Do you insist on parking up front when at a hotel?

Here is a question for everyone. Do you insist on parking your ferrari upfront when staying at a hotel, or near your window so you can see it throughout the night?

I asked because on two occasions over the weekend. My car was first pissed on at the first hotel, then actually broken into at the Marriott the second night! My window was pushed off alignment!

On top of all of this, both places didn't do **** for me, no camera, no compensation, nothing... I would assume free breakfast or something. theoretically they are not responsible... but really? Not even a call from them after the fact apologizing for the situation of no cameras. They even had security people... where the hell where they!?

Filed report and got police involved on second occasion, but then had to cancel police because they took too long and I was going to miss a meeting.

Still in shock!

Hotel was Chicago Marriott Naperville... Really ruined the Marriott name for them.

I'm thinking it had to been wedding party people.

Just want to get everyone's thoughts for next time. NOTE: Both hotels were great areas.

 

I've never really had a problem.. I usually park it where ever... I've had places offer to keep it "up front" but really does not do much - ritz would keep it out front - untill somethign newer or better came along I'd rather keep my own keys and park it where I like.

 

I think that most areas parking lots are not thier problem they are not responsible for what happens. As far as vandals unfortunately your **** out if luck. The amount to fix the window is to much to make a claim and the cops won't be any good to help.

Try to park near your window or up front but don't expect them to save you a spot. And you can't stay up all night watching your car.

 

I never had a issue before either. Until now...

 

What happened with the window? Did they get into your car?

(that sucks)

We put an outdoor cover on ours when we go away for a weekend and it's parked outside in a normal lot.

 

Yes they did get into car.. alarm didn't go off? window pushed off track. stole my phone charger, nothing else.

Woke up at 5:30 am to see my door wide open, ran out, no one was there.

 

Sadly these things will and do happen. It's not fair or helps in any way, but having a nicer car in general increases the chances of this stuff no matter where you are.

Most hotels sub contract out the valet if they have one, so the hotel often doesn't give a hoot what happens there either.

Have you tried contacting marriott corporate vs just the physical location?

 

I have not considered corporate, just because the current one was not very helpful, I just assume they would be the same if not worst. I am look into making a call tomorrow. Just so someone is at least aware of what happened.

 

Never had a problem. Alway park in front, tip the valet, and keep the key. 15 years of ownership.

Art

 

Hopefully you will be surprised.

I had a friend who got pulled over in a rental car driving a block or two from a resturant to his hotel because it had expired tabs.

He was also very close if not just over the line for potential DUI (not a defense, but probably wouldn't have been stopped otherwise). Anyway, local branch of the rental car agency baically told him to "F off". He's not the kind of guy to take that lightly and called corporate the next day...corporate took care of him.

 

Yes, there are people at most corporations whose job it is to take care of unhappy customers in a reasonable way.

OP: Try it! I'm sure you know this but be very respectful and kind, honey vs. vinegar and all that. They might be more eager to help because of the make of the car, knowing you probably have the means for a seriously bad-ass attorney. Be sure to let them know that you won't go away until it's resolved.

I wish you good luck! What happened to you is one of my greatest fears. I always try to park my car where I can see it, and a little back-up from a heavy piece of steel that goes bang never hurts my sleep either. Parking up front will probably be the best thing, but I can't trust a valet with my car, and most valet companies don't allow me to keep the key even with a healthy tip, at least the hotels that I go to.

Sorry man!!

 

@cuneo, @Meister

I'll try giving corporate a call tomorrow and see what happens. I was thinking the same thing Cuneo, about being the type of car it was; that they would want to make it right for future stays.

 

I have never gone out of my way to park up front. I just use the lot and cover the car. Never had a problem. Everything from a 308 to an F40, all over the country.

 

I never considered a car cover. I actually thought if I did that, then for sure some fool from a wedding would wonder what's under it. I guess I'll have to try that.

 

Breakup, I realize you are upset, and rightfully so, but think about this rationally.

Firstly, what would cameras do? Did you really want a video of a scumbag drunk pissing on your car? And the second guy who broke your window, did you think the police were going to put out an amber alert? They didn't even want to come out to take a report.

Secondly, I really don't see it as the hotel's fault unless there was some clear negligence. If you can find police reports showing that break ins happen with regular frequency in their parking lot and they failed to respond or warn guests, maybe you have a case. However your first remedy is your own insurance company.

But as to your question, I've only had my 612 a short time, but I have parked it up front and tipped the valet. I did park it at a Marriott Courtyard in Syracuse when I drove it home from the dealer. It had to go into the garage. I put the car cover over it. I still tipped the valet.

 

Agreed, tip valet and keep it in front where it can be watched. It's well worth it.

 

I do not see the point of taking an Fcar to a hotel unless you are on a trip and it cannot be avoided.

Have parked out front at the Broadmoor (C Spgs) where they have a covered parking spot right by the front door where the valets can watch.

At home I take the Subaru or Porsche to dinner or park the Fcar where we can watch it (summer). We are sitting outside and can see the car from our table. Ususally it is not worth the hassle to take the Fcar out at night. Only in rare cases op cit.

Best.

 

We just came back from a trip to delray beach where we stayed at the Marriott in A1A. We took the 430 spider and the valet said we can park it in a special spot which was not covered in the front of the hotel. He said they would watch it for us. We could also see it from our room which was nice. It rained a bit so I parked it in the garage where he told me to take 2 spots. I never had any problems. I kept it I the garage the rest of the week and it was fine.

 

I never ask to park any place special, I drive up, find a end spot so I can squeeze in to the side and give the car next to me the maximum room and go to my room. If I can't find the end spot, then I park like a normal car and worry but nothing has ever happened. And I would NEVER EVER take 2 spots, that is asking for trouble.

For me the worst parking is my local grocery store, the parking lot has a bit of a slope and shopping carts can really get going on that slope, again nothing has ever happened.

I remember once going for lunch at a local eatery and the parking was really full, I had to park between and rather close to cars, I came back to see a huge 4x4 parked next to me and a large woman trying to squeeze from the passenger side of the truck to the drivers side so she could get out the drivers side. She was doing that because she feared she might ding my car if she got out on her side, I have found most people respect the car and go out of their way to not ding it.

 

Absolutely unless its not available

Usually you just slip the valet a $20, 40 or 100 depending where you are

2 exceptions. At a hotel in Boston I spoke to the Chief valet & they had my F40 in secure parking

Then at the Ritz near Palm Beach I left it w valets & the Fkers drove my car 20+ miles overnight

 

LOL - I was a valet as a kid, could tell some wild stories!!!! Not all valets are "bad", but I'd recommend you self park!!!

 

Be sure to mention the names of the mariott employees who "helped" you so corporate can straighten them out.

 

I don't worry about it too much. I usually valet but will park in a normal spot if it appears safe and isn't too far to walk.

 

My car car cover is the most dirty crappy cover. No insignia on it and a couple of ties to stop it blowing off, if, unfortunately I have to park not under cover. So far so good, probably people think there's a heap of junk under the cover.

 

Valet is great for a night out at a restaurant with the woman. If I'm travelling somewhere that requires overnight accommodation, I'm not doing it in the Ferrari.