| Author | Message | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Senior Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 5620 Registered: 5-2001 |
Your up early Sindo  | ||
| sindo rodil (308qv_miami)
Junior Member Username: 308qv_miami Post Number: 85 Registered: 5-2003 |
I.ll never valet again. Went to a restarant here gave the valet the keys to my 308qv,as soon as he tries to put it in reverse he can't figure out that you have to push down on the gear lever.So I walk over and tell him I'll park it and he can't get out because he can't find the door latch.It was actually pretty funny the other valets could'nt contain themselves. Needless to say, whenever I go there now I park upfront myself but give them a decent tip. | ||
| Alexander Chmiel (A4ep)
New member Username: A4ep Post Number: 1 Registered: 8-2003 |
I have been a lurker for a while but had to join in on this one. I had just picked up a new 911 C4S, it still had the temporary tags on it, and only 600 miles. I took it to Mizner Place in Boca Raton, FL and went to the valet stand. Sure enough I knew from the past how these guys park the cars and have heard stories from the wait staff of vipers and Ferraris coming back with melted rubber attached to the back wheel wells. I have also seen in person their hot rodding on the backside of the complex. So of course I noticed they had two open spots up front, and the rest were filled with older mercs, nothing over the top special. So I asked the valet to park it up front, floated him a $20 (their supposed cost) and he said that he will put it up there in fifteen minutes but has to put it in back first. I couldn't believe it, I asked what about the two spaces, he said they were expecting some people and gave me a wink and said the car would be treated well. I explained to him it was brand new, not done with the break-in yet and asked again if he could just park it up front. He refused, I took my $20 and self parked it. Over the course of the meal the two spots stayed open for the rest of the night. The wink with his condescending tone of I can put it up front in 15 minutes but have to drive it in back first was just insane. For further reference Mizner is the absolute worst valet service I have ever seen. | ||
| Jason Paro (Jason_79)
New member Username: Jason_79 Post Number: 18 Registered: 9-2002 |
I see it like this I bought my car with my money therefore I park it. | ||
| N'din (Abangdin)
New member Username: Abangdin Post Number: 9 Registered: 7-2003 |
Good tip Emilio. I always do that anyway. But I still tip the valet. He'll be happy to keep an eye for my car. | ||
| Emilio Frattaruolo (Paintballny)
New member Username: Paintballny Post Number: 9 Registered: 5-2002 |
hey all, Here is a tip. Never ever valet your car. I used to work as a valet at a nice riverfront catering hall in NY and besides my best friend and myself, we are both car maniacs, not one person cared about the cars they drove. Cars get bumped, double started resulting in a loud screech, scratched, etc. What I always did whenever someone didn't want me to drive their car I just showed them where to park and let them go on their way. If you just ask nicely nobody should ever give you a problem. Oh and a tip is a nice gesture too, one of the reasons I stopped working as a valet was the fact that nobody tips well these days. I'm talking about getting pocket change for tips...... Anyways enough ranting. So all in all keep your keys with you and park your baby yourself. cya Emilio | ||
| TC (Houston) (Tec)
Junior Member Username: Tec Post Number: 185 Registered: 2-2002 |
Okay, here we go, last night is an excellent example. I had dinner at the chef's table at Brennan's last night. Pulled up at 7:30 and the valet is packed--had to wait in line for about 5 minutes. A guy finally walks over. I smile and give a friendly "how's it going?", hand him 10 bucks and ask "is there a decent place I can park this thing? Sorry to be a pain but I'd really appreciate it." The guy tells me to hold on and he'll be right back. A couple minutes later he returns and says that he'll move the car parked in front of the valet stand and that I'll put the car there. I gave him another five on the way out just because he was so cool about it. | ||
| Vincent (Vincent348)
Member Username: Vincent348 Post Number: 929 Registered: 4-2003 |
Guys, Drive thrus.....no worries. Vincent I usually park it myself, leave the keys, and a nice tip. | ||
| V.Z. (Ama328)
Junior Member Username: Ama328 Post Number: 213 Registered: 11-2002 |
Charles Byrd, nice 308 GTB, used to have one very similar to this, kinda wish i'd kept it, but on to other things... | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Intermediate Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 2207 Registered: 6-2001 |
I only park there when they put my car where I can see it. ARt | ||
| Matthew F (Mateotnt)
New member Username: Mateotnt Post Number: 44 Registered: 7-2002 |
