So we just returned from a family vacation where we took a drive up the coast and into Maine. Along the way we stopped in New York City for one night - primarily to go to the top of the Empire State Building.
None of us had ever been and it truly was a great experience. We were lucky that we arrived the day before and it had rained. The morning we went to the top the sky was clear and we could see for miles!
If you have never been to New York City before there is something you need to know - it is expensive! The hotel we stayed at was the Embassy Suites. At $400 per night (luckily we had a voucher for a free night). The hotel was downtown near Battery Park and right around the corner from the World Trade Center - Ground Zero site.
The Ground Zero site was incredibly moving. We were amazed at how choked up we were looking at where the WTC once stood. Everyone should visit and never forget. We took the time to talk to our kids about the evil people who committed such a horrific act and why our courageous military is still working to secure our freedom around the world.
Now, since we drove we parked our car at the hotel overnight. The hotel only had valet parking available at $65.00 per night. We did check other parking arrangements and found that the convenience of being at the hotel was worth the extra $10 that we could have saved at a nearby parking garage.
The part that really gets me is that we tipped the valet - both on leaving the car and on picking it up - a total of $10.00 (perhaps that is low but to me $5 to park my car or retrieve it is more than adequate). However, the valet decided to also go into our glovebox and take the quarters from our change holder!
Am I too upset? Should I just think that this is what happens? I don’t think so. I think that when you pay $65 for parking and $10 in tips that you should expect that what was in your car would be there when you return. I could understand if someone smashed the window and stole the money but to just take it! It is like I paid them to take it. That gets my gall!
I am going to call the hotel and see what they will do - though I am not expecting much. Perhaps they will surprise me.
I am grateful that the rest of our vacation was filled with fun and good times. Maine in July is beautiful and I recommend a good road trip to see our marvelous country. Get off the beaten path and see what you can see.
