AccessAtlanta > Shopping > Blog > Archives > 2007 > August > 22 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USMall Valet
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I spend a lot of time at malls, and admittedly on a Saturday, I will drive around for hours on end looking for a parking space. I do the slow crawl behind shoppers exiting with bags, waiting for them to vacate a spot.
Then it occurred to me (thanks to a co-worker), “Duh, Valet???” which I’ve never used, but it seems to be a standard here in Atlanta.
Do you use valet parking when you hit the mall? Why or why not?
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Comments
By Chief Wiggum
August 22, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this
Valet at the mall? Absolutely not. See, I think it might be better for my health if I park an extra 200-300 feet away, and WALK to the entrance.
Just park at the end of the row. The walk won’t kill ya.
By Jennifer
August 22, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
I just park and walk.
I will do valet at Christmas time because at times it’s impossible to find a spot.
By Charles
August 23, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this
Even though I avoid malls like the plague, I agree with The Chief. As a whole our society’s waistline has gotten enormous because we drive down the street to the store, don’t take the stairs and avoid physical activity (unless we are PAYING someone to allow us to use their gym). When I walk from parking my car away from the mall (so my car can have less dings in the doors from other careless customers) I notice most of those using the valet parking could stand to do more walking.
Atlanta has sadly become a place where valet parking is almost required by some establishments (even though they call it ‘complimentary’ - it’s the same myth as ‘free health care’ - you pay hidden, upfront and sometimes by a theft). It’s nice when you are dressed up for a fine restaurant, but has become a hassle when you have to stop before the destination and hide any valuables a valet might want to take. It’s even more uncomfortable when you have to confront the valet staff when something is discovered missing (one reason I will never shop at Lenox ever again).
I won’t be surprised if I stop at a Walgreen’s in Buckhead someday and discover they have required valet parking.
By Michelle
August 27, 2007 12:06 PM | Link to this
I have definitely used the valet service at the mall particualry when there were no more parking spaces and I had grown tired of circling the lot. It’s a real convenience especially when you are pressed for time, have a nice car you don’t want to park anywhere, or if you are experiencing the famous, “I have 15 minutes before the mall closes.”
And, tt’s optional like anything else so if you don’t won’t to continue the parking space hunt, valet. I wish I had thought of the idea.
I will say this truly seems to be an Atlanta deal. Perhaps they can take note on Michigan Ave. You can already get valet service on Oak Street. Although these are not malls, they are very popular shopping locations and traffic and parking can be extremely problematic.