If a hotel only has valet parking as their parking option and they charge $18 a day for it, is it still expected that you tip the valet? If so, how much?

Only if you want your car returned in one piece! A few bucks are well worth it!

$2 in, $2 out. I used to give more, but I just read a very interesting book about tipping, and this was the figure suggested.

Many hotel parking valets in big cities are actually parking your car in a neaby public garage. It is worth exploring to see if it would be cheaper to park there yourself. If the $18 includes unlimited ins and outs, probably not, even with the tips.

You always tip the valet - they are the ones taking care of your car - not the hotel. Can't comment on other options since I don;t know where the hotel is (that would be a huge bargain here - where overnight parking is typically $35 to $40).

I think it depends on the city and the hotel. $1 is fine in some places and $2 may not be enough in others (imo). But yes, you do tip the valet regardless of what you're paying the hotel.

We tip only when the car is returned. In January, while staying at a snazzy Las Vegas hotel, I got the same smile and "thank you" whether I tipped $5, $2, or $1. I usually tip $2.

This is the advice at TripAdvisor under "United States: Tipping & Etiquette: Valet Parkers: $2 - $5 (when picking up car).

HTTY

My SIL used to work as a valet in LA at swanky hotels and events and stopped me from a $5 tip (I wanted them to really take good care of the car). He insisted $1 - $2 was ample. "$2 - Tops" - his words.

Thanks everyone for the helpful tips on tips. I could also use some advice on how much to tip hotel maids per day.

One dollar a day, and up:

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/hotel...ing17_ST_N.htm

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g1...Etiquette.html

http://people.howstuffworks.com/tipping3.htm

HTTY