I've always expected to pay for parking at downtown hotels.

In the past few months though, the Hiton umbrella hotels I stay at have almost all started charging for parking, regardless of the location.

Is it a new corporate policy?

It may not be a new corporate policy but rather a decision specific to each hotel. Did you reach out to the hotel directly for clarification?

I asked at one in Conroe and they said it was the local hotel policy.

I stay at a lot of Hilton Honors properties around the country. Paid vs free parking varies a good bit, but in general if in a dense urban area I expect to pay. If not, it's generally free. Some exceptions related to vacation hot spots, etc.

Last two times we paid for the parking at Hilton, very disappointing. For our next trip i am checking the kimberly hotel reviews and we will be staying there most likely. If you pay 200 dollars for a night in the hotel, you expect parking to be included in the price, am i right?

Hotels are trying everything they can to squeeze more out of each stay. Also, with laws being passed where they can't advertise $150/night, then hit you with a $50/night "resort fee" when you get there, they can still hit you with parking fees without having to show that in the price per night.

Four Seasons Landscaping said:

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I've always expected to pay for parking at downtown hotels.

In the past few months though, the Hiton umbrella hotels I stay at have almost all started charging for parking, regardless of the location.

Is it a new corporate policy?

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When you say almost all, what does that mean?

Like a Hampton Inn in Katy?

EMY92 said:

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Hotels are trying everything they can to squeeze more out of each stay. Also, with laws being passed where they can't advertise $150/night, then hit you with a $50/night "resort fee" when you get there, they can still hit you with parking fees without having to show that in the price per night.

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Gaylord rockies is good at this.

Our 'free' two nights on points cost us $30/day resort fee and $30/day parking.. $120! And the hotel is far from downtown denver, in the middle of fields.

Can't hardly get anything free anymore.
Hell our trip to mexico, family of 4 flying completely on points, still cost $400 in faa/tourism fees.

62strat said:

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EMY92 said:

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Hotels are trying everything they can to squeeze more out of each stay. Also, with laws being passed where they can't advertise $150/night, then hit you with a $50/night "resort fee" when you get there, they can still hit you with parking fees without having to show that in the price per night.

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Gaylord rockies is good at this.

Our 'free' two nights on points cost us $30/day resort fee and $30/day parking.. $120! And the hotel is far from downtown denver, in the middle of fields.

Can't hardly get anything free anymore.
Hell our trip to mexico, family of 4 flying completely on points, still cost $400 in faa/tourism fees.

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These types of hotels charging for parking does piss me off. I can understand in downtown. But this, the Hyatt Lost Pines in Bastrop, etc. Like you said, it's the middle of nowhere so you have to drive. Land is also pretty bountiful and cheap, not like you're renting a garage from someone.

62strat said:

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EMY92 said:

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Hotels are trying everything they can to squeeze more out of each stay. Also, with laws being passed where they can't advertise $150/night, then hit you with a $50/night "resort fee" when you get there, they can still hit you with parking fees without having to show that in the price per night.

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Gaylord rockies is good at this.

Our 'free' two nights on points cost us $30/day resort fee and $30/day parking.. $120! And the hotel is far from downtown denver, in the middle of fields.

Can't hardly get anything free anymore.
Hell our trip to mexico, family of 4 flying completely on points, still cost $400 in faa/tourism fees.

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Of note, at least with Hilton points, if you're staying on points or free night certificates, resort fees are waived. However, parking is not. This is how I would stay in Coronado and the Oxnard resorts when I lived out in CA.
And yea the parking charges at hotels outside of city centers is getting pretty ridiculous. Especially in places like LA suburbs where they've basically put gates on their parking lots and said give me 30-50 bucks a night.

The more annoying thing to me is mid-tier hotels that have gone valet only, despite there being ample onsite parking. Couple of places in Nashville that I frequent (Springhill Suites and an Element) and Hotel Melby in Melbourne FL are three that immediately come to mind. And it's not even the added cost that's the issue when traveling on business and it's covered... it's the ass pain of having to wait on my car or finding a line of 10 people waiting when there is one valet working. I just want to get in my car and go, morons!