I really dislike valets, too. Especially with any manual transmission. I used to have an Alfa Spider, which I didn't want unknown valets driving. Then again, it wasn't the rarest gem in the parking lot, so I felt foolish making a big deal out of refusing the valet service. For theft deterrence, I had a kill switch tucked under the ashtray that, when switched, would interrupt power to the starter solenoid. It made my car slightly more theft-proof than most, or at least very difficult to start for most people, like valets. The engine would still run fine with the kill switch armed. So whenever I would pull up to a valet service, I would remove the ashtray, flip the switch, and pop the ashtray back into place, and leave the engine running. They would park the car as usual. Once they turned off the ignition, no one was ever able to start the car. It would usually take a while, but eventually someone would come over, very apologetically, and explain the situation. I would go to the car, secretly flip the switch, and the car would start right up. It was a dirty trick, but it got three things accomplished: 1) It reduced a round-trip valet joy ride into a one way parking, and they never even started the car 2) They certainly wouldn't accept a gratuity 3) They gladly let me self-park the next time they saw me coming. | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Senior Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 5445 Registered: 5-2001 |
Remember this: Valets are ALWAYS in a rush! They always have to run to get your cars, they always want to come back as quick as possible. Most all garages today have speedbumps! Case closed! | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Senior Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 5444 Registered: 5-2001 |
Chris, I lock the car. If they damage the lock they pay for it. Better and easier to replace locks than have them joyriding through speedbumps in my car. If they break off the key they have no excuse either: "I did not do it". I got so pissed one day at some guys when I specifically told them do not touch the car to come out later and find they moved it. They said they would only move it if there is an emergency and a fire truck needs to turn around. Needless to say there was no smoke nor a fire truck just a bunch of kids loving to brag they drove a Ferrari. | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Senior Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 5443 Registered: 5-2001 |
Doody, bring on the PARTY! Why not come down for the AMLS GP of Miami Sept 25th. Matt will be here from LA and I am still hoping Byron will say yes and blow of fhis friends with the wedding. As if that is an excuse, getting married! Who gets married on a race weekend for crying out loud. Only inconsiderate people and you should not be there for them. | ||
| Charles Byrd (Vogel)
Junior Member Username: Vogel Post Number: 66 Registered: 6-2001 |
I don't think I would use a valet for any car, much less a Ferrari. But I have never had a problem with valet's because I am too cheap to use one, of course that is what I have a Ferrari, go figure. | ||
| Chris Coffing (Valence)
Junior Member Username: Valence Post Number: 136 Registered: 3-2003 |
one potential problem with the fake set of keys idea is - what if they try to use them and damage the lock or ignition? | ||
| Ken A (Zff)
Junior Member Username: Zff Post Number: 110 Registered: 12-2002 |
Dave, I know what you mean. I have an even "shittierbox" 308, and the first time I valet-ed it, they moved a Carerra 4 in back to open up a spot for me. When I came back from dinner, it was in the same spot. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 469 Registered: 4-2003 |
It is like french kissing your cousin.. You just don't do it, ever! I have had 5 Valets standing around my car trying to open the door, start the car, move the seat, or roll the window down. When I returned, the last jack off got out of the car and his Bic ball point pen was digging into my nice Conolly leather. Needles to say, I blew a gasket. If you do not think that the Valet will treat your car with the same care as you do, then revert back to rule #1: "you just don't do it". | ||
| James P. Smith (Tigermilk)
Junior Member Username: Tigermilk Post Number: 178 Registered: 7-2001 |
I don't go to places with valet parking. I'd rather eat at a Taco Bell than head to a joint that requires valet. Valet parking is just one of my pet peeves along with non-matinee movie prices, mall-based CD stores selling CDs at $20 a pop, etc. | ||
| Don Vollum (Donv)
Junior Member Username: Donv Post Number: 132 Registered: 1-2002 |
I've noticed around here (Portland), many valets don't want to park the car. I think they are afraid of something happening to it. I park it myself and tip them (pretty well), and I've never had a problem. With the 365, they couldn't get it started anyway, even if they had the key. | ||
| Dave L (Davel)
Member Username: Davel Post Number: 303 Registered: 7-2001 |
I dont... | ||
| Mitchel DeFrancis (4re308)
Member Username: 4re308 Post Number: 997 Registered: 6-2001 |
