How to Use a Parking Valet: 15 Steps
1. Find a location with valet parking services: Look for upscale hotels, restaurants, and event venues that offer valet parking. These places typically have a designated area for dropping off your vehicle.
2. Approach the valet stand: Slowly drive up to the valet stand and wait for an attendant to greet you.
3. Turn off your vehicle and remove any valuables: Before handing over your keys, turn off your car and gather any belongings that you don’t want to leave behind.
4. Greet the attendant: Greet the valet politely, as they will be taking care of your vehicle. A friendly interaction sets a good tone for the service.
5. Hand over your car keys: Give the keys to the attendant, making sure they know any special instructions about your vehicle (e.g., how to start it or any quirks it may have).
6. Receive the claim ticket: The attending valet will give you a claim ticket that you’ll need when you come back to pick up your car. Keep this ticket in a safe place.
7. Walk to your destination: Leave your vehicle with the valet and proceed to your hotel, restaurant, or event venue.
8. Enjoy your outing: Valet service is meant to provide convenience and simplify parking, so take advantage of it and enjoy your time without worrying about finding a parking spot.
9. Plan for pickup: When you’re ready to leave, either call ahead if possible or walk back up to the valet stand with your claim ticket in hand.
10. Provide the claim ticket: Hand over the claim ticket to the attendant who will retrieve your car for you.
11. Be ready with payment: Have cash or a credit card available while waiting for your car since most valets expect payment upon return of the vehicle.
12. Tip generously: Tipping is not required but is appreciated by valet attendants. A general rule of thumb is to tip between $3 and $5, although you may want to tip more for excellent service or if they went above and beyond for you.
13. Inspect your vehicle: Once your car is brought back to you, do a quick inspection to ensure no damage occurred during the valet process. Notify the attendant immediately if you find any issues.
14. Get in your vehicle: Carefully examine all traffic before entering your car and buckle up.
15. Drive away safely: Thank the attendant, drive away at a safe speed, and continue enjoying your day knowing that you successfully utilized a parking valet service.