Why do valets cone off front spots?
Staging, curb control, and revenue incentives — and what fair practice looks like instead.
Valets often cone off front spots to stage cars, keep a clear curb for drop-off, or push guests toward paying for valet. The result for self-parkers is usually the same: the closest spaces are gone.
Common reasons
- Staging. Staff want a buffer of empty spots for rapid handoff.
- Curb control. Cones keep the driveway clear for continuous drop-off.
- Revenue. Scarcer self-park options nudge more people into valet.
- Optics. A neat “valet only” row can look premium from the street.
Some of those goals are operationally real. FairValet’s objection is when storage — not active drop-off — permanently claims the nearest spots that self-parkers would use.
A fairer default
Keep a short curb lane for drop-off and pickup. Store cars farther back. Leave ordinary nearby spaces open for people who park themselves. That’s the FairValet rule.
Seen cones blocking nearby spots? Report an experience or read how to report.