Call me naive, but when I book a weekend’s accommodation in the city, I foolishly assume that hotel parking is included in the deal.
The hidden costs of staying in the city …
It sure costs enough!
But apparently not.
After several busy months (and weekends) with various house guests, helping people move, etc, hubster and I decided we were in some desperate need of some R&R.
So we booked a weekend getaway in a posh hotel, in the heart of the city. The website proudly announced that it featured all the mod cons – air conditioning, gymnasium, swimming pool, laundry, internet access, undercover parking …
Facilities include parking, according to this snippet is from the hotel website.
What it doesn’t say is that there are no guarantees, and you have to pay extra …
However, what we didn’t realise is that city hotels tend to think of car parking as an optional extra – perhaps because the majority of their guests are from out of town, and arrive by plane and taxi.
So we didn’t realise that our (pricey!) booking only covered somewhere for the two of us to stay – and not our car.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, hotel parking was charged at an extra $30 per day. Which was a bit of a shock – but what was even more of a shock, was the fact that even then, there were no guarantees that a space would actually be available for our car!
The moral of the story is: don’t ever assume that anything is included when it comes to accommodation – always ask the questions BEFORE you book!
Enjoying lunch at a Brisbane icon, Jimmy’s on the Mall ๐
We had a lovely weekend, but it kinda puts us off having a staycation in our own city again …
What do you think? Should hotel parking be included when you book a stay in the city?
Ingrid @ Fabulous and Fun Life says
Parking should definitely be included!
Janet Camilleri says
Thank you Ingrid! That’s what I think too!
Libby Boyle says
When MLP and I went into the city overnight for Vivid, we discussed driving in, but when I looked on the website for our hotel, parking was $68 a night! So, no, we took the train. Sydney parking prices are out of this world!
Janet Camilleri says
Wow $68 what a rip … definitely worth getting the train!
Natalie @ Our Parallel Connection says
Yes parking should be included but often not. I have just been through the same experience as yourself and nearly died at the price of the Melbourne city car parking – double yours. I have taken out a second mortgage.
Janet Camilleri says
LOL to the second mortgage! At the very least they should post a warning on the website that parking is not necessarily included – before you book!
Melinda says
Factoring in car parking costs has become part of my MO when booking a hotel in the city after being caught out myself. Sometimes I’ve turned down an accommodation deal simply by looking at whether it includes car parking (which it often doesn’t!). So cheeky!
Janet Camilleri says
It’s a bit rude, isn’t it!
Vanessa says
I thought most hotels were pretty good these days at saying parking (charges apply) on their website – especially in those graphics! The fact that one hotel is behind the times on this actually kind of goes more towards you expecting it to be included.
Janet Camilleri says
After running into this little problem, we checked a number of hotels and it was the same for many of them – parking is extra.
Renee Wilson says
Argh! How annoying. Parking in the city is so expensive too. Talk about a downer. Good advice on asking before you book!
Janet Camilleri says
Just doing my bit to raise public awareness so others aren’t caught out like we were!
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
We rarely take the car on holiday but when we do, I’ve noticed almost all hotels charge for parking especially the city based ones and what’s worse is when you rock up and the car park is full! That’s happened to us before ๐ It’s always a good idea to check it out before you book. Hope you had a wonderful weekend anyway x
Janet Camilleri says
Yes, that was the thing that got me – even if you were willing to pay for a park, you still weren’t guaranteed a spot!
Emily says
That’s really misleading. It should parking available (rates apply) or similar. I’d be asking for a refund and telling them to update the site. But kinda difficult to do when you’re there with your car and don’t have another option! #teamIBOT
Janet Camilleri says
Thanks Em, I think it should be obvious too.
JF Gibson says
Rubbish isn’t it? I always try and get the deals that include carparking – but they’re very few and far between.
Janet Camilleri says
We haven’t had a staycation in the city for about 8 years and don’t remember it being like this last time!
EssentiallyJess says
Yeah that’s very misleading. Like Em said, they should let you know.
I would have no idea that it was extra. I would just assume it’s part of the deal.
Janet Camilleri says
Glad I’m not the only one Jess, I was wondering if I was hopelessly out of touch!