Many visitors to Las Vegas may be unfamiliar with valet parking and be reluctant to entrust a car to valet drivers.
They may come from towns where it is unheard of, or from cities where it is considered a luxury for the rich.
In Las Vegas, you almost can not function without valet parking.
This article answers some frequently asked questions about your valet parking concerns while on your Las Vegas vacation.
Why is Valet Parking different in Las Vegas? In Vegas, frequently you have no choice but to rely on it.
Everybody is accustomed to using it.
Valet parking is mandatory at almost all hotels, casinos, restaurants, nightclubs, and at many shopping malls and plazas.
Do not think of it as some cheap ploy to weasel a few extra dollars out of you.
Parking in Vegas has become so scarce that valet drivers are indispensable.
They can squeeze cars into every last inch of space.
If you leave your resort for any reason, you will go through this process at least once and maybe several times in your vacation day.
Do I save Time? Compared to self-parking (when it's available), valet parking involves much less walking, but it does not necessarily save time.
To be sure, you can drive right up to the entrance and leave the car with the keys in it.
But when you come out, you may face a wait.
This depends on where you are going.
The casinos and the more elegant restaurants can anticipate your need for your car when you pay your bill or cash in chips.
The car may already be waiting for you when you come out.
But if you are attending a performance of any kind, everyone will rush to reclaim their cars at the same moment, causing potentially long delays.
Self-parking definitely can save you time in such circumstances.
Does Valet Parking Vegas-style cost extra? Unlike all other places, valet parking is frequently free, particularly for guests at hotel-casinos.
This is also true for restaurants and some nightclubs.
You can get your parking "comped" when visiting many gaming establishments.
At pay parking, the valet aspect is included in the price.
Where you have the option of self-parking, the valet service may come as a surcharge.
The differentials are smaller in Vegas than in other places, since visitors are encouraged to opt for the more space-efficient valet parking choice.
Whether or not the valet service comes at an additional cost over self-parking, the valet driver deserves a tip for good service.
The amount should be roughly what you would tip a doorman in an urban hotel for setting you up with a taxi -- $1 or $2, if things are not too busy, and more for hectic times when more effort is required to provide the service.
Does my Auto Insurance Protect Me from Damage? If you have rented your car, be sure to sign up for the insurance that will cover you if something happens to the vehicle when it is parked.
Ask specifically when you rent the car how the valet parking situation would be covered.
Of course, the operators of valet parking services must be insured against liability for damage caused by their drivers, and if not, surely the hotel or other place you are visiting will have to cover such losses.
Some home and auto insurance policies may cover damage occasioned by valet service drivers, even if you are in a rented car and away from home.
It is always a good idea to check these things before leaving on your vacation.
Will the Car be Safe? Valet parking seldom results in any kind of damage to the vehicle.
The most common complaint might be a small scratch or a scrape on the bumper.
If this happens, the valet driver will probably not want to report it to his supervisor, so it will be up to you to find it.
When the car arrives after you call for it, walk all the way around it, looking at the fenders, hubs and bumpers.
Point out anything new that is wrong.
Once you get in and take off, there's no way to lodge any sort of complaint.
This point raises an issue that few people take notice of: when the car is dropped off: some valet services note on the ticket itself if there are any scrapes, scratches or dents in the car.
This is to avoid an unjust accusation later.
If you like, you can ask to see their half of the ticket before you leave the car behind to see if the notes and markings, if any, are correct.
What about Theft from the Vehicle? Most parking facilities "do not accept responsibility for items left in your vehicle.
" If you are unsure who does accept responsibility for lost or stolen items, then it is probably you.
Your biggest hurdle is proving to someone's insurer (including your own) that the item was in the car in the first place.
Do not imagine that because something is out of sight it is out of harm's way.
Any good thief can get into a trunk in five seconds flat.
If you have a "valet key," use it.
It will operate the door locks and ignition, but not the glove box or trunk.
This precaution is really more for your peace of mind than anything else.
Parking operations on the Las Vegas Strip are vigilant about security, and screen their employees carefully.
Nevertheless, don't leave all your other keys with the car.
Will My Car be Driven Around? Valet drivers have too much to do to be joyriding your vehicle.
This is a movie premise, but not a real life occurrence.
Still, if you the wary type, just note your mileage when you get out of the car.
Then you will know if the car went anywhere while you were away from it.
Are the Value-Added Services a Good Deal? In Las Vegas it is very common for valet parking to be partnered up with car washes, auto detail operations or places that can change your oil.
If you plan to be in the restaurant or casino for a good while, this may be a sensible option, particularly towards the end of your vacation.
You can have a clean car for the ride home or to the car rental desk.
Always ask first about the costs involved.
The convenience could come at a slightly inflated price.