Anyone used SpotHero to reserve parking? Comments?

[1995hoo]

Subject line pretty much states my question. I've had the SpotHero app on my phone for a while but have never used it to "reserve" parking in advance, nor to pay for it. I was pricing out parking in downtown Toronto because the valet parking at the hotel where we're going to stay is $59 a night (even with the exchange rate, that's around $180 US for four nights). SpotHero lists several nearby garages that would be $60 US cheaper or more, but since I've never used it to reserve parking I'm a little wary. Anyone ever done this (especially in Toronto)? Any good things or problems I should know about before using it? Thanks in advance.

[Rothman]

Subject line pretty much states my question. I've had the SpotHero app on my phone for a while but have never used it to "reserve" parking in advance, nor to pay for it. I was pricing out parking in downtown Toronto because the valet parking at the hotel where we're going to stay is $59 a night (even with the exchange rate, that's around $180 US for four nights). SpotHero lists several nearby garages that would be $60 US cheaper or more, but since I've never used it to reserve parking I'm a little wary. Anyone ever done this (especially in Toronto)? Any good things or problems I should know about before using it? Thanks in advance.

I did.  The issue becomes having to turn in the slip to an attendant.  At a lot of garages, things are automated and the slip doesn't scan to let you out of the gate.

As long as you can find someone, it works, but it's definitely weird.

[dlsterner]

Subject line pretty much states my question. I've had the SpotHero app on my phone for a while but have never used it to "reserve" parking in advance, nor to pay for it. I was pricing out parking in downtown Toronto because the valet parking at the hotel where we're going to stay is $59 a night (even with the exchange rate, that's around $180 US for four nights). SpotHero lists several nearby garages that would be $60 US cheaper or more, but since I've never used it to reserve parking I'm a little wary. Anyone ever done this (especially in Toronto)? Any good things or problems I should know about before using it? Thanks in advance.

Used it once in D.C. instead of trying to find street parking (16th St NW).  Got a space in a garage that turned out to be more convenient to my destination (although it was valet which I normally avoid).  The process went smoothly.  Positives - Avoiding the stress of finding street parking which can be scarce there.  Car parked in a covered semi-private area.  Easy in, easy out.  Negatives - Leaving my car with a valet.  Cost $11 instead of free.  Overall positive experience; would do it again.

Caveat - small sample size.   

[usends]

I've been using it to find the cheapest parking at Denver's airport.  I've found that their rates have been even lower than what it would cost to book directly with the actual parking facility.  But, as already mentioned, I'm not sure how it would work in a facility where there was no attendant at the exit gate.

[tribar]

I've been using it to find the cheapest parking at Denver's airport.  I've found that their rates have been even lower than what it would cost to book directly with the actual parking facility.  But, as already mentioned, I'm not sure how it would work in a facility where there was no attendant at the exit gate.

For some gates, SpotHero sends you a QR code when you make your reservation that can be scanned at the gate.

[1995hoo]

Thanks for the tips. It looks like the garage on SpotHero that has a direct entrance to the Royal York may be one with no exit attendant, based on what I found on Google Maps where a comment said if you reserve using Parking Panda (which SpotHero took over), you have to press the button to call an attendant to come verify and open the gate. I may do it anyway. There are other garages that are cheaper, but having a direct elevator to the hotel is more convenient and still $80 less than the hotel valet.

[Rothman]

I've been using it to find the cheapest parking at Denver's airport.  I've found that their rates have been even lower than what it would cost to book directly with the actual parking facility.  But, as already mentioned, I'm not sure how it would work in a facility where there was no attendant at the exit gate.

For some gates, SpotHero sends you a QR code when you make your reservation that can be scanned at the gate.

Not everywhere.  I used it in Philly at a garage where the code was not scannable at the gate and I had to find an attendant to accept the slip.

[1995hoo]

I assume you can print whatever sort of confirmation or receipt they send you? I'll probably keep my phone turned off most of the time while we're in Canada in order to avoid the $5 a day charge.

[Rothman]

Yep.  I printed mine out.

[1995hoo]

Thanks again to all for the advice. I went ahead and booked it. Can't find a way to print the iPhone receipt, so I guess I'll log in from my PC to print a copy in case I don't want to turn on my phone up there.