Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PARKING
On-street parking in downtown Seattle is expensive, extremely
limited, and, worst of all, rarely available near your destination. Most downtown
parking lots (either above or below ground) charge from $12 to $20 per day,
though many lots offer early-bird specials that allow you to park all day for
around $8 if you park before a certain time in the morning (usually around
9am). With a purchase of $20 or more, many downtown merchants offer City-
Park tokens that can be used for $1 off parking fees in many downtown lots
(mostly in the main shopping district around Sixth and Pine). Look for the
CityPark signs. In the Pioneer Square area, there is a similar program.
You'll also save money by parking near the Space Needle, where parking lots
charge $3 to $6 per day. The parking lot at Fifth Avenue North and North
Republican Street, on the east side of Seattle Center, charges only $5 for all-day
parking if you show up with three or more people in your car. The Pike Place
Market parking garage, accessed from Western Avenue under the sky bridge,
offers free parking if you park for less than an hour (just enough time to run in
and grab a quick bite). Also if you arrive at this lot before 9:30am, you can park
all day for $6. Some market merchants validate parking permits, as do many
market restaurants if you're dining after 5pm. In the International District, the
Lower Queen Anne neighborhood, and a few streets south of Seattle Center,
you'll find free 2-hour on-street parking.
Driving a Bargain in Seattle
Value
For the best deal on a rental car, make your reservation at least a week
in advance. It also pays to call several times over a period of a few
weeks just to check prices. You're likely to be quoted different rates
every time you call, since rates fluctuate based on demand and avail-
ability. Remember the old Wall Street adage: Buy low!
Always ask about special weekend rates, promotional rates, or dis-
counts for which you might be eligible (AAA, AARP, corporate, Enter-
tainment Book). Also make sure you clarify whether there is a charge
for mileage. And don't forget to mention that you're a frequent flier:
You might be able to get miles for your car rental.
If you have your own car insurance, you may have collision cover-
age. If you do not hold your own policy, your credit card may provide
collision coverage, allowing you to decline the collision-damage
waiver, which can add a bundle to the cost of a rental. (Gold and plat-
inum cards usually offer this perk, but check with your card issuer
before relying on it. Note that while many cards provide collision cov-
erage, they do not provide liability coverage.)
If there's any way you can arrange to pick up your car somewhere
other than the airport, you can save the 10% to 11% airport concession
fee.
It's always smart to decline the gasoline plans offered by rental
agencies and simply plan on returning your rental car with a full tank
of gas. The prices the rental companies charge you to fill your tank
when you don't do it yourself are usually a rip-off.
