Hotels Charging for self-parking!

[Beckles]

I browsed through the postings for the past week I've been gone, and haven't seen anything about this.

I checked out of the HRH this morning, and they are now charing $5/day (no tax) for self-parking. Apparently this was implemented July 1. I asked if the PBH was doing the same, and the check-out agent said yes, though I would not take that as gospel.

[Molokai Gram]

I hope they have beefed up their security because now they will have a liability issue if anyone's car is broken into. :rolleyes:

Is it unusual to have parking charges? I know all of the hotels in Waikiki now charge for parking, starting at about $7 a day for guests. :(

[Cindy B]

$5 is not that bad... whenever I go to a conference in Chicago/DC, parking is always in the $20 range/per day....

[Beckles]

There are several changes to the parking arrangements. First, they now have a guard at the front gate. When I arrived to check-in, they had a list of guests checking in and made sure I was on it. Second, the blocked off the back enterance to the big self-park lot. The last two times I was at the HRH that entrance had a guard on it, but since he had to sit there, he wasn't a lot of good necessarilly for guarding the lot. Finally, I witnessed a guard patrolling the lot one night in a golf cart.

As for the charges being "reasonable", when I compare them to every other hotel I've ever stayed at in Orlando, I do not find them reasonable ... comparing to hotels in other cities is not really a valid comparison.

[webray]

$5 is not bad, it was $8 for self parking when we were there after it opened.

[Mike J]

When we stayed there in February, we were not charged for parking.

Mike

[kellymonaghan]

Hmmm. Wonder how this will affect those with annual passes. Presumably you could park your car "free" in the regular lots, although I don't know the policy about cars left overnight.

I was down there during a close brush by a hurricane and I asked if I could leave my car in the parking structure overnight since I felt it would be more sheltered there than in my off-site hotel parking lot and the attendant said it would be okay.

[Beckles]

Kelly ~ I was wondering that *exact* same thing myself since I have an Annual Pass, but I really didn't think it would be a good idea to leave my car there overnight ... afraid they'd clean out the lot every night, especially if I left it there for several days without moving/using it ...

[kellymonaghan]

Seems to me that at least a few cars must get left every day. Possible reasons:

People forget where they parked and give up searching.
People have too much to drink at CityWalk and take a taxi home.
People get sick at the park and are taken to a hospital.

If I'm right in that, I wonder why the parking staff would tow a car unless it had been left for several days? Maybe you'd be save if you just moved your car from one spot to another each day? OTOH, Universal obviously doesn't want people leaving their cars there indefinitely (however, "indefinetly" might be defined).

Maybe one of the "insiders" will enlighten us.

[WebmasterBarry]

Are non-guests parking in the HRH lot? The HRH lot always seems full. The PBH parking garage seems to always have spaces available, even relatively close to the elevator.

[larworth]

Since making my HRH reservations last January...

* Lowes stopped honoring perks with entertainment rate (small straw)
* Continue to lose more and more of my once awesome FOTL privaledge (huge straw)
* Now have to pay $5 for my one-time free parking (small straw)

Maybe, someone can reimind me how great it is going to be before I get any more bad news.

[Beckles]

Originally posted by Barry Hom
Are non-guests parking in the HRH lot? The HRH lot always seems full. The PBH parking garage seems to always have spaces available, even relatively close to the elevator.

It *looked* like they were trying to cut down on this at a minimum with the guard at the gate, but I can't say for sure.

Parking was as bad as ever for most of my stay. That's also why I asked specifically about the PBH, because they have always had tons of parking with their multi-level garage when I've stayed there, and I was wondering if it was maybe only a measure to try and lessen the overcrowding ...

[Beckles]

Originally posted by kellymonaghan
Seems to me that at least a few cars must get left every day. Possible reasons:

People forget where they parked and give up searching.
People have too much to drink at CityWalk and take a taxi home.
People get sick at the park and are taken to a hospital.

If I'm right in that, I wonder why the parking staff would tow a car unless it had been left for several days? Maybe you'd be save if you just moved your car from one spot to another each day? OTOH, Universal obviously doesn't want people leaving their cars there indefinitely (however, "indefinetly" might be defined).

