Driving up from LA to San Francisco on 12/27 and driving back on 12/30. We are staying at the Hilton Union Square where $50+ for parking is absurd. One can park nearby for $25-$35 per night. Is there any place (feel free to PM me with a secret spot ) where I can do better?
I'll drop the family off at the hotel, park far, and take public transportation...are there any options out there? We will need the car Saturday afternoon, but that is it until we leave on Sunday.
Not sure the price you paid for the car, or the size of your fam, but would it be cheaper (and faster) to cab to/from SFO ~$45 each way and get a one-day city car rental for Saturday afternoon only?
Otherwise, you are correct, nearby garages for $25-$30 seem about right. $50+ is outragious. I can think of street parking options where you can park it all day at no charge (and without 2 hour limits), but none come to mind near Union Sq
Thank you. We will have the car because we are driving from our home in Los Angeles. I don't mind parking on the street near a BART stop or some other form of public transportation anywhere safe in SF. Thanks.
Just remember the standard recommendation about staying at the Hilton - try to avoid the area west of the hotel (the direction away from Union Square).
On Saturday PM, just find street meter parking. Most SF meters are free between 6p Saturday and 7/8a Monday.
And make sure you read each and every parking restriction sign carefully, and if there is a conflict, figure the most restrictive applies. You might find that your car is towed, or has a ticket.
I also wouldn't be keen on overnight street parking in the Tenderloin. You need your car, in good shape, to get your family back home.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Eastbay1K
And make sure you read each and every parking restriction sign carefully, and if there is a conflict, figure the most restrictive applies. You might find that your car is towed, or has a ticket.
I also wouldn't be keen on overnight street parking in the Tenderloin. You need your car, in good shape, to get your family back home.
Excellent advice, especially about the parking in the Tenderloin.
And parking on the street always involve some risk. Please remove all items (valuables or not) to avoid unncessary cleaning of the shattered glass from your car break in the night before.
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LOTS of street crime this year
several friends have had cars broken into in decent and crappy areas, with nothing on the seat but a paper bag or in 2 cases, nothing at all but a nice car. I'd spend the $$ to park this season.
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Are there any "good" neighborhoods I can park in and just take public transportation back to the hotel? Also it turns out I'll need the car Friday afternoon to late Friday night...not Saturday. Thanks again.
Are there any "good" neighborhoods I can park in and just take public transportation back to the hotel? Also it turns out I'll need the car Friday afternoon to late Friday night...not Saturday. Thanks again.
Most (if not all) neighborhoods have Saturday parking restrictions. Public Transit (for 1) is going to cost you $4+ RT. Your safest parking option is to buy BART extended parking but you might be at a $5 to $6 RT for the transit, plus $5 a day for the space. Seriously, you're in the "save your $ by ordering a couple of fewer drinks and don't be stupid with your car" arena now. You're adding hours, risk, unfamiliar areas, and stress to save under $100 when you are staying at the Hilton Union Square, not the Western Addition Roach Motel. No, it isn't my $, but you did ask for our advice. "Honey, I lost the car on 47th Ave. and the N Judah broke down" isn't a conversation you want to have during your vacation.
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These are the City lots. Ellis-OFarrell is closest. Sutter-Stockton is a 10 minute walk. I have no suggestions for the private ones, although they are all over, including Mason/OFarrell right across the street from the hotel.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by squeakr
several friends have had cars broken into in decent and crappy areas, with nothing on the seat but a paper bag or in 2 cases, nothing at all but a nice car. I'd spend the $$ to park this season.
I think it's a matter of luck, I once parked my car around North Beach with the windows open and a GPS in the car, nothing was taken from the car. Felt really lucky.
) where I can do better?
Going to Buenos Aires? 2 bedroom cozy San Telmo apartment for much less than a hotel. 
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