Valet

Valet refers to two related concepts. In hospitality and personal service, a valet is a person who attends to guests’ needs, often in hotels or residences, including assisting with clothing, luggage, and other requests. In the context of parking, valet service or valet parking is the practice of a dedicated attendant parking and retrieving a guest’s car at arrival and departure.

The term comes from Old French valet, meaning a servant or attendant. Valet parking became common in the 20th century as automobile ownership grew, expanding from luxury hotels into restaurants, casinos, airports, and events. Today, many venues offer valet services as a convenience and status feature, sometimes integrated with concierge operations.

Operation typically begins when a guest arrives at an entrance. A valet greets the guest, collects the vehicle keys, and issues a ticket or claim check. The valet parks the car in a designated area, records relevant details, and returns the keys to the guest or stores them for later retrieval. Upon departure, the guest requests the car, and the valet retrieves and brings it to the entrance. Valets may also provide ancillary services such as luggage assistance, basic car care, or concierge tasks. Some locations offer both self-parking and valet options.

Scope and regulation vary by place. Valet services are common at hotels, restaurants, event venues, and transit hubs. In some jurisdictions, valets must be licensed or insured, and employers may differ in whether attendants are employees or contractors. Liability coverage typically addresses damage or theft of vehicles.

Tips are customary in many regions and reflect service level and local norms. The practice and pricing of valet services can differ widely by country and venue.