About three weeks I stayed a few nights at the Las Vegas Hilton. I have stayed there a few times, and numerous other Hiltons, and never had any problems. However, during this stay a drunk smashed the top of my 997TT while it was parked in valet parking.

Over the years Hilton referred to me as a "valued customer" but it turns out this appear to be empty words. They called the police and arrested the guy (I declined to press personal charges - he was a sad guy) who was observed by one of the valets as he smashed my car. The hotel management wasn't too interested and just referred me to their risk assessment department. I had the local P dealer estimate the cost of the repair ($1100) but the hotel just blew me off with little concern - not even an apology (and I was polite). I had suggested we split the cost of the repair. I called Hilton Honors and they didn't even bother to get back to me. The suggested I sue the guy who damaged my car but he just got out of jail, is a drug addict, and unemployed. Odd, they will lost more than this just this month alone when I stay at their competitors. No, it's not worth an insurance claim.

I post this so others who have concerned about parking when traveling, and may assume valet parking offers some security, can rethink how they can protect their cars. It's not just the cost of the repair for me, but the manner in which they just weren't even interested or concerned. Obviously they aren't "car people" nor do they think of the loss of business their attitude can cause. I will not be staying at Hilton properties in the future and seek out other options. Too bad, I always use to like the Hilton hotel family.

I'm not recommending anyone change their choice of hotels but to think through protecting our beloved P cars.

Anyone had similar experiences? Any ideas, as I travel a lot in my car?

*** My apologies, should be in the 997 section but it fits for all types of cars.

 

Did they have any signs or valet tickets that clears them of damage blame while the car is in their possesion? I would get a lawyer involved. I bet a letter on a legal letterhead would change things. Most places will not lift a finger until lawyers get involved because they are betting on you not spending on a legal retainer. In this case it isn't just the monetary loss but it also comes down to principle. If they don't pay sue them for the repairs and the legal costs if you can. I usually valet my car for the security and this bothers me.

 

Never valet park your car. The stupid valet ticket they give you creates a contract that absolves them of all damages (kinda like a marriage licence). Drop your gf/wifie in her 7" Vegas come F me honey pumps and skirt up to her cochie at the front door. Then go find a corner parking place on the top deck and make the walk back to the casino lobby floor. The walk will do you good and you can check out the other hoochies on your way back. How fitting there is an ad for the Hiton Honors Card at the bottom of this page.

 

Life's a ***** and then you die.

Personally, I just put these things down to the bad things in life that come everyone's way. If I was plagued by bad events, I guess I might get a lower deductible on my insurance.

On the plus side, think of all the money Hilton has saved you over the years on extra soaps and shampoos you've taken home.

Jim

 

Exactly! I think most people think it reasonable to assume valet parking increases the level of security for our cars. Yes, bringing a lawyer into the picture is an idea but their risk department has its own lawyers and the cost of it, plus I don't live in the US, makes a sad situation worse. And it's not about the $ for me. I would have been ok with a sincere letter of apology and continued to stay at Hilton family hotels. Not sure why they seem so ready and willing to lose loyal customers. I have better things to do than fight with the Hilton and I can easily walk with my wallet when I chose hotels. Lots of good hotels around and it's a guest's market these days. And yes, there are times when parking your car yourself makes more sense than valet.

Thanks for the feedback.
K.

 

I agree Jim.

 

Are you sure it's not worth the insurance claim? Many times, deductibles for comprehensive coverage (which I assume this would be) is less than the deductibles for collision. For example, my comprehensive deductible is just $100 compared with $1000 for the collision deductible. Also, since you have a police report clearly indicating what happened, there shouldn't be a risk of your insurance going up for this kind of thing.

(P.S. Just noticed you're in Canada. Not sure if insurance works the same way for you as it does for me.)

 

Kafka --
You need to look at the valet stub to see if there are any disclaimers on it.

Here's a local news story about a car owner who fared much worse than your story . It does explain some things which might be useful for you .
http://www.local10.com/video/27644529/index.html

 

Wait, you drove your car to Las Vegas from Canada?

 

Have fun reading the valet tag. It's called a bailment and you're subject to its terms the second you hand the keys over. Basically it says you're F'D. Getting an attorney who will charge you way more than the damages to your car going up against a casino that makes millions of dollars a hour is pure foolishment. Why do you think he's gunna win against that kind of money? Complain like hell, don't pay any attorney to help you unless he's working for free, and accept the results. Considering it was a third party that damaged your car you don't have much of a case against Hilton. I don't understand why you'd let some 18 y/o moron (who spends most of his time opening the door for your date to see if she has any panties on) take your six figure car for a fast ride through a parking lot and jam it in the first place he finds. Next time park your own car far away from the drunks and tourist.

 

If the dealer.is charging only a grand, i bet the damage is light and will cost.you less if you shop.around.. How is the hotel.or.valet.liable? The one who damaged ur car is liable and if you aren't pressing charges, man up and pay for it.

 

1) Why didn't you press charges ?
A judge might have ordered restitution as part of special conditions of probation.

2) Why does the guy who ruined your car have a personal life excuse which seems acceptable to you to make him less accountable for his actions ?

 

The valet did not destroy his car . The question is does the hotel valet company has any liability when its in the car is in their possession . They might not and it might even be stated so on the valet stub. If they are responsible then their insurance company would have to pay.

 

You can be quite sure the lawyer that drew up their incorporation papers did the fine print on the claim tickets FIRST.

Jim

 

Just because it has all kinds of waivers on the ticket doesn't mean that they are all enforceable. In this case, just having a lawyer send a letter might be worth $500 or so to Hilton on nuisance value alone.