Maybe one of the "insiders" will enlighten us.

I think you're probably right, overnight should be fine ... I just wouldn't leave it in the same spot for too long, because I'm sure they make a note of such things and would probably tow eventually ... of course, if I have a car I'd probably use it occasionally anyway ... although I'm not sure the hassle of parking in the Garages would be worth it anyway ...

[Letsbgoofy]

This will be my first and last stay at the HRH in August. As a previous poter noted, the benefits keep changing and now there is a fee to park. Lowes and Universal seem to have some interesting business practices...

[Peterd]

When we were there in Feb, It cost 12 or more dollars to park at the Hard Rock if you were a visitor and not a guest. I think this was to make people use the garage instead of the hotel parking to save the walk. I believe it was around 10 dollars per day for valet parking. We couldn't get a spot our first night, told the valet, and we were not charged to valet it. The did put it on our bill, but later took it off. Maybe with the guard at the gate, they might not let visitors park in the hotel parking lot anymore. Paying to park at your hotel in Universal seems pretty cheap on their part. We're going back in Nov., I hope it's not true.

[Beckles]

Originally posted by Peterd
Paying to park at your hotel in Universal seems pretty cheap on their part. We're going back in Nov., I hope it's not true.

Ummm ... yeah ... glad you believe me ...

I can promise you it's true, your only hope is that they get rid of it before November.

[disneyhottie]

Called on 7-7-01 to make ressies for mid July.As the reservation clerk was about to hang up I inquired about the fee to park,as I had also heard the $5.00 rumors.She very casually said ,"Oh yes it will be $5.00 per night.Disney also has guards at the gate that check you in and give you auto i.d. THEY DON'T CHARGE!!!

What can we do to change this? Maybe everyone who gets on this forum,when staying at HRH,when you are charged the $5.00,we should say,"Gosh,Disney doesn't charge...why do you??

Disneyhottie wants to know what you think!

[CPM]

I think charging for parking at the Universal resorts is a bunch of crap!!! And comparing it to other cities isn't right either, I've stayed in many resorts in Orlando & can't think of one that charges for parking! I'm sure there might be one but come on, at the end of this month it will be our 5th stay at a USF resort & if they keep doing away with the perks it might be our last!

[nhrenee]

Does anyone have the email address for guest services?????

[Peterd]

Since you feel compelled to quote me,

AS POSTED by Beckles,"

Ummm ... yeah ... glad you believe me ...

I can promise you it's true, your only hope is that they get rid of it before November."

Don't worry Beckles, noone is calling you a liar!
Didn't mean to get your panties all up in a bunch. The five extra bucks a night isn't going to kill me, I think I can swing it, thank you. So I wouldn't be so dramatic as saying "my only hope is", I usually hope for better things.

Sorry for thinking that this five dollar charge a night was ridiculous, and couldn't be true. I Should have read the rules that said, believe everything you read, and don't question stupid rules.

I would bet that after a few hundred complaints, not just to Universal, but to Loew's Hotels,like mine tomorrow, it will change back in the future.

[CPM]

Originally posted by Peterd
[
I would bet that after a few hundred complaints, not just to Universal, but to Loew's Hotels,like mine tomorrow, it will change back in the future. [/B]

Who did you complain to? When you go to the Loew's web site I can't find any where to send an e-mail to.

[Beancounter]

I can't help but guess that this new parking charge is a direct result of the recent vandalism/theft reported in an earlier thread. It sounds like they have beefed up security and are attempting to recover the cost. The timing of these two events is too close to be a coincidence.

When I first heard about the charge, I was not happy. But if paying $5 a day will keep my car safe, then so be it.

For those who have said that Disney or other resorts have guarded parking lots but do not charge for it, think again. You're paying for it, if not in an identifiable surcharge then certainly as part of the room rate.

[Mike J]

I have no problem paying $5 per day...as long as I am guaranteed a spot each night. That was something that I had a problem with when I stayed back in February, there were times were one or both of the lots were full.

Mike

[WebmasterBarry]

$5 is not bad, considering that you have to pay $10 for valet parking if the lot is full!

[kellymonaghan]

Originally posted by Beancounter
For those who have said that Disney or other resorts have guarded parking lots but do not charge for it, think again. You're paying for it, if not in an identifiable surcharge then certainly as part of the room rate.

