Valet Parking
I’ve debated whether to post about this as I’m not sure how this makes me sound.
Over the past three weeks, I’ve had at least three instances where I’ve had to valet park. Now usually, I’m okay with this as I’m at a nice restaurant and I view it as a real convenience. But this weekend, a couple of things happened which I wasn’t pleased about.
Now I don’t want to get off a rant here, but I think we need to question this whole niche industry. Who are we trying to benefit here? I think the valet industry is not there to add convenience to your experience. I think it is there as a revenue opportunity for the valet service and for the restaurant. And that taints my experience.
Two weeks ago, I went to Snuffer’s — Snuffer’s for God’s sakes!! Its a hamburger place! With visible parking places mere feet away from the restaurant entrance, I valeted my car. The valet was also mere feet from the entrance. So where is the convenience here? Why do I need someone to park my car when I could park it myself and have even a shorter walk? And at a hamburger place. So it cost me $3 for the inconvenience.
Then on Friday night, we went to Al Biernat’s for a really nice dinner. The dinner experience was wonderful. However, when the valet returned with my car, the back of the seat was covered with sweat. It was a hot night and the valet attendents were really hustling. But doesn’t that somehow lessen my experience?
And lastly, after Al Biernat’s we made the short trip to Sambuca’s where we also valeted. When the valet brought my car, I got in only to find that the seat had been adjusted forward. Is it really necessary to adjust the seat for such a short trip? And to top it off, the claim tag was left under my windshield wiper.
Again, I don’t want to come off as being a complainer, but let’s all understand what valet parking is. Its an opportunity for two additional parties to make money off of you — the establishment and the valet service. It is not a service offered for your convenience. And most times, its not a non-invasive service. There’s always something left behind to leave a bad taste in your mouth. And we’re expected to tip generously for this?
So there’s my take on valet parking — I think its a scam. Of course, that’s just my opinion, I could be wrong…