FanimeCon 2024 Forums

FanimeCon Events and Discussionmentarianism => Hotel and Facilities => Topic started by: Junpei on March 05, 2008, 08:46:23 PM

Title: Parking???
Post by: Junpei on March 05, 2008, 08:46:23 PM
Try as I might, I honestly can't find any useful information about parking at or around the convention center. I'm wondering where there is to park for several days (valet or whatever!), and how much the cost is if I'm not staying at any of the hotels. Anyone know?
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: Moonblossom on March 05, 2008, 09:08:41 PM
Maybe this will have some useful info? I honestly didn't look through it, but I'm exhausted and going to bed >< Good luck!

http://www.sjdowntownparking.com/
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: IamTetsuo on March 05, 2008, 09:16:48 PM
If you are staying at any of the hotels they all have Valet parking (well I know the Marriot, Hilton, and St. Clair do.  Fairly certain that the other hotels do too.)
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: KyraEnsui on March 06, 2008, 01:23:46 PM
There's parking garage right smack in Convention Center and they charge $10 from Friday to Monday during Fanime from what I remember last year. Only problem you'll have is when the parking are always full and you'll lose them if you even try to leave. So, get there early like Friday morning. They will charge regular if you go on Thursday. ^^ That's what I learned from last year.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: Gwydion on March 07, 2008, 10:22:52 AM
I suggest the Convention Center's parking too. I always park there on Friday and not move my car til Monday. As all the food places are within a couple blocks there's no real need to drive anywhere but to there and to home. $10 a day is far cheaper than the price at any of the hotels and there might have been some discount even then, 'cause I don't think I spent $40 bucks on the parking ticket last year...
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: FanFicGuru on March 07, 2008, 03:30:57 PM
I remember they had $10/day at the convention center...but no in/out privileges. Every time you leave you pay 10 dollars. Therefore, if you're coming every day...that's 80 bucks.

It's expensive. lol
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: Ari on March 07, 2008, 03:36:59 PM
Parking garage across the street from the mcdonalds its free... either on weekends or just on sundays... Not sure but they are reasonably priced for the small price of walking two blocks to the convention center
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: Kandybar on March 11, 2008, 11:53:28 AM
Yeah, I park at the garage by the McDonalds - it tends to not fill up that quickly (we got to the Con around 10 or 11 on Saturday and it wasn't an issue) and you're still really close to the Convention Center.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: Junpei on March 13, 2008, 06:53:49 PM
Quote from: Kandybar on March 11, 2008, 11:53:28 AM
Yeah, I park at the garage by the McDonalds - it tends to not fill up that quickly (we got to the Con around 10 or 11 on Saturday and it wasn't an issue) and you're still really close to the Convention Center.

That sounds like it could work. Where is that exactly though?

What I'll probably be doing is parking early Saturday (or if I could make Friday, it would be late in the evening) and leaving Monday. I won't need access to the car at all. I just want it to be safe.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: otakuya on March 13, 2008, 11:34:14 PM
That's the garage on 3rd and San Carlos streets, where the McDonalds is. You can also try the Pavilion parking on 2nd and San Fernando sts.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: Nyxyin on March 19, 2008, 04:33:32 AM
Quote from: Ari on March 07, 2008, 03:36:59 PMParking garage across the street from the mcdonalds its free... either on weekends or just on sundays...
It used to be that there were some lots that were free after 6pm on Thursday and Friday and all day on the weekends.  So, it used to be that we can get free parking if we pick up our badges on Thursday pre-reg and go to the convention after 6pm on Friday.  That has changed this year.  Downtown San Jose has instituted late night parking fees.  After 6pm, parking costs $2.  It's very cheap still, but not free.  Also, weekends used to be all free, but no longer.  If you stay past 6pm (and any anime fan should want to stay past 6pm), parking will cost $2 in the lots that were previously free.

http://www.sjdowntownparking.com/free_parking.php
http://www.sjdowntownparking.com/late_night_parking.php

For those who want to stay most of the day on Friday, it might be worth parking at the Cal Train station at Santa Clara & Montgomery Street (San Jose Diridon Station) for $1.50, and then hopping the light rail (902) to the convention center for $1.75 in each direction.  I think the walk from the parking lot is only about a mile, but I don't think the path is very pedestrian friendly, and the light rail stops right in front of the convention center (Convention Center Station).  I believe the light rail runs every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: Steve.Young on March 19, 2008, 07:59:13 AM
I used my SJSU Parking permit and parked in 7th street garage. It so works =). I recommend it for SJSU people.