I agree. Universal/Loews seems to be doing what's known in the business world as "unbundling." People who arrive by taxi or Mears shuttle don't pay the $5. The additional cost (to Loews) of parking is passed on only to those who need/use the service.

Since you can get an EC rate of $117 at HRH, the $5 parking fee doesn't seem onerous to me.

Be careful what you wish for. We could see "free" parking and higher room rates.

[larworth]

I understand the unbundling concept. People who use a service should pay for it.

My beef was more one of changing the rules in mid-stream. I made my reservations long before the new policy. In fact, unless they contact me ahead of time and notify me that the rules have changed I doubt that I will agree to pay it when I show up.

One of the problems with unbundling is that it often seems to just be a ploy to stick the unsuspecting person with extra charges. I don't find reservation agents taking the time to spell out all their hotels unbundled pricing options (whether it relates to phone calls, TV options, transportation, etc.).

Lots of hotel make you pay to park, so I always ask. I just hope I don't have to start asking about the cost of extra towels.

[Lalalindica]

Beckles - we must have been at the HRH during the same time. I just posted the guard/parking info on the other vandalism thread before reading this one.

In my opionion, it seems to me that if the self-park situation was so bad, and if there is no hope of enlargening the parking lot anytime soon, what else can they do but start charging for parking? They must be hoping that the charge will discourage people other than guests from parking there.

I agree with Kelly M. - I felt very lucky to be staying at the HRH at the Entertainment rate; what's an extra 5 bucks?

I actually opted for the vallet parking and was happy with my decision. I figured for an extra $5 I wouldn't have to worry about looking for a spot, or worry about vandalism. It felt great to just call down for our car to be brought around instead of wandering the parking lot searching for it.

[h20jag]

Disney and Universal are all in this together!

Parking Conspiracies Everywhere (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/orl-biz-disney071201.story?coll=orl%2Dbusiness%2Dheadlines )

[IOATech]

It's called "business". These silly arguments have been going on ever since these discussion boards merged. There are so many out there who simply can't or won't believe that Mickey wants their money. Still more accept it anyway because hey, it's Mickey. It just floors me how much a parking fee can generate such an argument.

[Robinrs]

It just floors me how much a parking fee can generate such an argument.

Amen....

I guess I can understand that it's just another straw on the camel's back.

[h20jag]

Well, everyone knows it's just business. Theme parks & hotels expect profits, so I've heard.
I just hope Universal never finds out I would pay as much as... er..uh, $5.50 a day to park at HRH!
Hey, it's a legitimate beef for many. A lot of principle is involved also. All this has taken place since the parking lot burglaries there came to light.
One of the biggest issues on the parking threads is the scarceness of parking spots at HRH. Part of the solution is for us guests to band together and voice our complaints. Things do change (sometimes) when we do this.
It does kinda look like a mountain from a molehill, but rolling with the changes has become tooo expected of guests with the HRH-Orlando.
Jim

[Molokai Gram]

I never pay parking fees in Orlando and never will! :p

[h20jag]

Hi ya Donna!
New drop-off fee for Hawaiians begins Sept. 1. Better meet us there in late Aug. to beat the new policy!
Jim

[johare]

I wouldn't mind paying $5 per day so long as it provides security for my car and Loews assumes liablity for cars parked in their lot. When we stay at HRH we check out the last day, put our bags in the car and then head over to the parks. When we get back we usually use the pool at the hotel for a couple hours. I would be more comfortable knowing that something was being done to secure the parking lot, even if it did cost $5.

I'm not sure it's any better at Disney...they just announced today that valet parking will no longer be free at their deluxe hotels. It's probably only a matter of time before they start charging a separate fee for self parking too. Disney has also always charged seasonal passholders for parking at the theme parks...which is why we always parked at the Swan when we had passes! :-) Universal (when they offered seasonal passes) never charged extra for parking...and even offered coverd parking.

[fboy9287]

I love universals parking! it's a huge maze!