I never never never let a valet schmuck drive the Ferrari. It has not happened yet, and never will. If the place I am going to has mandatory valet, I take my VW. | ||
| Craig Dewey (Craigfl)
Member Username: Craigfl Post Number: 658 Registered: 1-2001 |
In a thread here -- several years ago-- somone suggested a dummy set of keys to give to the valet if they require them. I carry my set in the glovebox marked "Ferrari". They are keys to an old Master lock and an old car I no longer have. Makes them happy though.... | ||
| gary green (Minuke)
Junior Member Username: Minuke Post Number: 114 Registered: 7-2003 |
Dave, When you want to get rid of that "shitbox" let me know! | ||
| dave handa (Davehanda)
Intermediate Member Username: Davehanda Post Number: 1403 Registered: 5-2001 |
I drive a "shitbox" 328...I let the valet park it where ever and don't sweat it... though, surprisingly, they usually leave it up front. Seems to get more respect than a turbo P-car or 100k Mercedes...go figure...When I get a 355 I'll worry about it more... :-) | ||
| "The Dave" (Sparetireless)
Junior Member Username: Sparetireless Post Number: 127 Registered: 1-2003 |
a neighbor parked a new Maserati Convert. with F1 (cambio something) and the valet ripped the little rear shift out of the shift tunnel. Seems like its not really possible to leave a non stick with a valet. | ||
| IamA (Ski_bum)
Junior Member Username: Ski_bum Post Number: 106 Registered: 12-2002 |
Peter, There was an incident several years ago where a valet wrecked someone's Ferrari in San Diego. Oops, hope I didn't frighten you! | ||
| Chris Coffing (Valence)
Junior Member Username: Valence Post Number: 135 Registered: 3-2003 |
What made it weird was greeting the confused customers and demanding their keys. Some loved it, others were turned off, but they were invariably late for their hair appointment, so we didn't get too much grief. That's fortunate, because we had to wear long pants and long sleeves with a damn clip-on bow-tie in the 95 degree July heat, so none of us could have handled much. Funny thing was nobody ever really questioned our authority. Those black bow-ties must have given us a lot of credibility... | ||
| Chris Coffing (Valence)
Junior Member Username: Valence Post Number: 134 Registered: 3-2003 |
I take it most of you guys are from the "big city." Here in the booming metropolis of Charlottesville, VA, we have about a thousand good restaurants, but I can't think of even one that uses valet parking. I haven't even seen a valet around here since I was one myself, in college. A hair salon's parking lot was being redone, and they hired this valet service. I became proficient at a manual transmission that summer, as the only way to park the cars was parallel parking them backward on a steep ramp. Weird experience. | ||
| Nicholas Johns (Rexcoltrain)
New member Username: Rexcoltrain Post Number: 12 Registered: 2-2002 |
I called ahead to our hotel in New Orleans this past weekend to make sure my Boxster would be in good hands. On my way to Emerils saturday night the valet says that a bird got my car good, but "he took care of it". I noticed the next day in the light that it looks like he cleaned it off with a screwdriver!! There are little scratches all over the area below my side mirror. I got most out, but one is thorugh the clearcoat. Still waiting to hear about what the hotel is going to do about it. The first and last time I ever valet my car! | ||
| Gabe V (Racerxgto)
Junior Member Username: Racerxgto Post Number: 88 Registered: 4-2003 |
The valet does not get my car. I know of better ways to wreck my car on my own. Years ago, I gave them my 3000GT VR-4 and they mashed my front active aero system under the front clip. Certain hotels out of town...like the Park Hyatt in San Francisco, I have no choice. But they haven't wrecked it......yet. Yeah, I scope out places where I can do it myself and still get front row. | ||
| Brian W (Jetx)
Junior Member Username: Jetx Post Number: 58 Registered: 6-2003 |
Wondering if a new thread shouldn't be started on "Valet Friendly Establishments" And by that I mean places that accomodate you and your requests. | ||
| Brian Kennedy (Kennedy)
Member Username: Kennedy Post Number: 372 Registered: 3-2002 |
I simply say, "I'll give you {2x the standard valet fee} if you let me park it right there." As others have said, make sure the valet knows he'll get paid and be nice and usually there is not a problem. Any place with a strict rule that doesn't even allow parking up front won't be getting my business. Nobody ever valets my Ferrari ever. Nor do they get the keys. I will drive a lesser car if I think there will be any issue. | ||
| jeff ryerson (Atheyg)
Member Username: Atheyg Post Number: 336 Registered: 8-2002 |
The Valets are usually independent companys contracted by the restaurant, they set their own policys but try to keep the restaaurant happy My younger brothers friend was a valet in N Cal a few years back and I'd cringe at the storys he'd tell me, thrashing cars is just part of it, they would take their breaks in some of the cars eating, smoking etc, some would have their g/f in a nice car for a little fun also. Most are teenagers what else would you expect from them? | ||