Another thing, the one on San Carlos next to MCDonald's is pretty awesome, its a fairly large garage so it doesn't fill up easily.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: Squeeky_Moonkin on March 28, 2008, 01:45:08 PM
I just called Hilton san jose. Their parking for their guests is 18 a day with in and out privileges. those who do not have a car and are coming form the airport, there are no shuttle services.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: Moonblossom on March 28, 2008, 01:50:20 PM
Regarding the lack of shuttles, the taxi ride from the airport to the front door of the Hilton last year was $11, which is pretty reasonable, especially if you're travelling with several people.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: Squeeky_Moonkin on March 28, 2008, 01:54:44 PM
Quote from: Moonblossom on March 28, 2008, 01:50:20 PM
Regarding the lack of shuttles, the taxi ride from the airport to the front door of the Hilton last year was $11, which is pretty reasonable, especially if you're travelling with several people.

nope its just me. My party is willing to pick me up though. Will probably have to take a cab back though. I'm just not fond of cabs after my first cabbie in Orlando Florida. thought I was gonna die X_X
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: Moonblossom on March 28, 2008, 07:36:47 PM
The cabbies I had last year were very polite, drove reasonably safely, and were courteous and not creepy. I can't remember the cab company though, unfortunately.

The cabbies in Anaheim/LA when I used to go AX though.. omg... never again  :o
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: Squeeky_Moonkin on March 30, 2008, 07:13:59 PM
Quote from: Moonblossom on March 28, 2008, 07:36:47 PM
The cabbies I had last year were very polite, drove reasonably safely, and were courteous and not creepy. I can't remember the cab company though, unfortunately.

The cabbies in Anaheim/LA when I used to go AX though.. omg... never again  :o

well the cabbie i had in florida while going to Disney world was wack. Doing almost 95 and jamming to jamacian steel drum music. no turn signal and weaving in and out of traffic @_@
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: SirVincent on April 03, 2008, 04:53:21 AM
ok some ppl are saying that parking is "$10/day at the convention center...but no in/out privileges" so if it just put my car in on Friday and pick it up on Monday is it going to be $10(i hope) or $40?
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: phoenixphire24 on April 03, 2008, 08:41:19 AM
Quote from: SirVincent on April 03, 2008, 04:53:21 AM
ok some ppl are saying that parking is "$10/day at the convention center...but no in/out privileges" so if it just put my car in on Friday and pick it up on Monday is it going to be $10(i hope) or $40?

I think it will be $40 for the whole weekend. If you take your car out, you'll have to pay the $10 for that day again. So just park it there and leave it.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: Nyxyin on April 04, 2008, 04:11:37 PM
Make that $48 this year...  http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,9273.0.html
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: phoenixphire24 on April 05, 2008, 08:35:18 AM
Quote from: Nyxyin on April 04, 2008, 04:11:37 PM
Make that $48 this year...  http://forums.fanime.com/index.php/topic,9273.0.html

Lovely...
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: KyraEnsui on April 05, 2008, 08:39:29 AM
=/ I'll park at the Hilton instead. I like my In/Out privileges.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: heeroyuy135 on April 25, 2008, 10:42:16 PM
I have a question, related to parking with the hotel.
I'm saying at the Marriot this year, and it says that I get half off Vallet parking for the con. Vallet parking usually is $25, so it would be $12.50.
My question is: do I pay $25 and then they take half off when I check out, or do I pay $12.50 straight off?
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: zoupzuop2 on April 25, 2008, 11:48:04 PM
Quote from: Nyxyin on March 19, 2008, 04:33:32 AM
Quote from: Ari on March 07, 2008, 03:36:59 PMParking garage across the street from the mcdonalds its free... either on weekends or just on sundays...
It used to be that there were some lots that were free after 6pm on Thursday and Friday and all day on the weekends.  So, it used to be that we can get free parking if we pick up our badges on Thursday pre-reg and go to the convention after 6pm on Friday.  That has changed this year.  Downtown San Jose has instituted late night parking fees.  After 6pm, parking costs $2.  It's very cheap still, but not free.  Also, weekends used to be all free, but no longer.  If you stay past 6pm (and any anime fan should want to stay past 6pm), parking will cost $2 in the lots that were previously free.

http://www.sjdowntownparking.com/free_parking.php
http://www.sjdowntownparking.com/late_night_parking.php

For those who want to stay most of the day on Friday, it might be worth parking at the Cal Train station at Santa Clara & Montgomery Street (San Jose Diridon Station) for $1.50, and then hopping the light rail (902) to the convention center for $1.75 in each direction.  I think the walk from the parking lot is only about a mile, but I don't think the path is very pedestrian friendly, and the light rail stops right in front of the convention center (Convention Center Station).  I believe the light rail runs every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night.