[IOATech]

I, too have heard he rumor of theme parks and hotels seeking profits. I hated to believe it as many did. Actually, the parking fee is not going to make much of a ripple in this situation. Many more bigger opportunities for ROI in this industry: upgrades, vacation packages,etc. I was not trying to be condescending, just making my point.

Last year my wife and I went to New Orleans. Had a great time. Shelled out over $100.00 in cab fares and tips over 3 days. Never missed it because it was a vacation and tipping well basically ensured us a ride whenever we needed one. Business. I would have spent 3 times the cost to make the time more memorable, in retrospect. I even paid 20 bucks one night to park off Canal St. for a parade. I'll bet there are some incredible stories out there on parking fees. This seems to provoke some hostile and patrononizing sentiments, but I guess some just have to make a stand at some point. We all have our limits and everyone is entitled to them.

[Letsbgoofy]

The problem that I have with the parking fee is that when we made our reservations we were told that parking was free. I have never had so many benefits of a resort change in the span of 2 months. I can't help but wonder what I will be in for by the time September rolls around.

[Earl]

News update from today's Orlando Sentinel..... WDW is no charging $6 per day for general parking at it's resorts.

[CPM]

Originally posted by Earl
News update from today's Orlando Sentinel..... WDW is no charging $6 per day for general parking at it's resorts.

I thought the $6.00 is for Disney's Deluxe resort valet parking.

[jlima]

I'm sure we've all read the stats on park attendance, airport passenger counts and hotel occupancy - they are all DOWN. So it's no surprise that these hotels will find new revenue sources. A public company has to show a profit or heads will roll. For these guys it's a new way to make $$$ and every little bit helps their bottom line and runs down ours. Until the economy picks up expect more of these penny-ante cash grabs.

My first job out of college was at a hotel on Century Blvd near LAX in LA - this place charged its employees $25/month to park!! Guests were $12/day and this was 12 years ago.

[All Aboard]

This is quite bold on the part of Universal. UO already charges $1 more for theme park parking and $2 more for stroller rental than WDW. Now this. I guess UO is starting to feel its oats.

[Nan]

I guess it it hard for me to understand the big deal about $5 a night parking because EVERYWHERE I have ever travelled we have had to pay at least twice this much to park, sometimes three times that much. In New Orleans, Dallas, Memphis, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Tampa, etc., etc. parking is so much more expensive.

Five dollars seems like nothing, compared to those places.

I do understand that being told one thing and having it changed is aggravating.

After hearing of the break-ins and all, I would gladly pay (Universal don't listen) much more than $5 if my car and possessions are safe. Now, if this just gives a false sense of security, maybe, that's another thing. But, anyway, $5 a night sounds quite reasonable to me, comparatively.

Nan

[WDWMaria]

After reading all about this parking fee thing before my trip last week , I was pleasantly surprised to learn the truth on arrival.

When we self parked at Portofino on arrival July 21, we did have to get a ticket to be let into the lot. However, after we checked in and wanted to leave the lot we went to the cashier to ask about any fees. He explained that our room key would let us in and out of the lot...PERIOD. No $5, no $6...nothing. There was no charge on our bill eitherfor any of the 5 nights we stayed at Portofino. That initial ticket we took from the machine was simply thrown away since our room key let us in and out of the lot.

Hope this helps someone.

Maria :)

[CPM]

Also just returned from PBH, didn't pay the parking fee & used our room key to get in & out like Maria said. I was glad that they didn't charge at least this time since we had two cars with us!! :rolleyes:

[Beckles]

Okay, so what's the story here? Like I said in the first message in this thread, I was not sure about the PBH and was only told by the HRH attendant that they were charging. So, I guess there are a few possibilities:

1) The HRH agent was mistaken and the PBH never charged and the HRH did and still does.

2) Both the HRH and the PBH started charging (as the agent told me), but the PBH stopped and the HRH did and still does.

3) Both the HRH and the PBH started charging (same, as the agent told me), but both have stopped charging.

The PBH not charging would not surprise me because I have never seen their garage anywhere near full, as opposed to the HRH's parking lots which are always full.

[WebmasterBarry]

PBH doesn't charge if you are an onsite guest. Your key lets you in and out.

[All Aboard]

Amidst the confusion, I figured I would go to the source. I called Universal and there is in fact a $5 parking charge for hotel guests at BOTH PB & HRH. I was told that it was for better security.

