Since the $2 bill was mentioned I have a story.
We were having lunch with a old friend last week. He used to have a grocery store and always got $2 bills from the bank to use at his store. It was cool if you saw someone with a $2 bill they would say you've been to Hoover's Grocery.
Well now he has a snowball stand he goes to small festivals. He was in Marksville, LA at a festival and gave someone one or two $2 bills in change. They called the police on him and accused his of passing counterfeit bills. The Officer wanted to arrest him but he talked him out of it finally. I told him he should have let him book him.

My employer had an option to claim cash tips like you are describing. Reported via Egencia.
I used it to tip wait staff for the sit down breakfasts that were included with the nights stay on many occasion. Might be worth asking if you have a similar option.

A buck each time? Been quite a few years since you had valet service?
^^^^^^^^^
I park my own car whenever possible. That may be the reason.

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:

quote:

Originally posted by NavyGuy:
What might be cool is go to the bank and see if you can get some 2 dollar bills.... .

My Dad tips with $2 bills and people remember him because of it. If you go this route, I'd suggest the more generous side as you don't want to be remembered as the cheapskate who gives $2 bills.

I was in the parking management business for over 20 years, valet for 12+ years. $50 at the end will not help you. The $2 bills are a great idea, and I have done it. Tip something every time. The $2 bills are helpful in an extended stay situation, otherwise the valets are not going to remember you until you tip $10.

In an extended stay situation where the valets get to know the customers the better tippers have their car parked closer and the big tippers will skip the line waiting for their car.

If you call ahead for your car, be on the driveway 6 to 8 minutes later. I worked at an 1100 room hotel with a small driveway. We couldn't afford to have cars sitting on the drive for more than a couple of minutes.

For travel to a city like that I can't imagine an employer who will reimburse for the likely large out of pocket expense and not cover reasonable tips. I'm not talking $1,000 in the Champagne Room, but the situation you described.

$3-$5 for each event.