Park it Around Back

While having a car on vacation can be extremely convenient or even necessary its almost guaranteed to cost you the equivalent of a down-payment on one. City hotels are notorious for charging outlandish daily parking fees. In San Francisco one prominent hotel charges upwards of $60 a night to park and that does not include valet service. To avoid all these charges simply impossible but there are many ways to greatly reduce the costs.

Call ahead and see exactly what the daily parking rates are at the hotels property. Many times the price difference between self parking and valet are only a few dollars. Nearby parking garages and public areas can often have spaces at a drastically reduced price. Sometimes hotels even utilize public garages and then up-sell the cost to the guest. Don’t be afraid to ask the front desk or concierge for other parking options if you think the fees are extraneous

Take a taxi or car service upon your arrival to your hotel. Few people will actually utilize there car the first day they arrive. Any money you would have saved renting a car will be offset by a daily parking fee. Rental car companies located outside the airport can sometimes be cheaper and are not subject to additional airport taxes and fees.

When using a hotels valet service call down from your room or house phone so your car is waiting. Valet service is pointless if you ending up waiting 15 minutes for your car. Oversized SUV’s and luxury cars will often be parked within steps from the hotels main entrance. Keep in mind the hotel is responsible for any damage done to your vehicle while is in their possession. Always physically inspect your vehicle before and after dropping at the front door.

Some larger hotels offer car rentals within there own building or very nearby. If this is the case make a one day reservation and return the car to the rental agency that same day. If you need a car for additional days simply make a separate one day reservation. This system can give you all the advantages of having a car without incurring any cost from the hotels parking garage.

Lastly if you incur any major problems during your stay request the manager comp your parking costs as a resolution. Since the property does not incur any material or labor costs this request will often go undisputed and save you a small fortune.

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