Valet parking is ideal for a number of occasions; whether you don’t have time to spend circling lots for a spot or you won’t be able to walk more than 20 feet in your heels. However, when it comes to valet parking – as with so many other things – New York City does things a bit differently.
NYC Parking is About Garages
First of all, you’ll only find traditional valet parking – as in drop your car at the entrance to your destination – in the outer boroughs of the city. Don’t plan on finding any in Brooklyn or Manhattan (the exception being hotels – some will accommodate guests). It sounds inconvenient, but there are more than enough parking options in these areas that will get you as close as possible to where you’re going where valet parking isn’t necessary. New Yorkers seek out garages. Also, many shops and restaurants negotiate parking deals for patrons in local garages increasing the appeal.
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That being said, most paid parking options will actually include a valet taking your car. Whether in a garage or lot, parking attendants are true experts in fitting the most amount of cars in the least amount of space possible (seriously, check out some of the things they’re able to do behind-the-scenes in a garage if you can.) Of course, this takes a significant amount of headache out of your parking process, since you simply drop off the keys and pick them up, similar to traditional valets.
Valet Parking Doesn’t Mean Luxury Parking
Keep in mind, these valets are parking attendants, as in they will only be parking your car. While traditional valets may be employed or contracted by the location they are in front of and tasked with providing you exceptional service, parking attendants in NYC are handling a heavy volume of parkers leaving their cars for a number of reasons.
They aren’t going to provide you with luxury service or bend over backwards to make sure you’re happy, but they will take good care of your car.
Some tips to keep in mind? Never leave valuables visible (a good idea no matter where you are in NYC) and tip as you would with any other valet.
Parked car image credit: Michelle Brown / Shutterstock.com
