monabaker

In short, I wonder how parking is done for the upper class cars. Here's what I mean:

Basically, I had a 944, and then a 951, and I am currently looking for a 996. I have never had a car which really warrented being "left out front" of the hotel, or resturant instead of parked in some lot or garage. The valet drivers, always leave the nice ones out front. I don't really think my old 944 or 951 would have deserved that sort of treatment. However, I do plan on buying a 996 and that will be getting 1st class everything all the way.

I am wondering, when you go to a fancy resturant, or a hotel, how do you talk to the valet about how you want you car cared for? Do you instruct them to leave it out front and not to park it someplace else? Do you pay extra for this?

What's typically done here when you own a high end automobile?

wross996tt

I don't do valet. If it's valet only, I still park it.

an02boxster

Generally I've never said anything to them ... they want to park nice cars up front ...Good for business? May be it cuts there liability having them in plain view.

Chaos

I avoid it if at all possible,talk to a couple ex-valets !

BlackCab996

I try to avoid it as well, but if I'm taking the wife out for dinner, we usually valet - the car always winds up out front. I also normally give him a few bucks up front and say "please take car of the car" Then I tip again when I leave - expensive, I know, but so is super unleaded and synthetic motor oil...

Joe2000C4Cab

I never use the valet services in my 911. If they insist, I'll drive them along and park it where they tell me to else I'll leave (and later make it clear to the establishment why I left). However, I do ask first if I can have my car parked up front, less chance of any damage when it's in plain sight. Typically a little "grease" in the palm of the valet and I can park my car anywhere I want. Please be sauve, be prepared ahead of time with the "grease". As you start to talk to the valet, offer to shake their hand and pass along your token of appreciation. This has never failed for me from Spanish Bay to the Carnelian Room.

BTW, this just embarasses the hell out of my wife, especially if we pull up with the top down and have to go through the "top up" scenario before I engage the valet.

Funny story, I arrived at a local brewpub (BJ's Brewhouse) that only has valet parking. A pimply faced 16 year old valet walked up. I told him that there was "no way on God's green earth that he was going to park my car." In a pre-pubescent cracking voice he answered "Oookay!". What were they thinking when they hired this crew?

BlackCab996

I would be afraid to offend the valet, however, as I don't want him thinking I'm an a--hole and slamming someone elses's door into mine as he parks someone elses car next to me. It's kind of like offending your waiter before you have your food. I don't want to worry about whether he spit in my salad.

nycebo

You say, "No offense, but I prefer to park the car that I have worked my **** off for and love dearly." A little palm grease and every valet I have ever dealt with nicely tells me to leave it right in front in open view. It's never a hassle if you're not an ****.

Nutbeem

Hahaha - so true.

If your new 996 is a worthy example, he'll take care of you, 'cause he knows Porsche drivers will typically tip more than Camry drivers.

No worries.

Eli K

I just toss 'em the keys.

Billhero

Depending upon where you live the 996 may not get the attention you expect. Many nicer places here in the Bay area will have Ferraris, 997s, Aston Martins, Bentleys and brand new AMG MBs out front. A simple 996 does not get the attention you might expect.

Riad

If I'm going to valet the car, it's usually in an establishment that sees lots of p and f cars and everything in between.

JMQ

I always tip between $10 and $20 to insure up front. I am a creature of habit and go to the same places. At this one casino they fight to get the keys and sprint to the car. If it is at place you haven't been to yet then 10 to 20 should get it up front unless you are in a big city. I rented a 355 and tipped $50 ( he probably would have parked up front (at LVGS 4 seasons) anyway. All guns should be locked down and look into the valet falshware that would keep them from going too fast........

evo_333

In Manhattan, valeting your car is pretty much inevitable unless you want to park it on the street (which I rarely do to avoid the nicks and fender benders which frequently occur).

Depending on the garage, they usually ask me if I want to park it out front. Then you MUST tip them upfront and later on. If they don't ask, I take the initiative and ask them to park it in the front and throw them $10 or $20 depending, again, on the garage. If you are in a place where you can self-park, I'd always opt for that option. But if you have to valet, make sure they park it up front, so they're not off joyriding in it.

LVDell

Simple......

If I have to valet I take the Cayenne
If I can park myself I take the 911