[WDWMaria]

Originally posted by gcurling
Amidst the confusion, I figured I would go to the source. I called Universal and there is in fact a $5 parking charge for hotel guests at BOTH PB & HRH. I was told that it was for better security.


Then they must have thought my husband and me were VIP's since we didn't pay a dime last week! LOL Must have been the cool sunglasses we wore!! :smooth: :D

Maria

[All Aboard]

Odd indeed Maria.

I just called back because I wanted to know with a 2 night stay was it $5 a night, or $5 a day (three days). I was told that it would be $15 total for my two night stay. So, I complained to no avail. So, I've email guest services - we'll see if I get a response. When I booked my room they made no mention of it. I only found out when I called back to inquire. It would have been a surprise on my bill, I guess.

This whole concept of extra charges to grift the customer out of a few extra bucks stinks. It may be the norm in Chicago or New York, but it's not the norm for Central Florida on-site resort hotels. I think Universal is setting itself up for some real gripes from customers, especially those who don't know about it in advance.

[Beckles]

Believe me, I consider people here who have stayed recently to be a better source than most Universal employees. So, as I would expect the PBH does not appear to be levying this charge, probably for two reasons:

1) Their garage has better security than HRH's lot to begin with (being that it is a garage and not an open parking lot).
2) The PBH does not appear to have the parking problems that the HRH is having.

Barry ~ Allegedly the charge was implemented on July 1 ... have you stayed at the PBH since then?

The keys will work for the gates, that's not in question. But once you use your key in the gate, there theoretically will be a $5 per day "Parking" charge on your bill. That's what happened with us at the HRH, which was interesting for several reasons:

1) We were not told of this charge (and the check-out agent said we should have been).
2) It is a per room charge ... not per car ... at least in my experience :) (which is good since I have invariably had more than one car for various reasons during many of my stays)

[WebmasterBarry]

I haven't stayed at PBH since 7/1. $5 is still a drop in the bucket compared to the room cost.

[Beancounter]

I can confirm the following based on my recent stay at HRH (7/23 - 7/27)

Upon arrival there is a guard who stops you from entering. If you are a Hotel guest you just show your room key and you are waived in. If you have yet to check in, you give the guard your name and he consults a list of that days expected arrivals.

I went to the front door to unload and check in, however, the computers were temporarily down and could not produce room keys. Not a problem, I stored my luggage and drove to the self park (right side of the hotel) entrance. You get a ticket in order to open the gate, but by the time we had eaten lunch and were ready to unload the rest of our belongings, we had a room and room keys. I asked the people at the front desk to "Validate" my parking ticket which they did by simply throwing in the trash can because it was not needed to exit the parking lot now that I had a room key card.

The front desk informed me of the charge upon check in, which I already knew about from reading this board. However, I could not get them to admit that this was a new policy based on recent theft/security problems. We were charged $5.00 for every night we stayed and not for the number of days. In other words, we were not charged for the final morning when we checked out, although we had our car there until after 12:00 pm.

As previously mentioned earlier in this thread, I have no problem with this charge for the following reasons:

1. It is the result of security measures to address a previous theft problem.

2. The increased security also keeps out non-guest attempting to avoid the $7.00 parking garage fee.

3. Therefore, I never had a problem finding a parking space, although I heard that before this policy was introduced, many people had to valet for an extra $2.00 because the self park area was full.

4. The fee is paid by those utilizing the parking lot instead of being included in the room rate. Those that fly in and do not rent a car do not have to pay.

[Earl]

"This whole concept of extra charges to grift the customer out of a few extra bucks stinks. It may be the norm in Chicago or New York, but it's not the norm for Central Florida on-site resort hotels."

Well, not hardly, WDW charges $6 per day at their resorts.

[DEE DEE]

:mad: :mad: Earl,you said Disney charges $6.00 to park at their resorts.We have never paid
before or is this something new? I hope not for Disney has always provided very good
security and it came free. I am talking about many years of free guarded parking from
Disney where it seems Lowes and Universal change their mind monthly.

[Earl]

It was in the Orlando Sentinel a couple of weeks ago. Yes, it's relatively new and in place.

