We have rented an apartment in downtown Boston (North End) and it does not provide parking. So where are the garages that allow overnight parking? Our intent is to park the car and forget about it until we leave Boston.

I have visited the web sites of garages at Boston Common, 75 State Street and Post Office Sq. I'm confused by all the different rates; work day rate, night rate, weekend rate, etc.

For example, Post Office Sq has a max daily rate of $33 and overnight rate of $9. So does that mean $42 for a 24hr period or just the $33?

Thanks.

How long? Which days of the week?

Generally speaking, parking is the most economical in the Financial District (such as Post Office Square) because the area is deserted nights and weekends so rates are very low compared to other places.

Also, check prices at the garages near North Station and TDBankNorth Garden for weekly rates, which would be more convenient for you.

We arrive Boston on a Sat and leave on a Sun. Total will be 8 nights with 2 Sat/Sun on either end. So I should be able to take advantage of the weekend rate. Then the expensive days will be M-F.

I was looking at Garage @ 100 Clarendon which has a overnight monthly program for $110 with 2 "sick" days where you will not have to move the car: http://www.100clarendon.com/parking_programs.html

Since we plan to have daytrips to Providence, RI and Exeter/Hamptons, NH and maybe one other place. This monthly program may just work for us.

Any feedback?

I lived on the Waterfront near the North End for 10 years and never found a cheaper place to park than Post Office Square. It has been three years, but I _think_ it will be $33 for the whole 24 hours -- if you leave the car there. I _think_ that if you take it out, the clock starts ticking again. So if you want to go to Providence, take the car out before 8 and bring it back after 4 and you will only pay the night rate. Rates on weekends are _much_ cheaper than weekdays. You can usually find a place to park a car on the street on Atlantic Avenue or Commercial Street early in the morning while you get the group together.

The most expensive garage is the one by the Aquarium which has a captive audience of tourists who want the kids to stop screaming. Its prices are outrageous and the full price kicks in very quickly.

I assume you have the car because you are driving to Boston. If you are flying in and only need the car for out of town trips, I would rent one for the day at Motor Mart garage in Park Square (Budget or Avis).

I found this link to garages near the North End:

http://www.northendboston.com/parking-garages.htm

My understanding is that daily rate does mean 24hrs. Could you ask the apartment owner or rental agency for a recommendation? I'm sure this is a question that's come up before with them.

I hope you enjoy your trip.

CW

Please forgive my ignorance but I'm looking at the web site for Garage @ 100 Clarendon: http://www.100clarendon.com/rates_hours.html and it states:

Daily rates start at 5am but
Nightly rates go from 5pm to 7am but
Overnight monthly pass have access from 3:30pm to 9am. So I'm seeing 3 different cut-off time for the different programs. Help!

Yes, there are 3 different schedules for the 3 programs.

(1) The nightly rates are for those who arrive after 5 and expect to leave before 7 AM. This would include those who are in the area for dinner, theater, or nighttime work.

(2) The "Overnight monthly" program is for "Garage access weekdays from 3:30 PM - 9:00 AM and All day Saturdays, Sundays & designated holidays". This is geared toward locals who use their car almost every weekday and need a place to park at night.

(3) They state that their "day" begins (and ends) at 5 AM, and that the maximum daily rate is $30.

Think of it this way: for the garages, "prime time" is roughly 9 AM to 5 PM, and they give discounts for those who use the garage during off-hours.

Clarendon Street is rather far from the North End.

CW, thanks for the link to the garages around North End. I have two questions regarding the overnight monthly pass:

1) If I don't leave by 8a (or whatever cutoff time in the morning), then I'll be charged the daytime rate thereafter, right?

2) Some says for "residents" of Boston so do they need proof? or are these program open to anyone?

charli, I realize Claredon St is a little far from NE but I figure if I need to get on the T, the extra stops won't make any difference. Their program has 2 sick days which is appealing.

Given that I have 2 weekends and couple day trips, would it still make sense to park at the Alewife T station on weekdays or is that too much?

I'm looking for an economic solution but don't want to stress over it on my vacation.

Thanks again.