Unprofessional staff who were unwilling to compromise or problem solve a very easily fixable circumstance.
This hotel has a "passenger loading/unloading zone" directly in front of the hotel. It is identified by a painted white curb extending roughly 30 feet in length. At one end of the painted white curb, there was a cone set up with the word "valet," indicating the area was used for valet purposes only. In front of this posted cone was approx 15-18 feet of legal curb space, having no painted markings or signs indicating that you could not park there. THIS IS WHERE I PARKED. To be clear, their posted "Valet" sign was to the rear of my vehicle. Not in front of it. I would say it was position right about where my rear bumper was.
At the other end of the painted white curb, the hotel thought it okay to take possession or approx. 15-18 feet of legal curb space prior to the start or the painted white curb line indicated by another "valet" cone well ahead of the painted white passenger loading space.
Moving on, I was informed by the valet attendant that where I parked was only reserved for the hotel valet.
I indicated that the area he was referring to was legal parking space and that my car was legally parked. Further, I noted that they didn't have the right to assume legal parking curb space as their own just because they wanted to be able to park at least three vehicles in front of their hotel, which is what he told me. The staff, valet and front desk, stated that my car would possibly get towed if I didn't move the vehicle. I showed the front desk attendant where the curb was marked white and where it wasn't. She acknowledged the difference, but at first she couldn't tell the difference. She proceeded to deflect the issue toward the valet staff, but still contacted/texted her immediate supervisor Sabrina who told her that the city of Seattle would most likely tow my vehicle if it wasn't moved. I advised the front desk to have Sabrina call me directly so there's no middle man. I also knew that they were having immediate and direct contact with each other at this time of the situation. I received no call from Sabrina.
Not a good look, Marriott.
After waiting approx 10-15 minutes for a call and concluding that it was unlikely that Sabrina was going to call me, right then and there, I decided to move the car from its legal spot, reluctantly.
It should be noted, the "preference" of the valet to have room to park three vehicles in front was there, even with my car parked where it was. Now that I moved the car, they now had room for 4 cars.
I know some readers may be rolling their eyes, or thinking this is a trivial matter, but the street parking in the area is very limited and the only other logical option is to pay AC Hotel $65 to park valet overnight. So yes, seeing an open space to park and then being told I have to move with really no legal authority, only preference, is super frustrating and bothersome. YOU DON'T HAVE THE RIGHT to occupy legal parking space without a valid permit or authorization from the city.
This could have been resolved by acknowledging that I was legally parked, but still asking me politely if I could move based on your related "high hotel occupancy" or any other reasonable or understandable circumstance. Then, if I were unable to find street parking, follow up by offering a complimentary over night valet service for my car. This would have quickly dissolved this hotel-created confusing situation. Instead, you tried to scare your paid guests with the idea that their car would get towed away if not moved. Really? Is that really the best way to resolve an easy parking issue from the confusion that you guys created? The way this issue was "handled/not handled" will always be an issue with me with AC Hotel, Seattle Downtown. Be better.
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