I've read a couple of threads here about finding places to park in the city and SpotHero comes up a lot.

I did a search and found places listed like under L tracks where there are towing signs.

Does SpotHero vet all these locations? I would worry about coming out and finding my car towed.

Can you contact SpotHero to ask them? I've used them 3 times and have, unfortunately, had two problems. (Both times were technology related, where I ended up having to pay out of pocket because the code didn't work.) Although it was annoying, they were *very* responsive and issued credits/refunds each time.

Maybe I am too cynical, but it feels strange to post a $9 charge on my CC and then go park in a place with a no parking/tow sign.

Update:

I talked to SpotHero and they say they work with the tow companies and that as long as you plate numbers are posted in the reservation correctly, you have no worries. Sounds good.

Has anyone else done this?

That sounds sketchy. What neighborhoods are you looking in? Aren't there other SpotHero options that seem more legit?

I have not used SpotHero for parking under El tracks. I don't generally park under the El because my car ends up filthy in just a few hours, especially if the parking is near a El station. I have, however, used SpotHero a number of times for parking. It's been substantially cheaper than I would have otherwise fine and haven't had any problems entering/exiting the garages.

Thanks for the responses chgoeditor and Andrea Waters.

Maybe I'll pass on the L track and look for a lot on SpotHero. But in the two cases I was looking at (Lincoln Park and Wicker Park), they lot locations were 2 or 3 blocks further away.

How long were you planning to park? Given that there's usually an abundance of metered street parking in those neighborhoods--plus, if you're visiting a friend, free permit parking--I can't imagine you're saving that much money going with SpotHero. I really think it's the best option for those occasions when you're able to save $10-30 off the cost of downtown parking.

I'd be looking for a parking spot around 5 or 6 PM on a weekday

You really shouldn't have a problem with street parking within a block or so of your destination. Can't imagine you'll save big $$ with SpotHero.

Keep in mind a lot of street parking has a rather short time limit (can be as short as two hours on heavily trafficked streets).

WTH?

Is someone getting bribed/paid off to look the other way on illegal/timed parking? I know it's Chicago, but I don't think I'd do this to save a couple bucks.

I don't think that spothero is directing people to park in a public area (street or otherwise) where parking is restricted (and paying off tow companies as you infer) but is directing people to park in privately owned parking which happens to be under El tracks that happens to be marked with no parking and tow signs (and they assured the OP that the tow company will not tow their car if they have paid with spothero). Parking such as this:
https://spothero.com/chicago-parking...nd_time=0400PM
1628 Dayton under El tracks is CPS parking with tow signs or 950 W. George (again CPS parking).

yes, I've used Spot Hero for garages & under the L track parking near Steppenwolf Theater. Never a problem.

Thanks Willie, that's all I wanted to know.

Hi Everyone-

SpotHero here.

Wanted to answer your questions about parking in general as well Chicago parking Under El.

General Information About SpotHero
1. We work directly with hundreds of parking garages in Chicago.
2. We negotiate discounted rates and guaranteed spots for our customers.
3. We have customer support which you can contact by emailing [email protected] or calling 312-566-7768 during normal parking hours

How Under El parking Works
1. We arranged a special deal with the city to park cars under the El tracks
2. When you make a reservation, you enter your license plate number on our website or in our mobile app
3. When the tow trucks come around, they have a list of everyone with a SpotHero reservation. As long as you paid for a spot, you're car is safe.
4. We park tons of cars under the El every day
5. If you want a cheap place to park, under EL is THE BEST deal in town. If you want a "nice" place to park, with lights, a roof, a valet, etc., then under EL isn't the best choice for you.

If you have questions, just give us a call or shoot us an email any time.

Here are a few neighborhoods where we offer Under El Parking:

Old Town Parking
River North Parking
Lakeview Parking
Wicker Park Parking

Also, here is where you find Under El parking near Steppenwolf Theater.

Again, if you have any questions don't hesitate to call or email us:
[email protected] or calling 312-566-7768