Hiya,
I've just booked an apartment in NY for the last week of April. We're thinking of driving down so I need some parking advice. It's unlikely we'll need to use the car in NY so it will just be parked for a week. There's a parking lot in the building at $40 a day. I know this seems expensive but it's still way cheaper than two airfares, so I can live with it. However, if I can find a secure lot nearby for less, that would be nice too.

We'll be at 50th and 7th Ave. Any ideas about secure parking for less than $40 a day in that area?

Thanks for your help.

There are a lot of large outdoor lots on the far west side not so far from your building (10 to 15 minutes walk). $40 per day is typical for indoor parking or even outdoor parking in one of the small lots near the theater district, but you might be able to park outdoors for much less. The difficulty is I can't recommend specific places. Hopefully someone else can.

Hi Doug,
I've just looked at this website
http://www.parking.com/nywww/locations.html
and, yes, I don't think I'll have any problem finding a lot but they don't show prices. I do want an indoor lot. I don't think $40 is too terrible but wouldn't mind to save a bit if I can.

I think the one located at 11th and 57th is the one I park in and its about $15 per day - underground garage.

Would there be any advantage to renting a car for the drive down (turn it in) and rent another car for the drive back?

Not unless you're staying for a much longer time.

With 2 one-way rentals you would have to pay 2 drop off charges - and a one-day rental of a midsize car from Manhattan is over $100 - excluding any drop off charge.

So - I'm sure 2 one-way rentals would be more than even the $280 for a week's parking - never mind the $75 (if the info on the garage at 11th above is correct).

Where are you driving from? There may be alternatives to driving - train, bus etc. Or alternative parking options.

Note that it wasn't the OP asking about two one-way car rentals, it was another poster suggesting it might be a good alternative.

I appreciate the suggestions.

For the cost of a two-way rental, we could probably fly, at least from Buffalo (we're coming from Toronto). Also, SO's got a fun car and it would be a nice drive.

Sure, we could fly. Driving would save us quite a bit of money, though, even if we pay $40 a day.

Bennie, atta boy! I'm going to get my friends to check it out. I'm sure the one in 'our' building is expensive because it's right in the theatre district and I don't mind parking a little farther away.

Still open to parking suggestions if you know of anything.

Check garages and rates here.

http://www.iconparking.com/Midtown_West.asp

http://nyc.bestparking.com/#

In my experience the prices listed are all accurate, but call ahead.

You might look at staying the Travel Inn on W. 42nd St. They have free parking for guests, and it's the only hotel in Manhattan, that I know of that does.

thanks -- I'll look into those two websites.

Travelbuff, we have a place to stay but I'll remember about the Travel Inn for next time.

I think there is some good storage parking around 43rd and 10th - Hells Kitchen. There is also some on street parking available close to the Henry Hudson in Hells Kitchen from maybe 6pm Friday to 8am Sunday. I have also found on street parking in the upperwest side. Goodluck!

thanks, k -- I'll look into it.

That on street parking in Hell's Kitchen is until 8am Monday - not sunday! I'll take a gander around if I make a drive into the city anytime soon for specifics. I'm a city girl, so know how to look for free spots and off the beaten path parking. I'd guess it wouldn't be hard to store your car for about 15 a day.

hdm, street parking on the Upper West Side would involve moving your car at least twice during the week. We have "alternate side of the steert parking" rules that involve scheduled street cleanings . I don't recommend trying this unless you are actually staying in the neighborhood. And frankly, it's often tough to find spots.

As others have mentioned, there are some outdoor lots on the far west side of midtown that would be not too bad for your location. But you said you wanted indoors?

Bennnie mentions a very cheap rate for an indoor garage. I wonder if it includes overnight parking? Many lots I've seen charge one rate for a "whole day" but then basically double it for overnight parking too.

Hi Janie,
We're going to be at 50th and 7th, not the UWS and I'm definitely not going to park on the street for exactly the problem you mention. I'd prefer an indoor lot for the week. It's good that you mentioned about the overnight thing, though. I'll keep that in mind.

Street parking is no good in Manhattan for more than a couple of days - and that on the side streets - not avenues - and over the weekend. There is alternate side of the street cleaning 2 days per week - which means moving the car at specific times - depending on which street it is.

If you don;t move it the car is subject to tow - and between parking fine, tow charge and police impound fee it will cost more than $1000 - and take most of the day - to get your car back.

Street parking really only works if you come in Fri afternoon and leave on Sunday - or don;t mind spending half your vacation moving the car around.

Buy the book parkitguides.com and figure it out from there.