What do you do when it comes to valet parking? (free, house)
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A few days ago I wanted to celebrate and have a nice dinner out. I had picked a restaurant that we had been to in the past only to find that it was now providing non optional valet service if you wanted to use their parking lot. The other choice (if not the valet) was to park on the street in a residential neighborhood a block away and walk to their location if you wanted to eat there.
I was opposed to parking on the street in a residential neighborhood and I didn’t want to use their valet service either. So we left and went to another great restaurant about ten blocks away and enjoyed a meal there.
My thoughts are no matter if I am using an old cheap clunker or a new expensive car why would I want to give the keys to the valet and leave my vehicle with him? If I’m using an older $5,000 or a new $50,000+ one why should I give him the keys? I don’t know him and I can’t trust someone I don’t know.
Who should be responsible if the vehicle is missing or damaged; the owner of the restaurant or the valet who appears to be parking cars? What about items stored inside the car; the glove box with all the ID information, the trunk with packaged items recently purchased?
I've never been a fan of valet parking. It's just another way to rip off customers. If it makes the owners of the restaurant feel important then I can go to a different restaurant. I suppose it makes sense to some customers or makes them feel self important, but I'll pass, thanks.
I just used valet parking at a hotel that I stayed at for a company meeting. They had other options but I had alot of things for the meeting so it was easier for me than having to carry everything myself.
That being said, I have a valet key for my car. I lock the glovebox and trunk with my regular key and give them the valet key. The valet key will not open either of them. If anything happend to my car, the hotel would be responsible. I believe it would be the same for a restaurant.
I hate valet parking too - I am Mr. Cheap. Still, from the original post, why didn't you just park on the street in the residential neighborhood? What's the big deal? Why go through the hassle of driving ten blocks (and ten traffic lights) to a place that you probably didn't have reservations for?
LOL,,,, Actually that ended up being a much better restaurant and meal. It was a Monday night so we didn’t need reservations and the food & service was superior to the original location. I’ve found a better place by checking out something else.
As for parking on the streets in a residential area, it’s not something that I would want happening if I lived in the area there. If you’re visiting at my house feel free to park in front on the street, if not then find someplace else to park. Don’t clutter my neighborhood with overflow parking from a business a block away. They (the business) should provide adequate parking for their customers and not expect them to park elsewhere.
My main complaint is giving keys and my vehicle to others! It isn’t going to happen.
My main complaint is giving keys and my vehicle to others!.
See, that's your problem. You need to drive a "Chick Magnet" like I drive. A 1998 base model white F-150, 210K miles, with vinyl flooring, roll up windows, manual transmission, manual mirrors, trash on the floor, three cars seats in the back, trash in the bed. Even valet guys would want to wash their hands and clothes after driving my truck.
I don't like the valet idea either. Cars are a bit too personal as you have items strewn about in them. We have a Hi-rise hospital here where my kids were all born. It was the first air conditioned Hi-rise hospital in the US I believe. Part of it's lower floors are taken up by indoor parking areas. With valet service. Only place i recall using a valet..
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I have only used it at a wedding where I really didn't have a choice. Otherwise, I just park a few blocks away & walk , cheapskate that I am .
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3 minute clip of the valet problem. LOL
