Originally Posted by
chollie
I arrive at a hotel and give my car keys to the valet to park my car.
My car is subsequently vandalized because the valet parks it and leaves the windows down and the car unlocked by someone.
Does anyone really think the hotel is off the hook because I can't prove their employee damaged my car or left it vulnerable to damage?
My 'contract' is with the hotel. The hotel is responsible for the security of my car until I get it back. I don't care if their employees have custody of my car the entire time or if part of the process involves a third-party parking garage staffed with crooked people.
A more relevant hypothetical would be leaving the car with a hotel parking valet to be taken to a car dealership for service. The car is returned damaged, i.e., scratches, dents, dings, etc. Who is responsible for the damage, the hotel or the dealership?