Question: Does anybody else find it absolutely mind-bogglingly ridiculous to be charged for valet when there are no other parking options? We had quite the experience yesterday at a major Valley resort.

On the way out from a meeting with some of the hotel staff over (much too expensive) espresso and muffins, we handed the dude the valet ticket and $3. The response: "Is this my tip? Valet is $7 plus tip." Two or three years ago, we would pay a $5-10 tip without even thinking about it. But to be charged $7 plus tip to park for less than an hour is absolutely ridiculous. Most of the nicest resorts have complimentary valet for their guests. To stop by and have a (small) breakfast and park for 45 minutes ended up costing $21. We feel like we've been assaulted.

 

April 14, 2009