Andaz Maui REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
#498
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 613
Same here, but I'll tip $2 to $5+ depending on how quickly they get the car, their attitude/friendliness, and if they go above and beyond the usual service (for example at the St Regis Princeville where they always put chilled water bottles in our car when we'd head out for the day or if they're giving you directions/towels/etc.).
#499
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Fairmont Platinum, Aeroplan Diamond, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 18,686
#501
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: AA & DL / SPG & HGP
Posts: 1,723
I have no idea how a fee (any fee) is justified just because some other hotel(s) don't charge a different fee. $250/week (with tips) for parking is just crazy, outside of a major city, in my book. One need not agree with my opinion, but justifying a parking fee because other hotels charge a resort fee (or a towel fee, or a cleaning fee, or a chair/cabana fee) makes little sense, IMO.
#502
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 42
I have no idea how a fee (any fee) is justified just because some other hotel(s) don't charge a different fee. $250/week (with tips) for parking is just crazy, outside of a major city, in my book. One need not agree with my opinion, but justifying a parking fee because other hotels charge a resort fee (or a towel fee, or a cleaning fee, or a chair/cabana fee) makes little sense, IMO.
#503
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: AA & DL / SPG & HGP
Posts: 1,723
It's not a question of my staying here or not, it's a question of justifying a fee (one not caring about paying a fee) because other hotels are charging an entirely different fee.
I'll just stay at the Andaz and park on the street for free, thank you... or at the Fairmont where there's a ton of street parking... it's not so rare in Wailea, with a little research.
I'll just stay at the Andaz and park on the street for free, thank you... or at the Fairmont where there's a ton of street parking... it's not so rare in Wailea, with a little research.
#504
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: CHA/TYS
Programs: The Mac Daddy of Heimlich County (and low-ball status)
Posts: 2,868
#505
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: CHA/TYS
Programs: The Mac Daddy of Heimlich County (and low-ball status)
Posts: 2,868
It's not a question of my staying here or not, it's a question of justifying a fee (one not caring about paying a fee) because other hotels are charging an entirely different fee.
I'll just stay at the Andaz and park on the street for free, thank you... or at the Fairmont where there's a ton of street parking... it's not so rare in Wailea, with a little research.
I'll just stay at the Andaz and park on the street for free, thank you... or at the Fairmont where there's a ton of street parking... it's not so rare in Wailea, with a little research.
#506
Why.... I must be a little of the US tipping culture. But we are talking about a hotel who forces you to valet park, makes you pay a substantial amount for the privilege.... and now we are supposed to pay their employees as well for a service most of us could care less about? Why should I care about expectations someone else's employees have? It's not like they are providing a valuable service, far from it I would say.... it's hoping an praying every time they don't damage your car.
#507
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Francisco
Programs: All-Around Kettle
Posts: 3,287
Because, in America, if a person's wage from his or her employer factors in expected tips, the right thing to do is tip if you are satisfied with the service.
You might not get it as a European, but that's how it is here. And, even though customers here hold the power to stiff a worker (and I am sure many unfairly do), American service IMHO tends to be better than I have experienced all over Europe. I attribute this in large part to the fact that workers here have an incentive to work harder to get a better tip.
Regardless, if the hotel were to pay the valet attendants the "proper" wage without need for tip -- which you would seem to advocate -- then guess what, the valet parking fee (or other hotel charges) would be higher to compensate. You would be paying for it either way, so it is not like you are any worse off for tipping. So why would you punish the employee for living in a tipping culture?
I would tip an Andaz valet $2 on pickup if I were there.
You might not get it as a European, but that's how it is here. And, even though customers here hold the power to stiff a worker (and I am sure many unfairly do), American service IMHO tends to be better than I have experienced all over Europe. I attribute this in large part to the fact that workers here have an incentive to work harder to get a better tip.
Regardless, if the hotel were to pay the valet attendants the "proper" wage without need for tip -- which you would seem to advocate -- then guess what, the valet parking fee (or other hotel charges) would be higher to compensate. You would be paying for it either way, so it is not like you are any worse off for tipping. So why would you punish the employee for living in a tipping culture?
I would tip an Andaz valet $2 on pickup if I were there.
#508
As I said before.... I value the service of a valet to be worth about zero, in fact I would prefer not to be forced to use them. So I'm not in the category "satisfied with the service". I would rather they all quit because they can earn more somewhere else and I can park my own car....
Someone carrying my bags or bringing me my dinner (my choice to use them) and doing a good job might be a bit different.
Someone carrying my bags or bringing me my dinner (my choice to use them) and doing a good job might be a bit different.
#509
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Francisco
Programs: All-Around Kettle
Posts: 3,287
As I said before.... I value the service of a valet to be worth about zero, in fact I would prefer not to be forced to use them. So I'm not in the category "satisfied with the service". I would rather they all quit because they can earn more somewhere else and I can park my own car....
Someone carrying my bags or bringing me my dinner (my choice to use them) and doing a good job might be a bit different.
Someone carrying my bags or bringing me my dinner (my choice to use them) and doing a good job might be a bit different.
Likewise, you can't expect go to a nice restaurant at the Andaz and tell them you'll get your own food from the kitchen to avoid paying the server 15%+. Doesn't matter if you have no need for the waiter, or if you're concerned the waiter might screw up your order or spit in your food.
#510
Join Date: Oct 2010
Programs: SPG Gold, Hyatt GP Platinum
Posts: 466
At the Andaz, it is your choice to use them, though you may not like the choices you have. You could (1) not stay at the hotel, (2) stay without a car, or (3) park your car off property. If you want to bring your car, you must valet -- part of the package, and your choice to take the package or not.
Likewise, you can't expect go to a nice restaurant at the Andaz and tell them you'll get your own food from the kitchen to avoid paying the server 15%+. Doesn't matter if you have no need for the waiter, or if you're concerned the waiter might screw up your order or spit in your food.
Likewise, you can't expect go to a nice restaurant at the Andaz and tell them you'll get your own food from the kitchen to avoid paying the server 15%+. Doesn't matter if you have no need for the waiter, or if you're concerned the waiter might screw up your order or spit in your food.
If you don't like their philosophy, don't stay there. I'm not sure why you are ranting about tipping valet drivers. This is pretty standard in A LOT of major hotels, whether it be U.S. or Europe. This is not new.