You actually don’t need to be some kind of a travel professional to identify the most suitable parking destinations. My sister, for example, recently needed to identify which Philadelphia Airport parking location to go to for 15 days of parking and after a only a few minutes of web-based research and fact-checking, we were able to discover the best pick for her and her family. They reside in D.C. but they’re traveling from PHL as it looks like certain tickets are considerably less costly there than at IAD Airport.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is certainly one of the most crowded airports in the U.S. serving over thirty-one million travelers each year. With such a large number of individuals traveling through PHL, trying to locate a random Philadelphia Airport parking spot by chance may not be a wise option. Parking at the airport (on-site) is hassle-free but far from economical and the lots can very easily get sold out usually around the holiday seasons.
First, let’s take a look at the PHL parking choices. Obviously, the $300 15-day parking charge at the terminal garages will not do, so we began searching for budget parking rates. Economy parking at PHL is available at the lot close to Island Avenue. Still handily within sight of the terminal with complimentary shuttle service that the airport operates but at $11 daily, that could add up to $165 for a 15-day surface parking. My sister said we should keep browsing.
Off-airport, a number of private providers provide very attractive parking rates for PHL passengers. We looked at all the rates and sorted out the choices to the Colonial parking lot on S Governor Printz Blvd and the ExpressPark lot on Tinicum Island Rd. Colonial costs a trifle more (at $133 for 15 days parking) than Expresspark ($119), but it’s strongly praised by many users so we regarded the $14 discrepancy is really worth the very good quality of service in this establishment.
PHL Airport Parking on Squidoo
But, my sister remembered that the family may have to check in at a neighboring airport motel when they return to do a bit of sightseeing in the city the following day - their return flight from Europe is slated to land at PHL at 3:30 in the afternoon - too limited time after that to stop by Philly’s sights and drive more than 2 hours back to the Beltway.
In that case, the best option is probably hotel parking, I informed my sister. She was afraid that it could get awfully extravagant, but when I told her that it’s definitely the most budget-friendly alternative allowing for their travel requirements she decided to look more closely.
Just as before, we did an appraisal of all the airport hotels in the vicinity and focused on the choices between Ramada Airport Hotel and Skyview Plaza Hotel and Suites. Both establishments are located a few miles from the terminal and both operate round-the-clock ground transportation. There’s a significant difference in rates though - Ramada’s room rate for 4 persons with 14-day free parking starts at $189 while Skyview only charges $109 for the exact same offer. I emailed a close friend who often commutes out of PHL and had stayed in Ramada in several instances p. She said Ramada is perfect in her experience and the value discrepancy is well worth it.
Eventually, my sister made up her mind to go ahead with Ramada for their Philadelphia Airport parking and needed to find out if she can get the one day parking fee ($7.95) for their 15th day of parking discounted from the total cost. I left her haggling with the hotel parking manager - that’s my ever thrifty sister, bless her. Looking forward to looking at the family pictures of the Almudena's interiors and the roasted suckling pig at Botin’s.
Photo: Smittenkittenorig on Flickr
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