Hospital Valet

jmathi0149 · June 2014

My hospital offers a free valet service which I think is wonderful since parking is always a nightmare. What is the etiquette with this service? Should you tip them like you would any other valet service or are they really just there to help out? We are always good at tipping. I just want to be prepared. I don't want to be worried about not having enough cash for them if that is the expectation.

Edit- one more question:

If you do use the valet service, how soon should SO go out and get the car/ move it to a regular spot? Or do you leave it there until you leave it with them until you leave the hospital?

ungraceful13 · June 2014

The valet at my hospital is not allowed to accept tips but that may be bc they only have a valet due to construction.

lookame3639 · June 2014

There's free valet at my hospital but I never considered using it, maybe when I'm in real labor but parking isn't really all that bad.

If we do use valet I'll have FI have a small tip of about $3-$5 available in case they accept tips (but I don't think their allowed to) and I'll have FI move it before the valet leaves (i think it's available until 9 pm)

MallardDucky · June 2014

The hospital I gave birth at in sept had it only during business hours. They were volunteers and most of the time wouldn't take a tip, they just wanted to feel like they were doing something.

tahitiansun · June 2014

We always tip valet- especially if it's free, I think it's tacky not too. If they can't accept it, they will let you know

for the record, my hospital valet is free and they accept tips.

Re: your other question I think if you valet when in labor, I wouldn't worry about having the car moved until after the baby came.

boymomstrong · June 2014

I always tip a couple dollars, and i always use it, as the parking is no where near i need to be... Also your second question, our hospital only asks that you let them know if you plan to be there longer than 6pm, if so they park your car in a farther spot so they can keep close spots for routine appointments, and if you get there after 6, and wont be gone before 6am, same thing...

I would just use the valet and ask him all the questions you have... Thats what i did and i am sure he thought i was crazy until he saw my belly!

Jolaine83 · June 2014

Ours has a sign posted that they cannot accept tips of any form for valet service. They only offer it on the maternity side now, unfortunately. It was great when it was on the general admission side too.

Pinkalana · June 2014

My hospital offers valet at all the entrances: main (which includes family birthplace) ER, and the cancer center. They tell you to use the valet. I've been having to go 2x/week for NSTs and wondered about tipping as well but they don't accept them. I think it's a lovely service of the hospital. They just always ask how long you expect to be. For NSTs they keep it parked close. For longer stays they find a spot further away.

jmathi0149 · June 2014

Thank you so much for all of the information ladies! I will make sure to have some money on hand just in case they are allowed to accept tips!

Raclla · June 2014

Where are these fancy hospitals with valet service?! lol

DH dropped me off at the ER entrance, parked the car, and then met me by the registration counter. They put me in a wheel chair as soon as he helped me get out of the car.

If it had been during normal business hours, he'll just drop me at the front door, park the car, and then meet me in the lobby.

Third&goal · June 2014

An FYI about moving it, you may go out to the car at some point and find time to park it. I know my DH ran out (quickly) for food during my long labor (I didn't want him eating in the room) and then after delivery and we got to the room he went to get the other suitcases and boppy pillow and stuff from the car. So those may be two chances to park it later.

BlckRoses · June 2014

Ours has valet during the week only. They don't accept tips for the valet or the spa in the hospital since they're a non profit. You could call information and ask.

Sarafar4 · June 2014

My husband worked as a hospital valet for a while when we were younger. I asked him about tipping and he said "Definitely!" Even just $1.00. They are making close to minimum wage and in every type of weather. And as I'm typing this he's getting angry remembering working in the pouring rain... Twice the amount if cars and making barely any money for being miserable and wet all day. Needless to say, he didn't stay at that job for very long!

BlueRidgeMama · June 2014

No valet at my hospital. But at least the garage is free for patients! I am planning on having my mom with me so hopefully she can park while DH and I go in.

jarethinafrock · June 2014

Wow, I'd never even thought of a hospital valet. My hospital is on the small side and generally pretty empty when I go in for my appointments. Even if they had a valet, I doubt I would use that service, but I would definitely try to tip if I did.

shaylagirl · June 2014

During out L&D tour, they made it a point to tell us about the hospital's valet service. DH can either drop the car in a parking spot, OR the valet can park it for us in the parking garage. Our call. Also, they gave us a number to call or text when we're ready to leave the hospital and the valet will go get the car for us and bring it around.

I hadn't even THOUGHT about tipping them. I'll make sure DH has some money on him and at least offer it to them. Or, when I go for my breastfeeding class, I'll ask the valet on duty if they're allowed to take tips.

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