Park and Fly Hotels

[jillyjoey]

Has anyone ever used a hotel with a park and fly feature to leave their car? Is this a safer option than leaving the car at the airport long term parking? I'm debating on whether to book a hotel the night before our flight. We would have to leave our house at 4am to make it to the airport on time (we live 2 hours away). The idea of staying at the hotel sounds good to me -- the only question is the security factor.

 

[linskypens]

We stay in a hotel the night before we leave every year...it helps to not have to get the kid up at 3 am to make the two hour trek to the airport, and it saves a bundle on airport parking fees.The hotel usually has a well lit area for you to park in, and they keep a pretty close eye on the vehicles in their lot.Its as safe as parking your car anywhere else.Just make sure to not leave anything valuable in plain view in the vehicle.

 

[sallyjane]

We also live about two hours from the airport. We live in the West so our flights always are early morning flights around 6am so if we wanted to be at the airport two hours early we would have to leave our house at 2am. Then the over six hour flight begins. This year we did the park and fly thing and loved it. It felt like we got to start our vacation a day early and we really got to relax and just use the pool without stressing loosing park time. Also the hotel we stayed at was just around $90 for the night and we could have left the car there for up to two weeks. If you are doing a long vacation you might break even after paying for airport parking. I think we only paid about $20 more than what the airport parking would have been- worth every penny!

 

[OKW Lover]

Regarding the security part of your question - I wouldn't expect hotel parking to be any more (or less) secure than airport parking. I guess it would probably depend on the particular airport and the hotel, but don't expect that the hotel is actually going to keep an eye on your vehicle while you are gone any more than the parking lot is going to do so. Yes, there may be "security" cameras around the area in either the airport lot or the hotel lot, but they are more interested in damage to their facilities than your vehicle.

 

[jillyjoey]

Thanks -- I'm going to look into getting one. My top two choices have a max stay of 7 days...so they are out because I need 8 days .... wonder if they would make an exception. My first choice hotel has gated parking for hotel guests --- that would be ideal if they excuse the 7 day limit

 

[OKW Lover]

Thanks -- I'm going to look into getting one. My top two choices have a max stay of 7 days...so they are out because I need 8 days .... wonder if they would make an exception. My first choice hotel has gated parking for hotel guests --- that would be ideal if they excuse the 7 day limit

I'd call the hotel directly. They may indeed make an exception for you - or at least offer you the extra day's parking for a nominial sum.

 

[DisMN]

Thanks -- I'm going to look into getting one. My top two choices have a max stay of 7 days...so they are out because I need 8 days .... wonder if they would make an exception. My first choice hotel has gated parking for hotel guests --- that would be ideal if they excuse the 7 day limit

We've done park and fly many times and they've always been willing to extend the number of days we needed to park for a very nominal fee. I believe 7 days was "free" (of course you were paying for the room) and the extra 3 nights added another $10. Very reasonable IMHO.

 

[jillyjoey]

Thanks all. I did call the hotel and they extended my stay. DH & I are feeling alot better about this hotel because they have a gated parking lot. They do charge $3 per day for the park n fly feature but knowing that my new car is safe is worth it. Jackson and Memphis have had ALOT of car break ins at hotels along I-40 to steal things not worth much, i.e. CDs. I don't know how Nashville is but bett er safe than sorry.

 

[ducklite]

There is no single "Correct" answer. Too many variables.

In areas with low crime rates, it's probably not going to matter any way. If you drive an Acura or Accord, your car is more likely to be stolen no matter where you park it over a '96 Plymouth Voyager minivan--which face it is about as likely to be stolen as a stained cloth diaper on your laundry line.

In high crime areas, airport parking is riskier, and a sleep and fly lot with a fence might be a better option. Other good options are off-site parking facilities that are fenced and secured with guards.

Again, it really depends on the type of car you have and the area you are leaving it in.

Anne

 

[ClaraBug]

When DH and I went to WDW last year we stayed a park and ride hotel. We did it more for the convience and the $$. It was only an extra $20 to our bill to "park" our explorer and take their shuttle. Long term parking at Dullas Airport is about $10 a day. In regards to security, we always clean out our vehicles of any thing of importance ie, CDs' and vehicle registration. I know that you are suppose to have them but I keep a copy in either my luggage or fanny pack and lock up the orignals at home. My vehicle can be fixed or replaced....the paperwork on the other hand not so easy...trust me I work with the gov't.

 

[Disneyjosh229]

Again, it really depends on the type of car you have and the area you are leaving it in.

Anne

Yep, the thing that supprises alot of people about theft of vehicles is that it often has nothing to do with the price or looks of the vehicle. 99% of Car Theifs steal the vehicles for parts, the more interchangable the parts are, the easier they are to scrap and sell off....

 

[TammyAlphabet]

I have stayed in Nashville at two different hotels that allow you to park and fly. Drury Inn at the airport has a gated place to park your car and we have done this twice. It worked out really well. I think you will feel better with the gated area.