My first trip to San Diego is rapidly approaching, and I'm looking forward to a week-long stay at the Grande Colonial in La Jolla. I'd like to avoid having to pay the $16/day valet charge on the rental car for each day of the visit, but I've heard that finding long-term/overnight parking on the side streets can be pretty difficult. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

I think it would be very difficult to find overnight street parking. Most on street parking has a time limit and it is enforced. There are some residential streets that might have some non-restricted street parking but I don't believe any of them are close to the Grande Colonial. I would start out parking at the hotel and maybe you will have a chance to check-out the streets while you are there. I guarantee a parking ticket will be more than the $16 you will pay for valet parking.

I agree with paula. Street Parking should be rather difficult. FYI: I recall paying about US$ 45.00 for exceeding the time limit on a meter by the beach in nearby Del Mar. That puts the US$ 16.00 into perspective, doesn't it?

agree with the above - parking in la jolla is a bit of a challenge so pay the $16

You're staying at the Grande Colonial and worrying about $16/day for parking?
Fuhgettaboutit. It will give you in/out privileges and you'll need the car.

There are some open lots with pay and display tickets but every time you go out you'll have to worry about finding another spot and the spaces can be tight.

Because I'm indulging in a stay at the Grande Colonial, I was hoping to find some ways to trim other expenses and the valet parking would sure add up over the course of a week.

Thanks for the suggestions, I really appreciate them.

Several years ago when we stayed at the Grande Colonial (we used the valet parking, but it was cheaper then), I went to several shops in search of plain black dress socks for my husband (who'd forgotten to pack his and had a business meeting.). I still remember that the cheapest pair I could find was $20. So just remember to bring your socks and you'll save enough $$ to pay for the parking easily!

There is a public parking garage on Prospect St- but dont know the name of it or how to find out overnight costs -
maybe the LaJolla Chamber of Commerce could tell you