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The World’s Worst Valet

July 28th, 2006

My dear Uncle Frank has introduced me to the wonderful world of valet parking, especially in Las Vegas. Most times, it’s much easier and faster than parking your car yourself. In Vegas, and perhaps in many places, valet parking is free. You just tip the attendant a few bucks and you’re set. When you arrive to the hotel, just follow the signs, they open your door and give you a ticket. When you are ready to pick up your car, just give your ticket, sit under the cool mist, and wait a few minutes. This is what I became used to.Now, you would expect that the more exclusive the hotel, the better service you will receive. And that’s certainly what I expected when I arrived at the Venetian, one of the most luxorious hotels in Las Vegas. Boy, was i wrong.I followed the valet signs, which normally bring you to the front of the hotel, however I found myself entering a parking garage. As I went up one floor, I entered what the Venetian calls it’s ‘Valet’. I pulled up to the end and was instructed to park my car. Basically, I just parked my car myself. The attendant came up, and I couldn’t believe it. Jokingly, but a bit serious, I asked him if I need to pick up my car myself too.We got out of the car and asked where the enterance to the hotel was. It was on the other side of the garage! We had to walk (through intense heat, mind you) all the way across this parking garage! I was complaining to Jen saying that this was the world’s worst valet. How could you even call this a valet? As we were walking, another valet attendant heard us talking and stopped the car he was driving. In a pissed off voice, he said that this valet was the most ridiculous thing he had ever seen, and he was very close to quitting. Probably because he is not making much in tips due to this stupid setup.OK. So, we come to pick up our car, returning back to the dog and pony show that the Venetian calls a valet. We wait, inside the garage, to what reminded me of an inner city bus terminal. It was sooooo hot. Sweat was dripping from every section of our bodies. We waited. And waited… And waited… 

 About 15 minutes later, the car came. I didn’t want to tip, but I felt bad for the attendants too, who probably were not making any money, so I tipped anyway. So, this 5-star hotel is really a 3 star hotel. What a shame.