Parking Garage vs Hotel Valet Parking

Question

I'm considering a 3 night stay at Cambria Hotel Savannah Downtown Historic District in April. Valet parking is $45 per night. There is a nearby garage, Liberty Street Parking Garage that shows a Monday through Thursday maximum daily rate of $14, plus a $2 flat rate per night, for a total of only $16, if I am reading the website correctly.

Assuming those are correct numbers, would there be any reason to NOT keep the car in the garage? All our luggage would be in the hotel, not the car. So as long as there is nothing to steal inside the car, would this make sense to park here?

Answer

If you're looking to save money on parking during your stay at the Cambria Hotel Savannah Downtown Historic District, using the Liberty Street Parking Garage is a solid choice, as long as you're comfortable with a few considerations. Here are some key points to help you make an informed decision:

Benefits of using Liberty Street Parking Garage:

Significant cost savings: At $16 for the entire stay (Monday through Thursday rate of $14 + $2 flat fee), the Liberty Street Parking Garage is a much cheaper option compared to the hotel's valet parking fee of $45 per night, which would total $135 for three nights.
Convenience: The garage is located nearby, so you can easily walk to the hotel (it's only a few blocks away). As long as you're okay with a short walk, this offers a more affordable parking solution without sacrificing too much convenience.
No need to leave your keys with valet: If you're not comfortable with leaving your car with a valet, the garage allows you to keep your keys and access your car whenever you need it.

Considerations when using the garage:

Security: The biggest concern with parking in a public garage is security. While most parking garages in Savannah are well-lit and monitored, there is still a risk of theft, especially if any valuables are left in your car. You mentioned that all your luggage will be in the hotel, which reduces the risk, but you should still ensure that there’s nothing of value left visible in the car (like electronics, bags, or personal items). If you're parked in a garage, it's always best to keep the car as empty as possible and lock it securely.
Walking distance: While the garage is relatively close to the hotel, it will require a short walk (about 5 minutes). If you're traveling with heavy luggage or if the weather is poor, this could be a consideration. However, given that you're not parking on the street, this short walk is a fair trade-off for the cost savings.
Availability of parking spots: While the Liberty Street Parking Garage generally has availability, it's always a good idea to check in advance to ensure there will be space during your stay, especially during busy periods like weekends or events in Savannah. Parking garages can fill up quickly, particularly in tourist-heavy areas.

Is it worth it to park in the garage?

Yes, it absolutely makes sense to park in the Liberty Street Parking Garage for a total of $16 if you're comfortable with the walk to the hotel and the potential minor risks associated with public parking. You’ll save a significant amount of money compared to the hotel's valet parking. Just make sure to lock your car, keep valuables out of sight, and check the garage’s security measures if you have any concerns about safety.

If you're still uncertain, another option could be to check with the hotel directly to see if they offer any security features (like surveillance cameras) that may make the garage a more appealing option. However, given the substantial savings, the garage is likely the better option unless you prefer the convenience of valet service.