[John 070]

Nice to have a F30 rental and not my own. BMW is covering the CDW so that's even better than a service loaner where you' dhabi to deal with your own comp.

[muddtt]

I try not to valet when i have the option. I had to valet my car once (Audi TT) at a wedding. Took about 4x longer to get it back then other people waiting.

[John 070]

Odd situation today, got $10 parkingnParkWhiz. Have to give code at office on P1 (normally you pay at kiosk, but not when prepaid with smartphone app). Nobody in office.

Doh!

Called the number listed and they sent someone...had to wait...

[nyalpine90]

i dont mind valet, i request to keep in front. I tip few bucks.

[MrSlacker]

I do everything I can not to valet.

One of the reasons is that I or the Mrs. forget something in the car 80% of the time and its a giant PITA to go get it when car is valet parked.

[Beartato]

I've never lived somewhere that really called for valet parking, and given the option I'd park it myself.

[tab]

I do valet sometimes. I'd always take a nice self-park option, but sometimes that just isn't available.

As people have said, if you're nice to the guy and tip him in advance, as long as the car is sweet (I still think my M6 Gran Coupe with a manual is sweet), he'll probably keep it up front. That means you can watch it, and that he won't try to park it temporarily in some alley where it gets all dinged up. They like showing off nice cars up front anyhow. Same as others have said.

On top of what others say, I find the valet attendants really nice about my car. They compliment it (of course), but they also ask good questions (like the guy who looked at my wheels and asked what kind of spacers I had) and I love talking about my car. I will also say, without sounding condescending, that they probably get the thrill of their day getting to drive my car a bit in a little circle. (Hey, it's the thrill of my day driving it, and my job isn't driving cars.) They do kind of fight over it when I roll up. I tip them well, and I hope they think "not all rich guys with supercars are a$%#*@s." They do NOT want to mess it up, so I've never had a problem.
A few days ago when we were leaving the restaurant, the guy saw me as I walked toward the car (parked right in front), and he had the key all ready. My wife asked how the guy knew we were done with dinner. (It was NOT one of those superfancy restaurants where the waiter actually tracks that for the valet stand.) I explained that if you're nice to the valets, with a car like this, the guys totally take ownership of having possession of the car for a bit, and are happy to be involved.

[Axius]

Valet? Nope, I'm heading out to BFE to find the furthest parking spot possible with my own two hands, rain or shine.

[John 070]

Originally Posted by Axius

Valet? Nope, I'm heading out to BFE to find the furthest parking spot possible with my own two hands, rain or shine.

I do the same even with a rental or loaner. I can't stand it though, when in a crowded place, there's no choice but to park among inferior vehicles that could potentially damage whichever BMW I happen to be driving on a particular day, and the spaces are tiny to boot....when this happens, I just take solace in wearing expensive designer reflective shades, and in having a $600 bluetooth on my ears, B&W P7's baby! Monay!

[G80indy]

Originally Posted by muddtt

I try not to valet when i have the option. I had to valet my car once (Audi TT) at a wedding. Took about 4x longer to get it back then other people waiting.

Been in similar situation
Why?
Because the kid didn't know reverse was up and to the left

My M shifter (with no shift pattern) hurt me and
my e36 at the time.
Shifter forks needed reworking shortly after.

Will NEVER AGAIN put my vehicles in the hands of a valet.

[G80indy]

Originally Posted by Axius

Valet? Nope, I'm heading out to BFE to find the furthest parking spot possible with my own two hands, rain or shine.

Yep me too
Wearing my Klipsch x20i in-ears
(Accuracy!)
Ha

[Eat92nuggets]

At a restaurant we went to tonight...

[G80indy]

Originally Posted by Eat92nuggets

At a restaurant we went to tonight...

LOL

[1MOREMOD]

That's racist

[kanvas]

It was refreshing and informative to read all sorts of different perspectives and opinions. Thanks.

There will be times when valet is not an option; popular areas with abundant restaurants and limited street parking and lodging at a hotel after a long drive come to my mind first. If I am in a situation where I have to valet, I might start tipping the valet driver a couple bucks ($5 should do) and saying "keep it close" and/or "please drive with care." It's a worthy investment for the peace of mind instead of worrying. I'd use to think that equates to some sort of unnecessary "bribe" (for lack of a better term), but now I'd like to think of it as an investment.

I read in some websites that bringing a liability form and making the valet and/or the valet company manager sign is an option, but I thought that's a bit unnecessary. However, I'm sure there are some out there who practice that.

But nothing will change my unwillingness to valet. I never trust anyone else with my car, whether it's my friend, grandmother or valet guy. Period. Anyway, I'll always choose parking lot/street parking over valet. If the situation compels me to valet the car, I'll do so but with a sprinkle of hesitation

[Eat92nuggets]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

That's racist

Doesn't matter if they're purple... Still not driving my car lol

[John 070]

Originally Posted by Eat92nuggets

Doesn't matter if they're purple... Still not driving my car lol

It wasn't meant to be, was it? I agree, doesn't matter, I would prefer not to.

Those same people who are valet'ing cars, if they were making sushi, or cooking pasta, would you want it? Of course. It has nothing to do with the people. It's the concept of valet parking that we don't want.

[Eat92nuggets]

Originally Posted by John 070

It wasn't meant to be, was it? I agree, doesn't matter, I would prefer not to.

Those same people who are valet'ing cars, if they were making sushi, or cooking pasta, would you want it? Of course. It has nothing to do with the people. It's the concept of valet parking that we don't want.

Not at all... I myself am purple! Lol I agree with you. It's purely the concept of valet parking.

[NEFARIOUS]

Back in 2006 or so, I went to visit my dad and put my car in long-term parking for the weekend I went to see him. Their self-park lot was full, so I had no choice but to use valet since I was running late for my flight.

My car was used by valets for joyriding; I came back with almost 30 more miles than it had, a Reggaeton CD in the stereo (and I HATE Reggaeton), and a slight smell of alcohol (when I baby my cars so much I only drink water inside). The most the manager did was refund me, and of course, the cops didn't do a damned thing since I can't prove who drank in my car.

Since then, I NEVER trusted a valet; even if I have no choice (e.g. if I'm on a date and my girl is wearing heels), I used to hand them my valet key and lock every lockable compartment I can.