| Adam (Fasttalk)
Junior Member Username: Fasttalk Post Number: 125 Registered: 8-2002 |
One Saturday night at a restaurant in Maibu I had the same problem, the valet guy would not for any price allow me to park my own car in one of the empty spaces up front, and he has a real bad attitude and told me "I dont care what kind of car it is, I am ther boss here and thats the way it is", there was no way I was going to let him park my car on the side of PCH so I left, I was very upset, so rather than take it out on my wife I picked up the cell phone called the restaurant and asked to speak to the manager. I politeley explained to the manager that I eat there regularly and that there is no way that I am going to let his valet guy drive my $200k car, I also told him that I understand it is their policy, but they can always make exceptions and usually do. I contined to tell him that the valet is the first person that a customer meets and their attitude had a direct impact on the customers first opinion. He appologized, asked me to "Please return" met me outside and dealt with the situation. If it is the restaurants policy then you should take you business elswhere. If it is just the Valet guy, tell the manager and see if he does anything to keep your business. Just my 2c | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Intermediate Member Username: Whart Post Number: 1547 Registered: 12-2001 |
Really depends on the place, but general rule is nobody drives the car, i tip large, quickly, as soon as there is a meeting of the minds on where the car will go in a place that is acceptable to me. Parking at fancy hotels and restaurants is rarely a problem- they get it. If they don't, i usually just pull the car out of the way, temporarily, and find someone higher up who does. Part of it too, may mean being something other than an ••••••• to the guy parking the cars; not implying that anybody here would be, but you know they expect you to be, so i'm usually pretty nice, especially when forking over the dough. | ||
| martin j weiner,M.D. (Mw575)
Intermediate Member Username: Mw575 Post Number: 1109 Registered: 5-2001 |
I say to the valet "hop in".He sits in the passenger seat and tells me where to park.I then lock the car-tip him-and that's that.After dinner I either get the car myself or walk with him and tip him the other 1/2 of the tip.This usually works. An exception was the valet at the Montecito,Ca four seasons who I let park the car in front of the hotel since Ferrari's seemed commonplace to him and he assured me-no problem and there wasn't. | ||
| Jean-Louis (Jlm348)
Member Username: Jlm348 Post Number: 626 Registered: 11-2002 |
I live in a building were every car must be parked using the valet. Everytime the building hires a new valet I explain to him how to drive the car and so forth. Never had a problem. When it comes to restaurants- I always park my own car. Many valets let you park your own, but some will not. Cheescake Marina is one of my favorites- they move cars so you can park yourself right in front. Cheescake brentwood will not let you self park. Many times where I decide to eat determines which car I bring out. I have no problem valet my mercedes 300ce. When valets ask for to much money to leave the car up front I just leave and ••••• to the establishment. A lot of times the restaurant/club would love to have you car parked in front and your business and are turned off by the valet companies who what so much money. If parking is 2-5 for valet I give them $10. If it is 15 I give them 20. But when a placve charges 3.50 and asks you for a 20, that really makes me mad. One night me and Byron went cruising hollywood, had reservations at a club, a very rude attendant said he wouldn't even think of parking 1 car for less then 40, needless to say I got pissed and left. Bottom line if valets do not want to be accomidating, let the restaurant know, believe it or not I ahve had restauants calling me back appologizing and letting me know that the situations has been changed. Another place that had that really upset me was the viceroy- hotel in santa monica. I hesitated in giving the valet my car- one of the only times, i have. I asked him do you knwo how to drive it and take the brake off he said of course and blew me off, as he starts to drive a way, the brake is obviously on I shout have him stop and ask where I should park the car myself. Upon returning to get my car. the manager from the valet explains to me very rudeily that there is no self parking and everyhting must be valet. I then yelled at him and told him that if thats so then his workers bette learn how to drive or listen. he appologized, but the hotel ahs still not changed their policy and I ahve not retuned. Sorry for my long 2 cents | ||
| Byron (Bmyth)
