Valet parking is an option for many hotels, particularly large, high-end hotels. Valet parking is a service that allows guests to park their cars at the hotel. You will need to go through the valet service to pick up your car.

Valet parking is a service offered in many hotels and high-end restaurants. When a guest arrives, they turn over their car keys to an employee who greets them, takes their keys, and parks their car. Later in the night, when the guest is ready to leave, an employee retrieves their car and sends them on their way. Although some valet services may be offered free, most require guests to pay a small fee beforehand. Cost is ultimately decided based on management’s preferences.

These seven tips will help you navigate valet parking at hotels.

GET EVERYTHING YOU NEED

Make sure to bring everything you need with you when you arrive at your hotel. You should bring everything, including your phone chargers, wallet and luggage. You may have to wait until you find it if you forget something. Valets are often very busy retrieving guest cars and work according to the order they receive them. If 10 people are waiting in line, expect a long wait.

DON’T LIE IN THE DROP-OFF ZERO

There will be limited space in some large cities like New York City. Overstaying too long can cause traffic backups and frustrate valets. It is important to be as quick as possible while being aware of your surroundings.

MIND YOUR VALUABLES

Valets might park your car in a hotel garage or other parking lot. You should conceal any valuables you don’t intend to take. It would be best to move any valuables, such as cash, GPS, phone cables or expensive electronics, out of your car’s sight. They can be hidden under the seat, in the glove box or elsewhere to prevent others from seeing them. This is an invitation to break in.

TELL YOUR VALET ALL QUIRKS

It can be not easy to drive a car for the first time. Your valet should be aware of any unique characteristics in your car. The valet will be interested in knowing if the window gets stuck if the brakes don’t work as well as they used, or a different quality that could affect the car’s driving. It is important to inform them ahead of time so that they can drive your vehicle safely.

KEEP YOUR CLAIM TICKLE

A valet will give you a ticket when you drop off your vehicle. This ticket is required for when you wish to pick up your car. This tells the valet which vehicle is yours and where it is located on the property. Don’t lose your claim ticket!

PLAN AHEAD

Using valet parking can affect your travel during your stay. You should factor in how long it might take for your card to arrive if you have to go somewhere specific. You may need to wait if others are also waiting to pick their cars up. Valet parking is not something you can do as you please.

TIP YOUR VALET ALWAYS

Just as hotel staff should be tipped, so should you tip your valet whenever you drop off or pick up your car. A valet should be tipped between $2 and $5, depending on where you stay.