I'll be staying in downtown Columbus, Ohio, near Nationwide Arena, next month at the Hyatt Regency Columbus with my Mini. Now I'm kind of freaked out about keeping the shiny new car scratch-free, undamaged, etc from careless parkers, vandals, etc.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

I could valet park it at the hotel. I'm kind of freaked about having a valet drive my Mini. Maybe I could bribe, er, tip, the valet and park it myself. Hopefully, it's the kind of valet parking where they don't need to move your car.

I could public park it at the convention center, but that worries me. Door dings, especially.

I know, I know, my Mini will get a ding eventually, but I plan to park at the far corner of ALL parking lots and hike a mile into the store, just to park away from others.

Any suggestions appreciated. Especially any suggestions for downtown Columbus at the Hyatt Regency Columbus.

Thanks a bunch,
Dan

 

Dan,
Are you getting here during the day? If so maybe you should come a tad early and check out all your options.

 

>Are you getting here during the day?

I'm afraid not. I won't pull in until after dark.

> If so maybe you should come a tad early
> and check out all your options.

Good idea, BuckeyeMCS. My wife will be there about 3 hours before me, I'll ask her to scout!

Worst comes to worst, I'll sleep in my Mini with my Glock. :evil:

 

Dan you should have no problem in that lot. I live in columbus and have parked my mini there and I am careful to get one of end spots that are near the support beams. You can pull your car close to the beam and someone would have to park two feet over your other line in the space to get you.

I refer to my parking spots as having to be MINI worth, and the Hyatt has them. The Hotel is only part of the parking in that garage and at night it is really empty and you should have no problem finding one of the well protected spots.

Chris

 

I used a valet once at a hotel in downtown Austin. Me and the valet had a "long talk" and I tipped well. Everything went okay, thankfully, but it was REAL hard giving him the keys. I certainly understand your apprehension. IMO, take any and all precautions to avoid door dings no matter how outrageous....I have left restaurants simply because I could not find a "suitable" parking place. I got one bad door ding (now fixed) and I now take no chances whatsoever and make no apologies for that.

 

Thanks a bunch, csasso and jds. Support beams, here I come!

 

Dan,
If you have time check out a BlueJackets game. ESPN Mag just named Nationwide arena the best in the country.
Enjoy!

 

Why don't you rent a car or taxi?

I never leave my cars out in hotel parking lots or airports. :smile:

 

>>Why don't you rent a car or taxi?
>>
>>I never leave my cars out in hotel parking lots or airports. :smile:

I just picked up my Mini at Classic Mini and stayed at the Hyatt to see some friends before driving the new Mini back home to Montana. That's why a rental car was not an option.

csasso, you aren't kidding about that empty parking garage! It's nearly empty! On the lower level, there are just a handful of parking spaces that are totally closed in on 3 sides! Support beam on one side, no space in front, little building on the other. It was perfect! Literally impossible for someone to park next to me.

I came through with flying colors. No dings, etc.

 

Congrats Dan!
I hope you had a chance to enjoy that area. Their are some great places to eat around the Arena district and its a great place to catch a hockey game.