 5 Impacts Self-Driving Cars Will Have On The, Stranded Drivers: Roadside Equipment Every Driver, Emergency Flares For Road & Highway Usage, The Best Mobile Apps You Need To Beat Traffic. My friend was getting married at a swanky hotel, and when I pulled up to the drop-off zone, I realized I had no idea what to do. Tuck away all your valuables. Valet service is offered at many hotels, events, fancy restaurants, theme parks, and many other large parking garages. How does the Valet program work? Some hotels may increase their revenue by choosing an alternative to room service or forgoing it altogether. It is customary in the United States to tip the valet who actually parks the car. An advantage of valet parking is that it is possible to pack more cars into a given physical space, in what is generally known as "stack parking". "Recognizing your parking attendant/valet by tipping is not only a common courtesy, but especially so if the service meets or exceeds expectations," Lewis explains. Having high-quality staff is critical to your success, not just in the car, but in creating a positive experience for your guests. Rates can vary based on different factors and can change over time, so make sure to stay informed of any changes to your coverage. Feel free to modify responsibilities and requirements based on your needs. Many employees who hold the job title of valet began in customer-focused roles such as front desk clerks or restaurant waiters. Dont take your keys out of the ignition. Only use valet parking if youre willing to pay the tip! Tell us what *you* think of our resources and what youd like to see here in 2023. to join our team and provide excellent customer service to our guests by parking and retrieving their vehicles as needed. Before proceeding, you'll need to assess your budget, property, and staff to see if it is a viable option. Be alert for valets directing traffic and follow their lead. Consider tipping the valet who takes your car from you. 0000008211 00000 n You dont want to pull up to the valet only to realize you forgot to get cash for the tip. Consider requiring driver safety training. Some establishments may ask that their valets stay up-to-date on the business and surrounding area in the event that a guest needs questions answered. Wait until the valet opens the door for you (or not). Parking can significantly reduce the amount of traffic in a parking lot. If other people are waiting to pick up their cars, too, you may have to wait. A Valet will work with many professionals, such as a Hotel Front Desk Agent, to coordinate the delivery of luggage and when to retrieve a guests vehicle throughout the day. Taking your keys out for the valet just mucks up the intricate ballet they have going on. If you're not sure what valet parking means, here's the gist you arrive at the hotel, collect your belongings and give your keys to the valet, who then parks your car for you. If not, there are a few tips to follow to avoid showing up unprepared. If you are considering adding valet parking as a service for your customers, be sure you get the proper insurance coverage to protect your company's financial well-being first. Providing a valet parking tip is similar to restaurants you dont need to tip well if your service wasnt good. If you want preferred service, such as a special spot if their lots are all booked up, you might try tipping more (aka a bribe). How Does Valet Parking At Hotels Work? In this email, you will describe where you will meet the driver and you will need to dial a phone number before arriving. Also, check to make sure your valuables are still safely stowed away. This service either requires a fee to be paid by the customer or is offered free of charge by the establishment. You will need to designate a parking area before you can start looking after a guests car. A good valet parking insurance plan should cover the following areas: To position your parking service for success, consider investing in professional valet equipment. Ensure candidates are selected with clean driving records, excellent customer service skills and a strong work ethic. Source, attract and hire top talent with the worlds leading recruiting software. If you get out of the car before the valet opens the door for you, stay with your vehicle until youve been greeted and given a claim ticket. Valet parking is a parking service offered by some restaurants, stores, and other businesses, particularly in North America. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Depending on where you live, you may be expected to tip them both when they park your car as well as when they retrieve it. First, offer a tip even if the valet service is complimentary. Tip all the folks who had a hand in your valet service. The tip amount depends on a few factors it can be based on the level of service you get, the parking rates, and even how generous youre feeling. Additionally, a valet ensures the parking area is clean and safe. Valet parking insurance is an important consideration, regardless of whether you subcontract to an outside valet firm or handle the details internally. Some of the most common valet parking devices include: Valet Parking Platform: A valet parking platform is a place where valet parking personnel stand when not parking or picking up a car. 1 Customer drives in Repeat customers are instantly recognised on arrival & their vehicle is accepted, along with vehicle details & images 2 Assign a valet A valet is assigned, based on their availability, & they park the vehicle at the nearest parking spot 3 Remote vehicle recall