Valet parking in the US

[Kuestrian]

I’m renting in the US for a roadtrip and will be staying at a range of mid-to-upscale hotels where valet parking will be offered, which I’d rather not use if it can be helped.

Is it common for places with valet to also offer self-parking? Or am I worrying over nothing and should just use the valet option with a rental?

[yonasl]

Valeting is very typical in the US. Many mid range cars now have some “valet mode” that you can activate so the car cannot speed and stuff like that.

You shouldn’t be just worried about the valet itself. These guys can charge $60 per night in some places and you also have to tip them.

Instead, try SpotHero and similar apps to find nearby parking spots where you can easily leave your car for a fraction of the cost!

[Mick S]

every location will be different. Most will offer self-parking, and I prefer to self-park.
Valet parking is just another excuse for someone else to squeeze another tip from you, and tipping is off the scale in the US nowadays.

If the hotel is valet parking only then look at google maps and you are likely to find a public car next to the hotel which the valet staff will be using. just use that car park yourself for a fraction of the price (and no tip required)

i use this website/app https://spothero.com/ when valet parking in the only option.

[Kuestrian]

SpotHero looks like just what I need. Thanks for the tip, both.

[Gammel]

The ‘nice’ hotels often only ‘offer’ valet parking and they may require your first borne as collateral. Be prepared for up to $50 per night and extra charges if you come and go.

[Travel Strong]

sometimes valet is $50, sometimes it is free and a $2 tip – so ignoring the cost side of things:

Don’t worry at *all* about giving a rental to a valet. You’ll have CDW on your rental in the USA and none of the big brands care about damage. It is a breath of fresh air compared to the scams in europe!

I am someone who doesn’t like to give my own car to a meet+greet or valet. But I’ll disregard a USA rental in a heartbeat! (so long as you have the CDW).