nnn

Because, in America, if a person's wage from his or her employer factors in expected tips, the right thing to do is tip if you are satisfied with the service.

You might not get it as a European, but that's how it is here. And, even though customers here hold the power to stiff a worker (and I am sure many unfairly do), American service IMHO tends to be better than I have experienced all over Europe. I attribute this in large part to the fact that workers here have an incentive to work harder to get a better tip.

Regardless, if the hotel were to pay the valet attendants the "proper" wage without need for tip -- which you would seem to advocate -- then guess what, the valet parking fee (or other hotel charges) would be higher to compensate. You would be paying for it either way, so it is not like you are any worse off for tipping. So why would you punish the employee for living in a tipping culture?

I would tip an Andaz valet $2 on pickup if I were there.