Programs: AA EXEC PLT, Hilton Diamond, Hertz Platinum
Posts: 32
Hilton Complimentary Parking = $4.99
So I thought I would ask the group here about my experience. Has anyone else seen this sign?
I stayed at the Hilton Midland Plaza last week. When I arrived, there was a sign outside that stated “Complimentary Valet Parking”. When I checked in, the guest services manager stated that parking was $4.99. I told her that the sign outside said it was free, but she said that the valet part was free but the parking was not. This obviously does not sit well with me. I felt as if I was lied to, and I was put through a bait and switch here. I took some pictures of the sign so that you could see yourself.
Maybe they meant “complementary”, meaning it complements the parking that they offer for $4.99. I don't care about the money as its already been expensed, I think its jacked that they promised one thing and even when I bought it up to the so called "shift manager" she still charged me.
Last edited by jobee; Mar 26, 10 at 4:06 pm..
Reason: Moved Picture to Bottom
Programs: AA EXEC PLT, Hilton Diamond, Hertz Platinum
Posts: 32
I agree. It got me a wondering. I didn't evaluate other self parking options because as the sign said, it was supposed to be free for my convenience and security. There were no other signs stating parking fees (I looked!). I hope they can at least take the sign down to not confuse others.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PHL
That sign and then a $4.99 charge (or even a $1 charge) can do nothing but cause customer ill will.
Any place I've ever been (hotel or otherwise) that has Valet Parking states the charge up front.
Usually it's something like: Self Parking $5, Valet Parking $10. It's not like there would be an additional $5 on top of the $10 after the fact!
Did this hotel offer self parking, and if so was there a charge?
Programs: AA EXEC PLT, Hilton Diamond, Hertz Platinum
Posts: 32
Ya know, about 10 years ago there used to be a bar in a college town called San Luis Obispo, and on Thursdays they served beers for $.99 in the evening until the first person uses the bathroom. There were people literally blocking the door so that they could get cheap beer for as long as possible.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jacquelyn Hyde
That's insane. That's like them offering you complimentary coffee, then charging $4.99 for the cup.
Ya know, about 10 years ago there used to be a bar in a college town called San Luis Obispo, and on Thursdays they served beers for $.99 in the evening until the first person uses the bathroom. There were people literally blocking the door so that they could get cheap beer for as long as possible.
Stupid European question here: How much do you tip a valet guy ?
Also is one expected to tip when they drive the car away to the lot or only when they collect it again ?
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Never argue with a fool - they will drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
Maybe they meant “complementary”, meaning it complements the parking that they offer for $4.99. I don't care about the money as its already been expensed, I think its jacked that they promised one thing and even when I bought it up to the so called "shift manager" she still charged me.
(bolding mine)
With an E it means your meaning, but the sign has an I which means at no charge. They should have been sneaky and spelled it with an E.
They should make it clearer, but I've seen it before (and not just at hotels). The valet part is free, but there is still a charge to park. The sign should read
Free Valet service
$5 parking fee
or something like that.
Free and parking makes it sound like the parking is free, not just the valet service.
Programs: Continental Plat, HHonors Diamond, Avis CC, Priority Club Platinum
Posts: 5,467
That sign is very clear: The valet will park your car for free. There's no mention of any other fees. I'd dispute the $4.99 and any associated taxes with your credit card. With that picture, you'e sure to get the fees removed, and hopefully the sign changed.
Stupid European question here: How much do you tip a valet guy ?
Also is one expected to tip when they drive the car away to the lot or only when they collect it again ?
It's customary to tip just once for the valet service, when you collect the car to drive off. Not usually done to give a tip when dropping off.
$2-$3 is usually good. Some might go higher, but the valet is unlikely to curse your parentage if you give a $2 tip.
No part of it would be complimentary anyway, as is mentioned, you'd have the normal tip for the valet anyway.
Reading the sign verbatim as it stands wouldn't sit well with most people in this country. At least attach a huge asterisk next to the sign if you want to....
Programs: Severals Golds (BA, BD, AB and LH), Highest tier with HH, SPG and ICRA, lawyer, sometimes a nice guy
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Being a foreigner with a reasonable command of English I would certainly understand, that both, the parking and the valet service is for free. "Valet" is a noun and "parking" is a noun and to my understanding the adjective "free" refers to both nouns. Otherwise I would expect a "Parking with free valet service"
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