Actually, I used to walk that path every time I'd even set foot in SJ (not often, but Fanime stuff counts, right?), there's a few path choices that are a drop more pedestrian-friendly than others; walking through Adobe's quite an experience for someone that likes... walking. 0_o

And, yes, the bus station is a GREAT place to park. :3
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: Yukari Kaiba on May 06, 2008, 11:49:53 PM
i have a question about parking at the hilton.
is the $18.00 for self parking the flat rate for your entire stay? sorry if it sounds kinda like a stupid question (last year i wasn't the one driving so i didn't know anything about the parking), but i just want to make sure i set aside enough money for parking.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: KyraEnsui on May 07, 2008, 02:00:47 PM
Quote from: Yukari Kaiba on May 06, 2008, 11:49:53 PM
i have a question about parking at the hilton.
is the $18.00 for self parking the flat rate for your entire stay? sorry if it sounds kinda like a stupid question (last year i wasn't the one driving so i didn't know anything about the parking), but i just want to make sure i set aside enough money for parking.
It's per day. ^^b So, the rate parking x the days you're staying/parking = how much you would pay for parking.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: Yukari Kaiba on May 07, 2008, 09:35:52 PM
Quote from: KyraEnsui on May 07, 2008, 02:00:47 PM
Quote from: Yukari Kaiba on May 06, 2008, 11:49:53 PM
i have a question about parking at the hilton.
is the $18.00 for self parking the flat rate for your entire stay? sorry if it sounds kinda like a stupid question (last year i wasn't the one driving so i didn't know anything about the parking), but i just want to make sure i set aside enough money for parking.
It's per day. ^^b So, the rate parking x the days you're staying/parking = how much you would pay for parking.

gah its per day? D: even for hotel guests?
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: blancoisma on May 08, 2008, 09:51:11 AM
I'm going to be staying at the Fairmont this year. I heard a couple months ago that the parking there is insanely expensive. Normally I wouldn't care about parking because ever since my first Fanime, I just get dropped off and then picked up on Monday.

However, this year my roomies are driving in and I'm pretty sure they're not getting dropped off like me. So, if anyone knows exactly how much the parking is there, I would appreciate knowing so I can inform them about it.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: Moonblossom on May 08, 2008, 10:55:00 AM
Taken from the Fact Sheet (http://"http://www.fairmont.com/sanjose/FactSheet.htm?DisplayType=popup") on their website

QuoteParking

The parking garage is located underneath the hotel and is valet only
Valet parking (for overnight guests) is on a space available basis and is $26 per night including in-and-out privileges
Valet parking (for visitors) is on a space available basis:
First 30 minutes: $5
Every additional 20 minutes: $1.50
Maximum rate for the day: $26
Overflow garages are located throughout the downtown area with close proximity to the Hotel.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: blancoisma on May 08, 2008, 11:11:33 AM
Thanks Moonblossom

*sigh* Damn it, I was hoping in the back of my mind that it wouldn't be that horribly expensive. Oh well, I'll pass on the information to my roomies. Thanks again.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: KyraEnsui on May 08, 2008, 01:52:01 PM
Quote from: Yukari Kaiba on May 07, 2008, 09:35:52 PM
Quote from: KyraEnsui on May 07, 2008, 02:00:47 PM
Quote from: Yukari Kaiba on May 06, 2008, 11:49:53 PM
i have a question about parking at the hilton.
is the $18.00 for self parking the flat rate for your entire stay? sorry if it sounds kinda like a stupid question (last year i wasn't the one driving so i didn't know anything about the parking), but i just want to make sure i set aside enough money for parking.
It's per day. ^^b So, the rate parking x the days you're staying/parking = how much you would pay for parking.

gah its per day? D: even for hotel guests?

Yup. Anyone who uses their parking garage are subject to pay.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: billgoku on May 13, 2008, 03:01:06 PM
Good to hear about the parking, I was really curious about it, no biggie at how much it costs.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: nabechu on May 13, 2008, 09:06:50 PM
Just wondering if anyone knows if the Crowne Plaza has In/Out privileges.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: BenihimeSama on May 13, 2008, 11:15:00 PM
Nabechu: Crowne Plaza does have in and out.

Also, everyone check with your hotels, many hotels have half-off prices for Fanime visitors. If you booked through Fanime, you will get whatever discount they are talking about. I called the Crowne Plaza, and they said that it's half off for those who booked through the Fanime website. (I'm the driver, my friends booked however.)
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: Mango Bunny on May 14, 2008, 01:30:57 PM
Are there any cheaper garages or lots that might be farther away but still cheaper overall with an added in cab ride? I really don't know the area, so... Just an idea.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: KyraEnsui on May 14, 2008, 02:36:45 PM
Quote from: Mango Bunny on May 14, 2008, 01:30:57 PM
Are there any cheaper garages or lots that might be farther away but still cheaper overall with an added in cab ride? I really don't know the area, so... Just an idea.

