Re: Valet Drivers = Your car's worst nightmare Thanks, everyone. I think my wavering resolve has received enough reinforcement. ![Smile](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.png) Will politely ask for self parking when I go there, and will update the group on how it went. Quote:
Originally Posted by sumeethaldankar And I own a humble Swift ![Smile](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.png) and had my fair share of valets from hell. One might think of me as finicky or whatever but who cares what they think, they are just temporary people who will be around in your life for a very short time. |
Some time last year, I drove in my old i20 to a five star hotel, all dusty after a day-long drive, boot and rear seat full with some technical equipment that I had loaded on the way, to carry back when I returned to my hometown. The valet who took the key for parking was indignant as I explained to him that I need to ensure that that equipment is kept safe while the car was in parking.
Then, when we were leaving after a few days, it took them a long time to get the car from parking, and my wife and I were joking to each other that they had probably buried our car somewhere out of sight. Quote:
Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom I don't think there is any guarantee of that at all! Probably the majority of valet-parked cars are returned to the owner with no problems at all. Just, none of us want to be one of the unfortunate minority, and I think that is entirely justified. |
Agree. Quote:
Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao I haven't stayed at the particular property (I'm assuming the one next to UB City on Lavelle Rd?), but whenever I've visited for a meal/meeting, they've never made a fuss over letting me self-park. |
Yes, the same hotel. Good to know that they allow to self-park. Quote:
Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao Just tell the valet desk politely that you'd prefer to self-park and ask for directions to guest parking. Find a spot a little out of the way if you don't intend to use the car a few days, and tip the parking security guy to keep an eye on your car.
Unless you avail valet services or park in a spot where your car would likely need to be moved to accomodate thoroughfare, they're unlikely to insist on keeping your keys. Nothing a polite word and a little tip can't sort out, don't worry. |
Thanks much, this is very useful input. Will follow your advice. Quote:
Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao P.S. If Italian food is your thing, Alba @ JW Marriott makes some fantastic stuff. The ravioli is *chef's kiss emoji*. |
Haven't been to Alba before. Will give it a try this time if I can. I love Sushi, and last time I stayed here, I tried Shiro that was right next door - loved that experience. Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackBeard Don't worry about being "cheap", its your car if something goes wrong you will lament for not having been cheap enough... ![Big Grin](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.png) |
Definitely! Quote:
Originally Posted by rajivr1612 No experience with 5* hotels. But with hotels upto 4*, I have never handed over mine to a valet, and it was a humble Etios Liva, mind you. Never had a bad experience, I was always guided to the dedicated parking, unaccompanied.
The most recent was at Grand Estancia, Salem, in my new Honda City.
All my experiences are at hotels in TN and KL. |
Yes, I have taken my Kodiaq to a few 3/4 star hotels over the last 4 months, and never had a problem with self parking. Taking it to a five star one for the first time and I guess I was starting to suffer from low intensity imposter syndrome. Thanks to all of you for setting it right. ![Big Grin](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.png)
Last edited by phi : 21st April 2024 at 19:43.
Reason: Typo fix
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