How to ask a valet to “leave your car out front”
#41
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Member Since: Sep 2007
Location: NE South Carolina
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^^
Yep money talks. But remined of driving my C7 Grand Sport to drop someone off at the local hospital. They offer a valet service for folks driving themselves for day surgery etc. Young man came up to my window and asked if I wanted my car parked. I asked (for fun) if he could drive a standard shift. He sheepishly said no! In 60+ years driving, the C8 is my 1st DD with out a clutch pedal! Love it!
Yep money talks. But remined of driving my C7 Grand Sport to drop someone off at the local hospital. They offer a valet service for folks driving themselves for day surgery etc. Young man came up to my window and asked if I wanted my car parked. I asked (for fun) if he could drive a standard shift. He sheepishly said no! In 60+ years driving, the C8 is my 1st DD with out a clutch pedal! Love it!
Last edited by JerryU; 09-24-2021 at 01:53 PM.
#42
Racer
For special occasions like weddings as such I typically would UBER if the distance isn't too far. It's a little more than the cost of the tip, but your car is safe and you can enjoy a cocktail or two with worrying.
#43
Le Mans Master
Tipping the $20 in advance with a promise of $20 out to keep the car up front is nothing more to the valets than paying for preferred parking.
They know the value in those front spots. And I can get moved on a busy night BC someone else offered more than $40 to park up front. I can pretty much guarantee it with $100 on a Fri/Sat night. $40 almost always works if it’s not a busy night.
They know the value in those front spots. And I can get moved on a busy night BC someone else offered more than $40 to park up front. I can pretty much guarantee it with $100 on a Fri/Sat night. $40 almost always works if it’s not a busy night.
#44
Racer
Interesting discussion, but there are so many variables to consider. This is the motor lobby of our condo, shared with a hotel and restaurant, in South Florida. 1. Do you really think these owners offer cash and 'ask' to have their cars parked here? 2. Do you really believe that the valet staff can't manuever our Corvettes when, out of this photo''s range, one of them is backing a McLaren into a tight corner space? 3. Do you think this establishment is going to risk harm to this multi million dollar set of assets, which changes by the hour? 4. Do you really think that by offerring the valet a hundred bucks your Pinto will be squeezed alongside? Lots of perspectives to keep in mind. (btw, the building's insurance will not allow a driver to self-park, once on the property, not even to pull into a front space.)
#45
Money talks...
#46
Advanced
#47
Hell i have never used valet parking. Always pulled up in a limo. just kidding about the limo part lol) Even in an old truck i still parked my self. Maybe had to walk a bit but oh well.
#48
Last month I hopped out of my car (no longer a Vette) and asked if he’d mind keeping it up front. His answer after a quick glance? “Yeah, but would you mind parking it? I can’t drive a manual.”
#49
Could be a problem with Fire / EMS. Blocking the way in the carport Fire Lanes and emergency services space areas. Pedestrian traffic rubbing the sides and purses, 💼 briefcases, and of course mirror assemblies. Other than that it looks great.
#50
There is no valet parking at McDonalds....
#52
Le Mans Master
These are all valid points and more good reasons to leave the nice car locked up in the dark garage where no one can see or touch it.
There is an added benefit, when you pull up in the Uber's Toyota Yaris, no one will be looking at you thinking, "he's really arrived". There is a lot to say for being forgettable and unmemorable.
#53
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Mar 2005
Location: Las Vegas Nevada
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2020 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Not really a Valet story but here goes. We picked up our C8 at the museum and headed home to Las Vegas. We stopped in Albuquerque for the night at a Holiday Inn Express. I wasn't liking the area and there was an old beater parked under the awning. I asked if I could park under the awning for the night and the check in person said no, that was his car and his spot to park. I offered the guy $20 to let me park there and he said no. I offered the guy $40 to park there and he still said no. He changed our room assignment so we could park outside our room and keep an eye on the car. I didn't sleep well that night.....
#54
Safety Car
Member Since: Dec 2009
Location: Oro Valley Arizona
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Just the Facts
We booked an Orange County CA hotel online. When we showed up, they only had valet parking. No surface except on public streets. I was going to suggest a little extra care for our Corvette. Then I noticed the cars under the entry portico. A Ferrari, a Lambo, and two Bentley's. On a killer Continental convertible with the top down. Hmm? Guess it depends on which Mr. Roger's neighborhood you are in.
#55
Instructor
$20 and…
$20 and “Hey, have you got a safe place for this?”, has always gotten our C6 parked right up front at every resort in town that we’ve gone to.
#56
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Unless the parking in front of the hotel is already full, offering some cash to the attendant should do the job.
#58
Le Mans Master
Lower your car a ton, add a lip and side skirts. Then warn them it's very low and won't make it up/down many ramps without ripping the splitter off.
Works every time.
Works every time.