I do believe it was mention a few posts back on the first page.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: Mango Bunny on May 14, 2008, 09:41:14 PM
Quote from: KyraEnsui on May 14, 2008, 02:36:45 PM
Quote from: Mango Bunny on May 14, 2008, 01:30:57 PM
Are there any cheaper garages or lots that might be farther away but still cheaper overall with an added in cab ride? I really don't know the area, so... Just an idea.

I do believe it was mention a few posts back on the first page.

i saw someone mention taking a cab from the airport, but I mean...lots farther away but cheaper, or at least enough so that if you added in the cab ride it would still be less. If I somehow missed it, I would appreciate further direction. A quote perhaps.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: jeans on May 15, 2008, 12:47:35 AM
You could always park in a free park n ride lot along the lightrail line and ride the lightrail in to the area, or if you park at the Diridon station ($2) you can take the free DASH bus downtown:
"Downtown Light Rail Shuttle Also known as the DASH, for the Downtown Area Shuttle, this service circulates on a fixed-route through downtown San Jose and connects with downtown Light Rail Stations as well as the San Jose Diridon Caltrain Station. You can use the shuttle to make direct connections from Light Rail or Caltrain with employment sites such as Adobe Systems, PG&E, Wells Fargo, Comerica Bank, downtown hotels, and many other businesses. You may also make connections with San Jose State University and other bus routes, and transfer from Caltrain to Light Rail and vice versa. "

http://www.vta.org/schedules/SC_201.html for the map

Best of all... DASH is free and parking at Diridon station is only $2 per day. You can park at the garage on San Carlos & 3rd street on the weekend for $2/night on the weekends and holidays, so you might want to move your car on Saturday morning if you want it to be closer to you.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: Junpei on May 20, 2008, 11:44:50 AM
So, as a last minute recap of this information, what garages can I stay parked at for 2-3 days for (that are not going to be 100% full, say, on Saturday morning)? There's the SJ Convention Center lot, Second & San Carlos Street Garage (this is the "McDonalds" lot that was mentioned?), what else? Can I use the parking at any of the hotels without being a guest?
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: JTchinoy on May 20, 2008, 12:40:32 PM
You can park your cars on 12th street for the whole weekend after 4pm on friday.

the catch is you have to walk 12 blocks to the convention center. :)

i'm dropping my car there (like i do every weekend) after i drop my stuff off at the hilton.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: Raydere on May 20, 2008, 10:40:41 PM
Quote from: jeans on May 15, 2008, 12:47:35 AM
You could always park in a free park n ride lot along the lightrail line and ride the lightrail in to the area, or if you park at the Diridon station ($2) you can take the free DASH bus downtown:
"Downtown Light Rail Shuttle Also known as the DASH, for the Downtown Area Shuttle, this service circulates on a fixed-route through downtown San Jose and connects with downtown Light Rail Stations as well as the San Jose Diridon Caltrain Station. You can use the shuttle to make direct connections from Light Rail or Caltrain with employment sites such as Adobe Systems, PG&E, Wells Fargo, Comerica Bank, downtown hotels, and many other businesses. You may also make connections with San Jose State University and other bus routes, and transfer from Caltrain to Light Rail and vice versa. "

http://www.vta.org/schedules/SC_201.html for the map

Best of all... DASH is free and parking at Diridon station is only $2 per day. You can park at the garage on San Carlos & 3rd street on the weekend for $2/night on the weekends and holidays, so you might want to move your car on Saturday morning if you want it to be closer to you.
DASH only runs weekdays, and runs to 7pm or so--after that, you'll have to take LR back, and the Winchester-MV light rail goes to 11pm.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: SirVincent on May 21, 2008, 09:00:02 PM
Ok people as far as i can tell the bast you can do for parking any where close to the onventon center is $18 a day thats for the Hilton and city parking to.  I know the city parking say some thing like $2  but that is not for over night!
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: AnimeEmperor on May 21, 2008, 10:07:33 PM
I think the Marriot is like $15 a day actually.
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: Mango Bunny on May 22, 2008, 05:49:44 PM
15? Hrm. Where did you hear that out of curiosity? The hotel tells me 25, but they might not have the con discount or whatever figured in. They aren't entirely good with info + me + the con
Title: Re: Parking???
Post by: chanocular on May 22, 2008, 08:11:32 PM
I just called the marriot today asking how much parking was for us fanime attendees that are staying at the marriot. They said $15.