On a recent trip to the U.S. watched with amazement the number of places that had a valet parking system in place, hotels, posh restaurants, airport car parks etc and wondered why this service as far as i can see has never really caught on over here. Americans seem quite happy to hand over car and keys to a complete stranger for them to park their vehicles, but what are the legal implacations on say damage or theft to the vehicle etc?
In a country with a 'sue 'em' mentality a valet parking service is surely asking for trouble?
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It is more risky in this country in one respect.
The american car I hired had a valet ignition key that only locked the passenger doors and started the engine.
The owners/hirers key was required to unlock the boot, petrol filler and glove compartment.
There were boot and petrol filler remote buttons inside the lockable glove compartment.
Valet parking is available at some major airports in the UK.
I suspect it is available at top hotels.
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Valet parking in the States has been available for many years and is accepted as the norm.
Frankly I wouldn't let anyone I didn't know - or anyone else for that matter - drive my car...:-)
I'd rather park it myself, make sure it is as safe as reasonably possible and walk back a couple of hundred yards in the rain if necessary.
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
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I used valet parking quite a few times when I was over in Texas. Restaurants (anything posher than Wendy's seemed to have it in place), shopping malls and even Dave & Busters (which is like Chuckie Cheese for adults). Loved it... your valet parking spots are usually the prime places in the car parks, so you're straight in the door. Of course, parking in the US is largely free, so paying a few dollars to have someone take care of your car seems reasonable in comparison to NCP charges in the UK.
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My Citroen came with what they called a "Garage" key, which did everything the valet key mentioned earlier did.
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Many 'up-scale' hotels in the US only have valet parking - you don't have a choice. I've noticed on hire agreements statements that no one else is allowed to drive, so I do wonder what would happen in the event of accident (or especially, theft).
I found it very disconcerting when I first starting travelling to the US that, as others have said, even the most ordinary restaurants use it. I wonder how well they cope with manual transmission cars?
When I switched my UK insurance to Liverpool Victoria / Frizzell) I was very interested to note that it covers use by restaurants/hotels and that none of the policy excesses or restrictions apply during such use.
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Some friends took advantage of valet parking at a hotel in Manchester. On the dash was a big red button simply inviting itself to be pressed. The car drove off and a few seconds later the theme from Star Trek could be heard as the driver pressed the big red button and set off the air horns! He then had to call them to ask how to get a smart car in to reverse!
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Both my parents BMW's came with a valet key aswell. Never used though.
Ben
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Oh, I just assumed all cars nowadays - sniff - came with a valet key.
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My Dad's Mazda has a Valet key which won't open the boot so you can store your valuables in there.
Of course, they could have your car. Just not get to the stuff in the boot.
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Adam
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Other thing they could do is to tilt the back seats forward and gain entry to the boot! If you've got owt of value - take it with you!
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I'm not certain but I'm pretty sure the seat release for the seats is in the boot.
But you're right. If they're that valuable, take them with you.
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Adam
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If you want a laugh about USA 'valet' parking watch the film 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off'!
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I was once offered a job in Las Vegas as a Valet parker - it seems that the valet drivers can't get the hang of manual gearboxes like a lot of prestige cars come with and if i had a valid green card i could of got what would probably prove to be quite a lucrative job.
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The Tresanten Hotel in St Mawes in Cornwall has had valet parking for as long as I can remember.
It has long been a hotel where celebs go to stay. St Mawes bosts some of the highest property prices outside London, and is one of the top places for sailing.
The car park of this hotel is a short drive away so cars are parked there, after luggage is unloaded/loaded.
For info it is currently owned by Olga Forte - Rocco's sister.
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