How much you should tip a valet. For a mid-level hotel with valet service, you should tip anywhere from $2 to $5, Osten says. The American Hotel & Lodging Association recommends $1 to $5 when someone delivers your car; tipping when your car is parked is up to your discretion.

Yes, it is standard etiquette to tip the hotel valet, as they provide a direct service that ensures your vehicle is safely parked and promptly retrieved. In 2026, the recommended tip in the United States is generally $3 to $5 each time they bring the car back to you. While some travelers also tip $2 to $3 upon drop-off, the retrieval tip is considered the most essential. If you are staying at a high-end luxury resort or if the valet goes above and beyond—such as helping with heavy luggage, cleaning your windshield, or providing local directions—a tip of $10 or more is a gracious way to show appreciation. In other regions, such as India, a tip of 20 to 50 rupees is common. Always try to carry small bills for this purpose, as many valets rely on these tips to supplement their income. If you have a particularly slow retrieval or a negative experience, it is still polite to offer a small tip, but you may choose to take up service issues with the hotel management instead.