Joe Pesci did warn us about getting screwed in the drive-thru...

I would like to take a moment to rant and rave about an experience I had at the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica, CA last month.  Knowing that I was going to have to pay $18 for a martini, I decided to join everyone else who wants to forget that there is a recession going on and decided to meet a friend for drinks at the very trendy bar in the Viceroy Hotel.  The bar tenders were very friendly good looking guys – they had to be in order to push $18 drinks on you and I am happy to report that my appetizer arrived quickly and was yummy.  But, as all good things have to come to an end, so did this evening.  So two hours and a $50 bill later (for the 2 martinis and an appetizer plus tip), I went out to the valet to collect my car.  I paid the ridiculously high $12 fee + tip and was warned that it was going to be a while for my car.  Twenty minutes later, my car appeared and I went on my buzzed, and some what broker way.  It was not until I got home that evening that I noticed that the valets had jacked the $20+ that was in my ashtray.  I can't believe I tipped someone after they ripped me off????  How shitty is that?  So I guess that's why it took so long to get my car back.  Sadly, there is not really a parking alternative, other than parking way far away and hailing a cab?  Screw that, I will never go back to be ripped off by that establishment again.  You have been forewarned!!!