You’ll find valet parking services nearly everywhere people gather to shop or dine here. It’s expected. And if you’re used to paying a lot to have someone park and retrieve your car, the cost is usually cheaper than tipping.
The sign on the valet stand at the side entrance to Saks Fifth Avenue at Town Center at Boca Raton mall says service is $5. The mall has free garages and open parking on two levels, plus a valet out front and seasonal out back between the French restaurant and Macy’s.
That’s typical of most major shopping and dining complexes in Palm Beach County.
But no tipping allowed for the valets at the clubhouse or building if you’re invited to a private community like a hi-rise on the ocean or a gated development.
Some major dining and shopping plazas share a valet service. Boca’s ersatz downtown Mizner Park has free garages and metered street parking, but valets sit at three places. In midtown Boca, parking at the Shops at Boca Center is free, but a valet is out front, and some parking spaces are earmarked “only valet.” Many restaurants have their own valet, especially along busy Atlantic Avenue in downtown Delray Beach, even though Delray has public parking lots, garages and meters. Some restaurants along east Palmetto Park Road and S. Plaza Real street in downtown Boca offer valet parking free or for a small fee by showing that restaurant receipt.