Intermediate Member Username: Bmyth Post Number: 1033 Registered: 10-2002 |
Doody, if you ever partied with Martin, you would know that he IS a madman! | ||
| Mr. Doody (Doody)
Intermediate Member Username: Doody Post Number: 1499 Registered: 11-2001 |
martin - you drive a car with no AC in miami!?!?!? you ARE a madman. note to self: MUST PARTY WITH MARTIN! doody. | ||
| Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Senior Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 5435 Registered: 5-2001 |
I ask to park myself. Then when they insist on the key I give them my "valet" key. A copy of a key I had made for a 348 Spider in 2001. "Here is the key but if you need to move it, get me inside and I will come out and move it myself!" I hate places were they insist that THEY drive the car to the parking area. William's place here in Miami is one. I will park outside a half mile away and walk to the building but NEVER valet ANY or my cars. Not even my 93 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 130K Miles and no AC. | ||
| 911 Fan (911fan)
New member Username: 911fan Post Number: 15 Registered: 5-2003 |
I absolutely refuse to valet park - even my crummy minivan! If I can't find a reasonably safe and spacious place to self park, I go somewhere else. Period. It's a simple rule which is simple to enforce. No exceptions! | ||
| Bart Duesler (The_bart)
Junior Member Username: The_bart Post Number: 244 Registered: 1-2003 |
I have parked my car in most of the nice places in Orange County including Newport & Laguna. All I asked the Valet is where do I park my 550. I also tell them I will pay for valet service and I will give them the keys. I do not tell them how to start my beast. The only time I had a problem was with some yo-yo at Woody's Wharf in Newport. The next time I came there, he was gone. In Las Vegas, the only place I had a problem was Ceasars. Bellagio, Mirage, and the other places always allow me to park my toy. | ||
| TC (Houston) (Tec)
Junior Member Username: Tec Post Number: 176 Registered: 2-2002 |
If your companion is going to be pissed off if you have to find another place to eat because there is no suitable parking, then take another car. In my experience the valets are mostly reluctant to let you park your own car because they get screwed out of a tip/valet fee. Believe it or not, plenty of cheap skates ask to park their own cars because they just don't want to spend the money. Once you give them a nice tip up front and get the money issue out of the way they're usually pretty cooperative. | ||
| peter brinzey (Ferraripete)
Junior Member Username: Ferraripete Post Number: 91 Registered: 11-2002 |
Dr S yes i was referring to your incident. btw...good choice in women...she has "spyder" hair!! i always go for the hotties w the high maint. hair. i never drive the boxer w/ the windows up...hot as hell and you cannot hear the exhaust! note to self...next woman must have "spyder" hair. | ||
| peter brinzey (Ferraripete)
Junior Member Username: Ferraripete Post Number: 90 Registered: 11-2002 |
omar, and if they say go park it over there with the other •••• boxes...what do you do? i would then certainly piss of my companion by looking for another place to eat. | ||
| TC (Houston) (Tec)
Junior Member Username: Tec Post Number: 175 Registered: 2-2002 |
Just be firm and *polite*. They will not drive the car, they will not get the keys. They can either cooperate and take a generous tip or you can go somewhere else. | ||
| Drstranglove (Drstranglove)
Member Username: Drstranglove Post Number: 747 Registered: 4-2003 |
Peter is refering to my problem I take it..... http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/21/295330.html?1059513977 DrS | ||
| Omar (Auraraptor)
Member Username: Auraraptor Post Number: 812 Registered: 9-2002 |
I say No thank you, just tell me where I can park it. (They should give you a nice spot) Then on the way in, tip the valet $5-25 to keep an eye it and thank them. If your company is irrated by this...well he/she should know better...its Ferrari, precautions must be taken....besides, more driving for you! | ||
| Reiner Kaiser (Reinerkaiser)
Junior Member Username: Reinerkaiser Post Number: 95 Registered: 2-2001 |
20 dollars is usually what it takes in LA to park yourself in front w/o anyone else driving the car. BUT, some places like White Lotus or Sky Bar here now want 40$+ to park it in front. Ridiculous! | ||
| peter brinzey (Ferraripete)
Junior Member Username: Ferraripete Post Number: 89 Registered: 11-2002 |
after hearing about the valet parking incident,i am interested in what the chat members do or say to the resturant or other establishment when the valet askes for the keys? i hate to use my boxer to actually go anywhere other than a drive, if i cannot park it where i can see it. has anyone ever called ahead to an establishment to tell them of your intentions to drive your red car and your desire to have good parking? i am now living in san diego and cannot go anywhere w/o encountering valet parking. what do you all do? just curious! |