A Valet is a professional who parks and retrieves vehicles for guests at restaurants, hotels, and other establishments. Valet parking drivers will know exactly where to park, reducing the number of people looking for a parking space. An independent agent in the Trusted Choice network can help to assess your needs and risks, and supply valet parking insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies for you to compare. Rates can vary depending on different factors and change over time, so be sure to stay updated on any changes to your coverage. A typical tip for valet drivers is $2$5. Weve created a guide to discuss the differences between hotel stars, so you can properly market your hotel business to your customers and boost your bottom line. He cruises up to a club in his sleek sports car, hands the vehicle over to the parking valet with a wink, and then confidently strides inside with a beautiful dame on his arm. Pay is based largely on tips and most valets will usually do their best to earn a good one. If youre not staying overnight in a hotel but are using the valet service, you typically pay for the parking and valet service when youre leaving the event. Drew says that the hourly pay for most valets is similar to that of waiters, i.e., they get paid below minimum wage (usually $4 an hour), and make most of their income from tips. This can either be a segment of your existing parking lot or a newly constructed area. Choose a spot that is easy to access, offers ample room for parking, and is safe from any potential hazards. Keep an eye out for valet workers, as they will direct you and show you where to pull up. This method is usually accomplished by designating one or two of the valets to be "stackers", who simply "push" each car up fifty feet or so and prepare it for a quick "takeaway" for a returning valet to park. To determine whether offering traditional room service is a profitable venture for your hotel, start by evaluating your clientele, menu, and location. 0000026893 00000 n The valet holds all the keys and can park the cars two or more deep, as they can move cars out of the way to free a blocked-in car. If you decide to provide in-room dining, you can cater to modern needs by updating this classic amenity. This article has been viewed 212,187 times. Sure, the valet can run to your car to get these things if you forget them, but if you have him do so, its good form to tip an extra few dollars for his trouble. Tips in the service industry definitely add up. Do I have to leave my keys with the valet or can I get them back so there will be no chance of them getting lost? - Hotel Valet Parking. The hospitality industry has varied average tip percentages across the USA. I was driving a Honda Element. Inform the valet of your vehicles quirks, if its relevant. Many circumstances can occur with regard to valet parking that are beyond the responsibility of the valet company or property owner. You dont always have to tip more in this situation, but its a great way to show your appreciation for their excellent service. Yes, a valet service at Deluxe Resorts is available for $33 per night. Not only are you responsible for the loss, but you are also responsible for lost wages as you leave with an injury. It's also important to design a detailed training program to make sure each new hire is prepared to do their job. This may include, but is not limited to, any of the following: designated greeters, stackers, and parkers, a system for marking car locations, and sometimes even a shuttle service for valets at large venues in order to expedite car return times at the end of the event. Although a two to five-dollar tip is average, you can tip more if your valet was particularly professional and hard working. "In the end, you are. Creating an organized, decent valet parking area helps keep your staff productive and creates a professional atmosphere. As opposed to shuttle parking, you will drive to the departure terminal. Later in the night when the guest is ready to leave, an employee retrieves their car for them and sends them on their way. Shop All Hotel Supplies What Is a 1 Star Hotel? You may have to wait a bit longer than usual for your car to beretrieved. You will receive a confirmation email within a few minutes with clear instructions to park. In contrast to "self-parking", where customers find a parking space on their own, customers' vehicles are parked for them by a person called a valet. Then he goes and parks your car. They appreciate extra tips when they help you with services like this. If youre using a valet service thats not connected to a hotel, losing your claim ticket puts a wrinkle in things. The most important concerns with valet parking insurance are liability issues. Find a local member agent in your area today to ensure that you are properly covered with an affordable policy. 0000004794 00000 n This method is useful for events where guests all arrive around the same time, such as for a wedding reception. What is the Standard Parking Space Dimensions? You dont want to be the schmo who throws a wrench in the gears. If you are arriving at a luxurious hotel or restaurant, it can be expected. % of people told us that this article helped them. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Use-a-Parking-Valet-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-a-Parking-Valet-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Use-a-Parking-Valet-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid128008-v4-728px-Use-a-Parking-Valet-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"