(HOU) Valet Tipping

So just received my first Ferrari last week (a 2010 California) and have a question for you fellow Houstonians... My wife and I live in The Loop and, as you all know, it's pretty much guaranteed that we'll be using valet parking a lot around here. In fact it's almost impossible to avoid if you eat out at all. I'm just wondering if I'm supposed to tip the valet more than I used to now that I'm driving this fancy F-car. I don't ask for any fancy treatment--just ask if he knows how to drive it OK and leave it at that (between the manual tranny, fly-off handbrake, and weird key, nobody could ever figure out how to drive my Aston Martin, so that's why I ask). So, how much should I tip?


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I'm interested to hear how others handle this but for me, I'll give the guy $20 to let me park my own car right out front

 

$5 is expected, $10 is appreciated, $20 is VERY NICE! Beyond that, you're showing off.

I'd give $10 or $20 with the condition that you park it yourself, up front, and keep the key.

Valet Wrecks Ferrari 599 GTB in Rome


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This,

It is not worth the risk to let any valet park your car, especially multiple times a month.

 

Ditto, no way a valet drives my car here in Dallas.

 

Two scenarios, first a place I go often, I tip well. Generally $10. I judge by the way the valets act. For instance, even at Christmas time when I am not in a fancy car, I can get to valet at Neimans in the Galleria. The fact the guys pushed my Dino down Post Oak so I could pop the clutch to start it after a battery issue, tells me everything. Take care of these guys and they will take care of you.

Second scenario, a place you have never been before or don't know the valet, ask to park it. I have never had an issue when asking, especially if you give the guy the valet fee and a few bucks. I typically give them $5 over fee. It may sound like I am being cheap, but they always seem happy, I am happy because I have the keys, and the place is happy to have something nice out front.

No idea what others do, but it seems to work for me and keep everyone else happy.

Now for the unfortunate instances of a breakdown, having a tow guy on speed dial and knowing he will take care of you is a completely different situation....

 

$20

 

I have certain valets who know me and I feel safe using. I give them $20 and they treat my cars very well indeed.

 

Old Hickory is your best ally in the never ending battle with valet parking angst. Sometimes if I know we'll have to valet, I'll let my wife drive my Porsche. No one wants to argue with a women with a mean streak, waving $20 bills.
T

 

From Bill Maher's book, "New Rules"...LOL!

New Rule: Valet parkers have to stop parking the swanky cars in front of the restaurant while all the Toyotas and Fords get taken to a vacant lot six blocks away. We all know that America is a vast land of inequality; we don’t need to be reminded of it by a Guatemalan immigrant in a red vest. Besides, the Ferrari in front of Olive Garden doesn't say “This is a classy restaurant,” it says, “Some coke dealer wants spaghetti.”

 

+1

 

Nightmare images...

http://www.supercompressor.com/rides/how-to-piss-off-your-valet


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+2

That's why we also have an SUV.

 

I used to work for a valet company back in the day to pay for school and never saw anyone abuse a car. Ferrari's would always get parked "up top," or out front. The most we ever drove them was 10ft. If you prefer to park it yourself, just ask. They're not just parking it, they are watching over it.

 

That was funny. And, scary!
T

 

That's ideal practices.

 

i have my regular restaurants that i go to. i have made friends with the valet guys. they let me park my car myself and i tip them $20. they always give me a nice wide end spot. if it is my first time at a restaurant, i make the request when i make the reservation. i have found every place accomodative. you tip the valet guy $20 dollars while you park the car and you have made a friend for life.

 

I always feign some malady..."the clutch is slipping I'd better handle it myself"...or I will walk a LONG way to aviod giving them my keys!

 

^ same thing I always tell valet, last thing they want is the clutch going out on their clock.