Valet Parking
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: Valley Stream NY
Valet Parking
Being new to Corvette Territory, I am wondering how to handle the occasional situation requiring valet parking like at restaurants, hotels etc. I never had a car like this and I would hate to always leave it home and use my other car. It happened this weekend and I wound up paying the valet side money for the privilege of parking my own car. Please let me know what you do. Thanks!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 6
From: San Diego CA
I have never turned my any of my vehicles over to a pimply-faced hyped-up moron, excuse me, I mean valet person, and hope I never have to.
It's bad enough at the dealership service dept. when the lot boy stands on the throttle when moving your car from one side of the garage to the other. Grrr.
Valet service? I think not.
It's bad enough at the dealership service dept. when the lot boy stands on the throttle when moving your car from one side of the garage to the other. Grrr.
Valet service? I think not.
Last edited by SanDiegoBert; Nov 5, 2007 at 04:54 PM. Reason: typo
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
I use the valet at the local casino, partly because I don't want it in the general parking lot. I have taught all the valets how to start it etc. There are only a few of them and they all know me. I tell them each time to "be careful with my baby, and slow over the speed bumps. I have watched them and they are careful, at least were I can see. One thing to be aware of is to remember to always get your fob back, it is easy to forget if you just always keep it in you packet. A few days ago they had to drive out to my home to return the fob.
Tim
Tim
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 18,726
Likes: 710
From: Bergen County, NJ
Let them know that you are not a fool and you know this is a high powered, high performance car. With that, ask to park it yourself. Maybe get the main guy and slip him a tip & ask him to keep an eye on it.
Don't forget, these guys work for tips.
Don't forget, these guys work for tips.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Lakewood CA
I would rather valet than have to keep worrying about what can happen in a general parking lot while I'm away (keying, bumping, door dings, theft, etc). The odds of that happening in a valet lot are reduced. I DO advise them that the car rides low so watch the dips and inclines. I also do a walk around before leaving.
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Verdad Gallardo
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 16,052
Likes: 253
do not touch
Being new to Corvette Territory, I am wondering how to handle the occasional situation requiring valet parking like at restaurants, hotels etc. I never had a car like this and I would hate to always leave it home and use my other car. It happened this weekend and I wound up paying the valet side money for the privilege of parking my own car. Please let me know what you do. Thanks!!!
don't give up you fob!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 176
From: Kernersville NC
My main concern would be that the valet would not totally shut off the car and end up with a dead battery. I kind of wish this car just had keys like any other one. Haven't had any problems but it works on your mind a little. Won't let a valet touch this one.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
If they don't let you do that, which is fair in my opinion because you aren't asking for something for nothing, then park someplace else.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,099
Likes: 64
From: Houston TX
St. Jude Donor '09
I valet only when I'm forced to do so. Usually it is somewhere where there are a lot of upscale cars. Sometimes they are careful and often I get one of the primo parking spots up front and in full view of everyone. Last time it took forever to get my car back because the guy couldn't figure out how to start it. 
Once I got it back with the right air dam bent back and the underside of the nose all scratched up. 
So, I only do valet when forced to do so.
Once I got it back with the right air dam bent back and the underside of the nose all scratched up. So, I only do valet when forced to do so.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 35,617
Likes: 167
Tech Contributor
Cruise-In 11 Veteran
NCM Ambassador
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
I would pay more (tip, bribe, whatever) to allow me to park it myself.
Here is a thread to make you realize what can happen to anyone. May be the exception but why risk it.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ighlight=Valet
Paul
Here is a thread to make you realize what can happen to anyone. May be the exception but why risk it.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ighlight=Valet
Paul
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,262
Likes: 7
From: Kissimmee, FL
Whenever faced with a valet parking decision just leave your car running, pop the hood and insert your nose against the fan belt until the urge goes away!! In my mind, that is just asking for trouble. I guess this feeling is a result of numerous viewings of Ferris Bueller's Day Off and 60 years of life telling me nobody will treat your property the way you do. Slip them some money and park yourself AND - keep the Fob.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 13,787
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From: . [Rotorhead] "You seem to be a douche. What I'm getting at is just STFU" [/Rotorhead]
St. Jude Donor '06 & '09 & '11
It's only a car. I tip on the way in and ask them to keep it close. Usually, I'll tell them we're just there for drinks, so they don't know how long I'll be. I might ask to park it myself if they have a few spots close by, but I generally hate being "that guy". Worst case scenario, keep the fob and give it to them when you come out.