[heidimn]

Just confirming that we were at PBH July 4th-9th and we had no charge for parking and just used our card to get in and out. Never had a problem finding a space either. So if they started it July 1 and dropped it they did it really quick! $5/night wouldn't change our minds we loved it!

[lovelyk68]

The $6.00 charge at Disney is for valet only. Self-parking is still free.

[Earl]

The paper said this is new, like the last couple of weeks. They stated is was for standard parking and there was an extra charge for valet. Maybe it hasn't gone into effect yet. Did you stay there recently? I hate to say that the Sentinel got the story wrong. They would have to shutdown the paper, wouldn't they?:jester:

[WebmasterBarry]

Tim Barker would be out of a job then. :)

[WDWMaria]

Originally posted by Earl
The paper said this is new, like the last couple of weeks. They stated is was for standard parking and there was an extra charge for valet. Maybe it hasn't gone into effect yet. Did you stay there recently? I hate to say that the Sentinel got the story wrong. They would have to shutdown the paper, wouldn't they?:jester:

Here is a quote from the Disney Vacation Club website telling about the new policy. It applies to valet only and DVC members can valet for free as a perc of being a DVC member:


"industry practice and charge for valet parking at all Walt Disney World Resort locations that offer this guest service. The $6.00 fee (among the lowest in the market) is a daily charge, so once you have paid for valet service, you will
receiAs of July 16, 2001, the Walt Disney World® Resort will adopt a standard ve unlimited valet parking for the remainder of the day. However, Disney Vacation Club Members will not be charged for valet parking at Disney's BoardWalk Resort and Disney's Wilderness Lodge, regardless of where they are staying. Disney Vacation Club Members must show their DVC Member card or Walt Disney World Resort ID indicating that they are a "DVC Member" when leaving their vehicle to be parked in order to receive this service at no
charge at either Disney's BoardWalk Resort or Disney's Wilderness Lodge. Members will be charged for this service at any other valet parking operation at the Walt Disney World Resort. Whether or not you are charged to valet park, gratuities are still appropriate. There will be no charge for guests with disabilities with the proper permits. This charge only affects guests and Members who chose to use this service."


Maria

[CPM]

Originally posted by WDWMaria

Then they must have thought my husband and me were VIP's since we didn't pay a dime last week! LOL Must have been the cool sunglasses we wore!! :smooth: :D
Maria

Well Maria, for me it must have been my cool new convertible!! (No charge on July 24 - 26th!)

[IOATech]

"Earl,you said Disney charges $6.00 to park at their resorts.We have never paid
before or is this something new? I hope not for Disney has always provided very good
security and it came free. I am talking about many years of free guarded parking from
Disney where it seems Lowes and Universal change their mind monthly."

Nothing is free, especially at the mouse. You paid for your parking somehow, somewhere. Now you pay more. Universal undoubtedly hired more security personnel to man the hotel lots, as tasking the existing department with the extra duties would have stretched them from the parks and back of house areas. The cost has to be made up somehow, but don't think for a minute that Disney eats extra costs to protect the customer. Remember, they consistantly lead the pack in raising admission prices each year EVEN when they have no new attractions to offer.

[All Aboard]

Earl, self parking is still free at all WDW resorts.

Yes, the cost of parking (as well as landscaping, electricity, water, maid service, front desk clerks, floor mopping, pool chemicals, lamp post paint, and everything else) is captured in the room rate at WDW resorts. And this is the way it SHOULD be!

Don't blindside me with a petty extra charge when I get there. This is just like those "resort fees" that some off-site hotels charge. I can't stand crap like this.Remember, they consistantly lead the pack in raising admission prices each year Yes, and Universal can thank them for it, since UO matches the increases dollar for dollar. The moment UO thinks Disney has outpriced, it won't follow. Hasn't happened, has it?

[jcl110]

I have to agree that Disney gets their parking fee somehow.
I think there is a fee at the Universal Hotels because
Security has been increased since the beginning of the year, and they had to hire people to do this. For 5.00 a day, its worth it to me to know my car is safe. Also, the charge is posted and the people taking reservations on the phone have always mentioned it to me when I have called for reservations. :)