Hey all,
I am making travel arrangements for my boss and his family. They are traveling to S.F. next weekend and will be driving a 9 passenger van and need a high clearance. The hotel that they are staying at cannot accommodate their car. (Hilton Union Square) I spoke with the front desk as well as their concierge and did not get information. They are okay with parking it outside (I realize most garages will have 7.5 clearance... I called around).

Any suggestion on parking downtown ? (Thursday - Sunday)

Thank you!

Do they plan to use the car during those 3 days or will it just be parked?

Are they using it for transportation to SF or are they renting it on arrival, in which case they could just postpone picking it up until they leave.

A car can be parked in the same location on the street for 5 days without being called in, as long as one of those days is not a street cleaning day for that side of the street. After that it depends on whether or not someone calls it in. Free street parking is easily available at the end of the N-Judah or the L-Taraval streetcar lines.

Thanks Michael! Perdu - they are driving up to from Orange County...lots of kids and camping along the way... finishing up with a work/vacation in SF at the end of it...

I know of several lots in SF without structures; not sure if there is 24 hour parking, but I assume there would be. Some lots require a ticket in the window that would need to be purchased each day at a machine; some expire at 11:59 pm however. Embarcadero/Broadway; 5th/Brannon; Embarcadero/Bryant are 3 somewhat close to Hilton that are just a street level lot. Their best bet would be South of Market Street or SOMA area. Probably better prices as well.

After a bit of research, I think you should call Impark 415.227.0114. M-F normal business hours. They run many of the parking lots and structures and should be able to help you. I use the 17th/Folsom lot frequently and they have an attendant there during the day. Explain your situation and see if they can help you find a lot, not a garage unless they have one with oversize parking, that is secure. Best of luck!

Maybe the hotel will connect you with the valet desk? Attendants there may have experience directing larger vehicles to the nearest alternative.

Thanks Gail - I will look into it - I called someone the other day but they don't permit 24 hour parking...

Clark - good idea - they really were not super helpful. My boss was wondering what happens if they just show up...that the valet must have dealt with this before... so good idea!

The problem with the SOMA lots next weekend is that the Giants are playing at home and they're playing the As, so parking prices will be astronomical (not sure that's an issue) and it might be hard to find one that will allow "long-term" parking. I live across the street from a couple of open lots in the 4th and Brannan area, so I'll see what I can find out.

BTW, if they do leave the car on the street, do not leave a single item visible from outside the vehicle even if they're only parked for a few minutes. Not one item - not a backpack, not even an iphone cord. Smash-and-grabs are all too common (I witnessed one in action recently, and yes, I called it in).

Note that a credit card probably won't cover the insurance for a 9-seat van, they usually cover minivans and smaller.
I'm not sure if your bosses regular car insurance will cover an oversized vehicle but he might want to check if he doesn't want to add $40 per day at the rental car counter for insurance. I think most people are better off in two cars instead of one large van.

Clark, I don't believe the OP indicated that the van is rented. It may be their own. I composed a question to that effect after my first attempt, then gave up and didn't post it.

San Francisco has an ordinance preventing oversized vehicles from parking overnight on many city streets. Over 7 feet in height is considered oversized.

If you did find an outside lot, chances are they would charge for 2 parking spaces due to the van size.

You may consider having them park in the long-term outside lots at either San Francisco or Oakland airports. Oakland is cheaper.
They could then Bart into San Francisco.

Here's a thought...the hostel at Fort Mason includes free parking when you book a bed, starting at about $45 a night. If there's a bed available to book, the parking is located well off the street surrounded by residences and is a very safe place to park, miles from any sketchy neighborhoods. If there's availability, it could be a good option.

http://www.sfhostels.org/fishermans-wharf/

oh my goodness... lots of information.

SF - let me know what you find out... it is next Thursday - Sunday. (If I didn't say that)

They own the van...

I just looked on the hostel site and there's a bed in a male dorm for those dates @$44 a night - check in, park in their safe lot and go sleep at the Hilton. Or maybe one of the young men would enjoy the hostel. I do.

There's an outdoor lot near Fisherman's Wharf, Jefferson @ Taylor
170 Jefferson, San Francisco, CA 94111 Phone877) 717-0004

MomDD, I checked the lot at 4th and Brannan and they do allow overnight parking, the spaces are very large and they thought a 9-person van would only take one space, and it would be about $30 per day (I thought it was 5 days and they said $150). I'd call them to confirm if I were you, but the lot is never full. The operator is California Parking.

thanks so much SF and everyone! You are all the best! I really appreciate the help