Discover how to save money while travelling by learning how to get your hotel parking fee waived.
If you’re tired of paying exorbitant parking fees at hotels, then this article is for you.
In this guide, we’ll show you some proven ways to get your hotel parking fee waived, so you can save more money for your next adventure.
Book Directly with the Hotel
One of the ways to get hotel parking fee waived is to book directly with the hotel. When booking through third-party websites, parking fees may not be included in the total cost of the reservation. Therefore, it is worth mentioning that booking directly with the hotel increases the chances of getting free parking.
Moreover, guests can ask for a parking package that includes free parking. Keep in mind that the availability of parking packages may vary depending on the hotel and the location. Some hotels may offer free parking packages during off-peak seasons, while others may offer them as a promotion for specific events or holidays.
Another way to negotiate for free parking is by contacting the hotel directly. On the other hand, negotiating with the hotel’s front desk or reservation staff can lead to discounts or free parking. It is recommended to call the hotel directly instead of sending an email or booking online. Negotiating in person can be more effective and personalized.
Additionally, guests can join the hotel’s loyalty program. Many hotels offer free parking for their loyal customers. By joining the loyalty program, guests can earn points for each stay and redeem them for various benefits, including free parking. It is important to remember that some loyalty programs require a certain number of stays or points to qualify for free parking.
| Ways to Get Free Hotel Parking | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Higher chances of getting free parking | May not be available during peak seasons | |
| Ask for a Parking Package | May be available during off-peak seasons | May not be available for all hotels or locations |
| Negotiate for Free Parking | Personalized and effective | May not always result in free parking |
| Join the Hotel’s Loyalty Program | May offer free parking for loyal customers | May require a certain number of stays or points to qualify |
Unfortunately, not all hotels offer free parking, and some may charge high fees for parking. Therefore, it is important to research the hotel’s parking policies before making a reservation. Guests can compare parking fees and policies of different hotels online or by calling the hotels directly.
For more information about hotel parking policies, guests can visit https://www.hilton.com/en/parking/ and https://www.marriott.com/help/parking.mi.
Use Discounted Parking Apps
One of the easiest ways to get a hotel parking fee waived is by using discounted parking apps. These apps allow you to search and book parking spaces in advance at a discounted price. Some of the most popular parking apps available are:
- ParkWhiz: This app offers discounted parking in over 250 cities across the United States. Users can search for parking near their hotel and book in advance to secure a spot at a lower price.
- SpotHero: With SpotHero, users can search for parking in over 300 cities and book in advance to save up to 50% off the regular rate. The app also offers a loyalty program where users can earn rewards for every booking.
- BestParking: This app allows users to search for parking in over 105 cities and compare prices from multiple parking garages. Users can also filter their search by distance, price, and amenities.
By using these discounted parking apps, travelers can save money on hotel parking fees and have more money to spend on other travel expenses. Keep in mind that some hotels may not allow outside parking services, so it’s important to check with the hotel before booking.
Stay at Hotels with Free Parking
One of the easiest ways to get a hotel parking fee waived is to stay at hotels with free parking. Look for hotels that offer complimentary parking to their guests, as this will save you a significant amount of money during your stay. Some hotels may offer free parking as part of their package deal or loyalty program, so it is worth checking if you are a member.
Another option is to check for hotels that offer self-parking. This means that you will be able to park your car yourself, rather than having to pay for valet parking. Self-parking is often cheaper than valet parking, so it is worth considering if you want to save money on your hotel parking fee.
If you are willing to stay outside the city, you may also be able to find hotels that offer free parking. Hotels located outside the central business district or tourist areas often have larger parking lots and may be more likely to offer free parking to their guests. Keep in mind that you may need to factor in the cost of transportation to and from the city, so be sure to compare the total cost of staying outside the city versus in the city.
- Remember, when looking for hotels with free parking, always check the hotel’s website or call to confirm their parking policy.
- If you are unable to find a hotel with free parking, consider negotiating with the hotel to waive the parking fee as part of your reservation.
It is also worth mentioning that some hotel chains, such as Marriott and Hilton, offer complimentary parking to their loyalty program members. If you are a member of one of these loyalty programs, be sure to check their website for details on how to take advantage of this benefit.
Utilize Credit Card Benefits
One way to get hotel parking fee waived is by utilizing credit card benefits. It is worth mentioning that some credit cards offer travel benefits that include waived parking fees at certain hotels.
- Use a Credit Card that Offers Travel Benefits: When choosing a credit card, it is important to look for one that offers travel benefits. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card offers up to $300 in travel credit annually, which can be used to cover parking fees at hotels.
- Redeem Credit Card Rewards for Parking Fees: Another way to get hotel parking fee waived is by redeeming credit card rewards for parking fees. Some credit cards allow their rewards to be used for travel expenses, such as parking fees. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, for instance, allows cardholders to redeem their rewards for any travel expense, including parking fees at hotels.
- Look for Credit Cards with Hotel Partnerships: Some credit cards have partnerships with hotel chains that offer benefits to cardholders. For instance, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers complimentary Hilton Diamond Status to cardholders, which includes waived parking fees at Hilton hotels.
By utilizing credit card benefits, travelers can save money on hotel parking fees. Keep in mind that not all credit cards offer travel benefits, so it is important to do research before choosing a credit card. Additionally, it is recommended to read the fine print to understand the terms and conditions of using credit card benefits for hotel parking fees.
Ask for a Waiver
One of the most frustrating things about staying in a hotel is paying for parking. Fortunately, there are ways to get the hotel parking fee waived. One of the most effective ways to get the fee waived is to simply ask for it. This may sound daunting, but it can be a lot easier than you think.
Explain Your Situation
When you approach the front desk to ask for a waiver, it’s important to explain your situation clearly. If you feel that the parking fee is unfair, be specific about why. For example, if you were not told about the fee when you made your reservation, be sure to mention this. If the parking lot was full and you had to park elsewhere, mention this as well. Remember to keep your tone polite and respectful, as this will increase your chances of success.
Be Polite and Respectful
When you ask for a waiver, remember that the hotel staff are people too. Being polite and respectful can go a long way in getting what you want. Start by introducing yourself and thanking the staff for their time. Explain your situation calmly and clearly, and ask if there is anything they can do to help. Remember that the staff are more likely to help you if you are friendly and approachable.
Ask to Speak with a Manager
If the front desk staff are unable to waive the parking fee, ask to speak with a manager. Managers have more authority to make decisions, and they may be able to help you. Explain your situation to the manager in the same polite and respectful manner, and ask if there is anything they can do to help. Be prepared to negotiate, as the manager may not be able to waive the fee entirely, but may be able to reduce it.
Keep in mind that not all hotels will waive the parking fee, especially if it is a standard policy. However, it is worth mentioning that some hotel chains, such as Marriott and Hilton, have been known to waive parking fees for their elite members. If you are a member of a hotel loyalty program, remember to mention this when you ask for a waiver.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can save money on hotel parking fees and make the most of your travel budget.
Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, it’s always a good idea to explore your options and find ways to save money.
With a little bit of effort and creativity, you can get your hotel parking fee waived and enjoy a stress-free trip.
