I will be staying in a hotel near Union Square but the hotel parking rates are $39/night--Does anyone know of cheaper overnight parking rates near Union Square. Thanks!

When we stayed near Union Square at The Hotel Rex, we parked in a nice garage just about a block down the street from the hotel-- but I'm afraid I don't remember the street name. It was a few years ago, but it was certainly the best rate around at the time. Maybe you could ask The Hotel Rex if that parking garage is still there. (By the way, we really liked The Hotel Rex, too, if you're looking for lodging ideas.)

Check out this link:

http://www.letsgo.com/SF/13-ServiceDirectory-198

The least expensive overnight public garage near Union Square is at 5th and Mission I believe-something like $20. That's one block south of Market and Powell.

City-run garages are usually the cheapest. 5th & Mission garage is city-run and $20 for 24 hours.

http://www.sfgov.org/site/dpt_index.asp?id=13451#rates

No in & out privileges though, so factor that in.

When are you visiting? If it is now through January (excluding New Years), most hotels, offer all sorts of special packages -- parking, gift wrapping service, free cocktails, afternoon tea etc. included along w/ reduced room rates. Contact the hotel and see if you can get one of these special packages.

If you are not visiting during that period - then just pay what the hotel is asking -- at least for the first night. The inconvenience of having your car over at 5th and Mission is not worth saving less than $20/day. Then you can decide if moving the car is worthwhile - for me it wouldn't be . . . .

The Sutter St. garage is the closest and least expensive.

Oops, I meant the Stockton St. garage, which is on the corner of Stockton and Sutter but whose entrances are on Stockton and Bush.