Save Time and Money with Mobile Parking Apps

While planning a weekend trip to Chicago with my two oldest grandchildren, I found a lovely boutique hotel right off the Mag Mile. Looking at the hotel website in regards to parking, I learned that the only parking option offered by the hotel was valet. I planned to drive a rental car and did not want to turn it over to any other driver. Plus, their valet service was a bit pricey.

So, I emailed the hotel, explaining that I could not use the valet and asked what other options were available nearby. The hotel staffer kindly recommended two garages very near the hotel and he also referred me to two different mobile parking apps.

I looked at the parking garage sites first and found that one was full and that the other wouldn’t allow the size of vehicle I would be driving, so I turned to the mobile parking apps. I was shocked to see the differences between the parking garage sites and the parking app sites. Not only did I find that parking app I chose (SpotHero) had more up-to-date information regarding height restrictions (my behemoth-size rental car would fit my chosen garage after all) but the rates were considerably cheaper. The garage offered a rate of $63 if I prepaid on its site, but SpotHero offered a spot in the same garage for $50.

I was leery because it seemed too good to be true, but I took a chance and booked it anyway. SpotHero emailed my confirmation to me, complete with directions on how to use my code and what to do if something went awry. The whole experience was just as smooth and easy as can be. Never again will I park in a city garage without first checking SpotHero.

Fun Weekend in Chicago

This past weekend, I attended my first Strictly Sail in Chicago show and had an absolute ball.  Strictly Sail is an annual four-day boat show featuring gorgeous, high-end sailboats and a whole boatload (yes, I said boatload) of fun sailing stuff.

We paid $15 per person for a Saturday ticket.  What a bargain!  Our $15 investment allowed us to climb aboard several luxury yachts, shop for boat accessories and attend four informative seminars. Seminars took place all day long but we only had time to hit four.  I am fairly new to sailing and I feel as though I learned quite a bit.  The whole day was fun, educational and inspiring.  The show has both a Facebook page and a website,  http://www.strictlysail.com.

 

We found a nice affordable Doubletree Hilton on Ohio Street.  It is a warm and welcoming facility, plus when you check in, everyone in your party gets a big, warm cookie.  How can you not love that?  The location of this Doubletree cannot be beat – it sits halfway between Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue, making it perfect for Mag Mile dining and shopping.  The hotel has on-site parking for $45 a night but you can park in the area around the hotel for $35-$39.  We parked at the garage just across the street and paid $39. 

We enjoyed a casual, cozy dinner at Giordano’s on Rush Street.  As we arrived at prime dinner time on Saturday night, we had to wait 45 minutes.  I generally don’t wait more than 20 minutes for a table but we were already there, it was very cold outside and they had a nice warm bar, so we opted to wait.  I was so glad that we did.  The food and the service were excellent.  I didn’t keep track of bar bill, but our huge pizza and salad for two came to roughly $40.00.  It was a great, genuine Chicago deep-dish pizza experience.  I enjoyed it so much that I now plan on taking my girls there when we make our trip back to the city in August.  Check out their menu at http://giordanos.com.

Little overnight trips are a great way to shake off the winter blues.  My trip to Chicago certainly did that for me.