I am going to put this on the 550/575 board too. But, I say that when I pull up to a restaurant, the valet usually says, "just put it over there," and points to a place out front. If not, he usually just backs it up in place out front. This generated some discussion. I valet--and do not insist on parking my car (but I do watch the guy park it). Most valets do not want to park it. So, do you valet? I usually do.
ALWAYS valet. I park it myself cos they always tell me to but would never park any place other than in valet if given the option. I am not a crazy person about parking but if given the option, i always take valet. I do leave it in parking lots/garages sometimes where there is no valet area but ...... by the way, I leave it running when i go into a CVS, 7-11, ice cream store or whatever also. I believe in the hiding in plain site theory. NO ONE has the balls to damage or steal a car like a Ferrari that is sitting there running with windows down. It's the guys that lock it up tight and stuff in the corner of a lot somewhere that are asking for stuff to happen.
There was a thread about this maybe a year ago and the overwhelming response was NO F'ING WAY. There were so many horror stories, I'll never hand the keys to my cars to anyone. Park it yourself, typically right out front and tip the guy nicely to watch your car. I've done this many times and I've never had a problem. If you're driving a spyder, put the top up... I have a friend who had someone toss gum inside his car while parked with the top down. Frank
A guy who parked my brother's maserati in Greece burned the clutch in an underground carpark. Some of these guys are not used to the F1 gearbox and it does take some getting used to. After he took it back he could smell clutch for 2 weeks afterwards and there was also a scratch on the side door.
Similar to my experience as well. When there are policies about valet parking by staff only, they will offer to let me sit in the passenger seat as they park the car (Wynn Hotel, for instance). If I were a valet, I would feel nervous about parking these cars.
It's just a car. I let them park it, ask if they will put it where I can see it, and tip them well. Done that with the last 5 cars, and never had a problem. Never had a scratch put on any of them, nor abused. I always ask if they've driven one before, and if not, give them a pointer or two about the car. When I get the car back, I tip them well ($20), and they are usually appreciative. Art
This is what you told me on another thread. WTF? Are you just full of B.S.? Do you even own a Ferrari? Seriously, WTF?
I read the situation.. The places where there is always a new face at valet then I park and tip !! If its a place I know the valet is and has parked many cars like mine then I feel safer.. I have had the odd place tell me you " cant park out front unless you are staying at the hotel".. It was a lady who knew nothing of cars and hated life.. So I told her fine give me a room, she would not and when her partner saw the car and my response to the problem he was sorry for the misunderstanding and let me leave it there.. I could hear the lady under her breath say to the fellow he's such a ass hole people like that don't deserve to have money.. Our cars are dreams to the majority of people.. They are on the walls of thousands of kids all over.. I think most valets would be very nervous with any of our cars . Just my 2 cents.
I wont go on to insult you.. You have your own prerogatives - but what you have said is basically idiotic (for the lack of a better term.) If you pulled a stunt like that in parts of Rio (where we used to live) and even parts of London, you car will drive away infront of you, and the joke will be on you, not them... Most people do have the balls to steal or damage, but most cant be bothered to face the consequences or deal with the responcibilty it entails to steal/damage. Never under estimate the society, because you are a member of it. You are either too full of yourself or just simply ignorant (as it stupid, not mis-informed). There really is no reason to leave your car (Ferrari of all cars) running, whilst you go into a shop for ice cream... makes no sense and shows no appreciation.
I wouldn't valet my car even when all I had was a Renault Clio RS! I just pay an above standard tip and park it myself in a spot where I won't risk any door dings... and that won't change... otherwise my mild OCD will shift into "hign gear"! hehehe
Everywhere I go I ask "where do you want it" (and park it). I always pay a little extra to the attendant. I always take the keys. Whether "just a car" or not, a Ferrari is a temptation for those who are either too immature or fancy themselves to be the next Michael Schumacher. I don't want to hear the sound of squealing tires coming from the garage below while I stand on top waiting for my car I have had trouble in parking lots no matter where I park my car. Not vandalism, but other drivers. I just paid $2200 for a fender repair I only noticed because of very slight cracks in the paint. When taking the car in for repair I was told "that was a pretty solid hit" (just harming the bumper nothing else), and this took place in a parking lot where I parked so far away from everyone I should have towed another car to drive to the restaruant. . Best
Everywhere I go I ask "where do you want it" (and park it). I always pay a little extra to the attendant. I always take the keys. +2 very good point..
How much is standard valet tip; $5-7 and how much is Ferrari valet tip?; Flat $20 (with premier parking double spaced in front) Flame on!!!!!
I let them valet the cars. I give them 10 when I drop off the car and 10 when I pick it up, or just ask if they will be there when I get back and if they say yes I just tip them 20 when I pick up the car after making sure it didn't get any damage.
even the front isnt safe!!! I valet parked my 355 myself years ago at the Ritz Carlton here in Phoenix at the front. I was dining on the patio out front and able to keep an eye on the car...and to my horror a girl in a rental mustang drove up towards the front check-in and drove right into the 355. Then either out of stupidity or arrogance kept going to check in as if nothing happened. Long story short..I caught her..valet was horrified...girl paid
I'll valet if I know the attendant is going to park the car right in front and I can watch the whole thing. I tip well and just don't worry about it (OK, maybe I worry a little). I would not toss the keys to some unknown person who will disappear into a garage and out-of-sight. Also, I can say with all honesty I have never left the car with the engine idling while I'm off running errands.
Never. Here's one of a couple old threads. http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74023&highlight=valet
