How SpotHero Works: What to Know Before You Park

If you have ever driven in a city, you know it can be next to impossible to find parking. The good news is: SpotHero is here to help! Want to know how SpotHero works? Look no further.

Check out the top nine things you need to know before you reserve your first parking spot with SpotHero:

What exactly is SpotHero?

SpotHero is a parking reservation service that helps drivers reserve parking with garages and lots, often at a discount to the drive-up rate. With SpotHero, you can search for options, compare rates, and reserve your spot online or via our iOS app or Android app. For more on how our app works, check out our step-by-step guide here.

Is the rate shown for the entire reservation?

Yes! The rate that you see when you enter your date and time is the rate you will pay for that entire period of time. It is not an hourly rate.

Once I reserve my parking spot, is it guaranteed?

Yes, we guarantee your spot will be available. While SpotHero does not physically hold a certain spot for each reservation, our parking partners provide inventory information to prevent overbooking. On the very rare occasion that a spot is unavailable when you arrive, give us a call right away at (844)868-0156. Our customer service team (known as Customer Heroes) will find you alternate parking at no additional charge!

What is a parking pass?

Any time you reserve a spot with SpotHero, we’ll send you a parking pass at the email address you provide. You can also access your parking pass in “My Reservations” on the website, in the mobile app, or add it to your Apple or Google Wallet. Your parking pass serves as your receipt, and it will have all the information you need for an easy parking experience:

  • Date and time of reservation
  • Parking facility address
  • Map and directions
  • Photo of the parking facility and its surroundings
  • Steps for redeeming your pass
  • Any other important details

Do I have to arrive and depart at the exact start and end times listed on my reservation?

No, you do not.  You can enter at any time after the start time listed on your SpotHero reservation and you can depart at any time prior to the end time listed on your reservation. For example, if your reservation goes from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. you can enter any time after 8 a.m., and must leave anytime before 8 p.m.

If you arrive early or stay later than your scheduled reservation period, you may be subject to an additional charge (at the drive-up rate), a ticket, or a tow from the parking facility.

There are some garages in NYC that offer commuter specials on SpotHero. This means you will need to enter before a certain time to validate your reservation. This will always be noted in the ‘spot details’ and on your parking pass.

Do I need to bring a printed parking pass?

The vast majority of our locations do not require printed reservations. For the few locations that do require a printout, we make sure to list this in the spot’s description. Failure to print your receipt at these locations will cause your reservation to be invalid.

What should I do when I arrive at the garage or lot?

Any time you book a spot with SpotHero, you will be sent a Parking Pass. The “How to Redeem” steps on your parking pass will tell you how to get your reservation validated so you can park and be on your way! These instructions vary by location, so be sure to read them closely before you arrive.

What is SpotHero’s cancellation policy?

Plans change. We get it. Receive a full refund up to the minute your reservation begins. You can cancel your spot by going to “My Reservations”  in your account and click CANCEL. If you need to cancel after your reservation’s start time, call our customer service team at (844)868-0156.

Our mission is to make parking easy. If anything about your experience goes awry, let us know and we’ll make it right.

So you’re telling me SpotHero is legit?

We’ve helped park over 40 million cars, and our iOS app and Android app have outstanding reputations. We’re here to make parking easier for you!

If you have any more questions on how SpotHero works, feel free to explore our FAQs or give our Customer Heroes a call at (844)868-0156. We’d love to hear from you!