Grins and Valet Parking
 

I have a secret...I love to have my car valet parked. When I come out of the restaurant I don't even have to hand over my claim card...The guys know exactly what car I came in. The valet pulls up and the heads turn. We jump in and take off. Now, granted I live in El Paso where there are not many Porsches, but it definately is an ego boost!

Did I buy a Porsche purely for what others think, nope. Did I buy a Porsche because I always wanted one and there is no substitute? Yep. Do I like it when the car gets attention? Si Senor! :chicken:

Every time my wife and I have gone to a swanky "you must wear a coat and tie" kind of place for dinner I always see the Porsches backed up and parked right next to the door.

I like the idea of having my shiny ride showcased for the restaurant, but I hate the idea of some kid grinding my gears or at the least, killing the engine because everyone who drives my car kills the engine once or twice while getting used to a Porsche clutch.

I do think I'll take it next time just to be the guy who's car isn't parked all the way down the line, jammed between two huge sedans or an SUV.

Valet is the only way to go! I agree with the "fun" it brings. It also saves all that time circling a parking lot looking for a "safe" space!

Valet can be fun. I remember pulling into a casino in Central City and handing my keys over to some kid. I think it made his whole day. Since he only parked it about 10' away, I wasn't too concerned. And, as Rail26 stated, when I left I didn't have to show my ticket. They always seem nicer too! Of course, my tipping to ensure the car gets taken care of might also help.

But, I definately don't valet downtown where I don't know the actual lot location. If it's going to be out front, fine. But downtown they usually take it to some garage and I really don't want some kid pulling a "Ferris Bueller" on me. It's also no guarantee they won't ding up the doors anyway. I also read about a guy who valet'd his Porsche, the valet took a speed bump to fast and practically ripped off his front. Turned out, the valet company was liable - but still a lousy feeling.

Valet parked mine at Brook's Steakhouse last week and they didn't even give me a claim ticket. Came out and it was right in front next to a Black 911. Parker asked if he could bring it around...about 30 feet! I complied...there is no substitute!

Rail26, your Spanish lesson are really paying off!!!!

Valet parking....I don't know guys (and gals) that kinda ranks up there with...say...root cannel!

I'm having a root canal this week... I wonder if the dentist has valet parking... It's the worst of both worlds!

I've had unsatisfactory experiences valet parking. I ask them not to mess with the top, and they do 100% of the time* (they always put it up). They do keep the Boxster close up front, but around here Porsches are pretty common.

*Currently 100%=2 times

If you toss the guy enought money, he will park your car right near the front door in the handicap slot.

Cool, no?

:cheers:

Bmus...I'm practically EL FLUENTE!

I think I ate there once...but it was an Italian Restaurant!

When I first got the Boxster the valets down in the Gaslamp district (clubby section of downtown San Diego) were all wowed. I had them parking the car outside the club, or even driving it over to meet me and whatever girls I was with after the clubs all closed and we were getting food. :)

Then I got a girlfriend (naturally enough, NOT from going downtown...) and stopped going out. Seems like a bit of a waste, but she loves the twisty roads out towards Julian, so one way or another the Boxster is appreciated!

I havent had to have to car valet parked yet. Maybe its because I have only had the car 3.5 memorable months. I would love to look on the valets face when they go to put the key in the ignition on the right side. :D

I used to live in a building with a upscale restaurant in it. I could watch the valets park the cars. They would go slow out of the lot and then floor it down the road, yank it into a spot and slam the doors. I specifically remember a 911 going flying up and down the street on a valet test drive. I also watched them put the front bumpers of two suvs together and push back and forth. And they also backed a truck right into a fence and left it.

I would never valet my porsche. My wife and I are going to a nice dinner this weekend and you better believe that we are taking her lexus.

There is probably some posting out in cyberspace, and it reads like this:

"My wonderful, loving husband is taking me to a new swanky restaurant this weekend in his brand new speed yellow Porsche Boxster with painted roll bars. I can't wait to see the look on the other girl's faces! Thank heavens we don't have to drive my Lexus everywhere anymore!"

I passed on the Valet recently when I was visiting this place for the first time. Decided to check out the lot on my walk over and noticed how close the valet's were parking the cars to each other. Another Valet came over to pull an SL 500 out and noticed he touched the door of the car next to the SL.
Right there I knew I made the right call.
Also, my frined runs a place and sources out the valet service to an outside company. Apparently after a few incidents they decided to have someone else pay out claims for dings and scratches. Something you should ask before handing over the keys, you may not know that the business is cleaning their hands of all responsibility.

Even when I park in a valet garage I park it myself unless I know the guys well.
Also careful pulling the car out of a tight spot a Valet may have parked your car in.
I had an incident once where I was handed the keys becuase the car was right in front of the place but I could tell that there was barely any space to pull out without bumping into the other car. I was tempted to tell the guy to pull out himself but I took it upons myself and promptly put a small scratch on my front bumper.

That is hilarious! I should probably do a search ;) You were right though, the painted roll bars were a really good idea and I am really glad I have them :cheers:

In Southern California, every retaurant, doctor's office and airport has valet parking, they're unavoidable. The pinnacle is the Sports Club LA. I had to get physical therapy there after an accident some years ago (I know, boo hoo) and marveled at the people who had paid thousands to work out at this swanky exercize club but were too lazy to park their own car and walk half a block to exercize! :barf:

I gues the valet parking can be impressive on a date but I don't like strangers driving my car, particularly when they have no vested interest in its condition.