A professional valet service includes the people, the plan and the controls: trained attendants with an on-site lead, a parking and traffic plan for your site, a ticket and key system, and insurance for the cars in its care. Depending on the job, it can also include signage and equipment, guest greeting and reporting afterward.
What happens before the first car arrives?
The work starts with your site. A valet company should look at where guests will be dropped off, where cars will be parked, the route between them, and how traffic will enter and leave. From that it builds a staffing plan: how many attendants, when they arrive, and how the busiest moments will be covered. You should receive that plan as a written estimate with hours, staff count and any minimums, so you know exactly what you are buying. Ongoing accounts such as hotels and office buildings also get a set of written procedures for the site.
What does the valet team do on site?
- Greeting. Attendants welcome guests, open doors and help with bags or packages.
- Ticketing. Each car gets a claim ticket, and many teams note existing damage at drop-off.
- Parking. Cars are driven carefully to the assigned area and parked to make retrieval quick.
- Key control. Keys are stored securely and logged so every key matches a ticket and a parking spot.
- Retrieval. Cars are brought back in order, with the team coordinating by radio during busy periods.
- Traffic and safety. The drop-off lane is kept moving and safe for guests on foot.
- Supervision. An on-site lead manages the team and is your single point of contact.
What equipment is usually provided?
A valet company commonly brings its own stand or podium, a secure key box, claim tickets, signage, cones and radios. Some jobs need more, such as lighting for a dark lot, a tent or heater for the stand, or extra signs for a long driveway. Confirm in writing which items are included and which are add-ons.
Is insurance included?
A legitimate valet company carries its own insurance, including coverage for guest cars while they are in its care. You should not have to arrange it. You should, however, ask for a certificate of insurance that names you or your venue. Our post on valet insurance explains what to look for.
What is usually not included?
- The parking space itself, and any fees for a nearby lot or garage.
- Venue fees or requirements set by the property.
- Shuttle vehicles, unless the quote says so.
- Gratuity, unless you arrange to cover it.
None of these should be a surprise. A clear quote lists them.
Can valet service include more than parking?
Yes. Many properties want one team at the front door that handles cars and guests. VIP provides:
- Event valet for weddings, private parties, corporate events and restaurants.
- Hotel valet, bell and hospitality staffing.
- Hospital and medical campus valet.
- Office building valet, front desk and concierge.
- Apartment and condo concierge with daily activity reports.
Businesses with ongoing needs can set up an account through corporate partnerships. VIP staffs every assignment with its own employees, not subcontractors.
How is valet service priced?
Pricing is mostly driven by staff hours: the number of attendants, the length of the shift including setup, and any minimum. Distance to parking, travel, extra equipment and holiday dates can change it. VIP prices each job from the site plan, so the fastest way to a number is the event quote form. For a full list of what we do, see valet services or our Denver valet company page.
Frequently asked questions
Not always. The valet company provides the staff and the plan; the parking space comes from the venue, property or a nearby lot, and any lot fees are usually separate.
It depends on the arrangement. Some hosts cover gratuity, others let guests tip. Ask for it to be stated in the quote.
Yes. VIP also provides hotel bell and hospitality staff, office building front desk and concierge staff, and apartment concierge. See all services.