We will be staying at Hotel Santa Isabel and although they provide parking for small cars we do not want to drive our rental car on the narrow streets. Can anyone recommend the closest safe parking lot for this hotel which is located at Calle Sta. Isabel 24. This is close to the Cathedral. We read that it would be safer to park in a lot that you pay for. We will have to transport our luggage to the hotel. Will we need to take a bus from the parking lot and are they easily accessible. We are 62 year old couple so the closer the better.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. We arrive there tomorrow.
Thank you!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
77 posts
Here's what Rick recommends about parking in Toledo:
By Car: If you’re arriving by car, enjoy a scenic big-picture orientation by following the Ronda de Toledo signs on a big circular drive around the city. You’ll view the city from many angles along the Circunvalación road across the Tajo Gorge. Stop at a viewpoint or drive to Parador de Toledo, just south of town, for the view (from the balcony) that El Greco made famous in his portrait of Toledo. The best time for this trip is the magic hour before sunset, when the top viewpoints are busy with tired old folks and frisky young lovers.
If you’re willing to pay, the most convenient place to park is in the big Miradero Garage at the convention center (€16/day; drive through Bisagra Gate, go uphill half a mile, look for sign on the left directing you to Plaza del Miradero). There’s also parking farther into town at the Alcázar Garage (just past the Alcázar--€1.80/hour, €20/day). There are also two big, free, uncovered parking lots: The one between the river and the bus station is best if you want to use the escalators to get up to the center; the other lot is between the river and the train station. North of the city walls, you’ll find parking and another set of escalators going up near the Glorieta de la Reconquista roundabout, but at the top you'll still be far from Plaza de Zocodover.
Many hotels offer discounted parking rates at nearby garages; ask when making your reservation.
A car is useless within Toledo’s city walls, where the narrow, twisting streets are no fun to navigate. Ideally, see the old town outside of car-rental time.
Posted by
Freehold, NJ, USA
33 posts
Interested in how yu made out with parking your car in Toledo. We are staying at the same hotel inSept. and have rented an Audi A4 (midsize). Thank you. Mark
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Hi Mark,
Hope this is helpful.
Alcazar Vinci public parking lot which is just inside the walls and worked out fine. However there is about a 15 minute walk through winding streets on cobblestones. Not the easiest with luggage. If I had to do it again, I think I would get a taxi from the parking lot to the hotel. Especially if it is hot, have the address written down for the taxi driver. The hotel is very close to the Cathedral so if they can't find the little street you can have them leave you at the Cathedral and you could walk from there.
The hotel gave us a pass upon leaving to use when we checked out of the parking lot which reduced the fare somewhat. There is another Vinci parking lot but you do not get the discount at that one, only the ALCAZAR lot. You should confirm this closer to your trip to see if that is still the case then.
From Hotel Isabel:
We don´t reserve parking place in advance. If you are interested about it, You would have to phone us the day of your arrival, at 9:00 a.m., and If We would have any place available, We could reserve it for you. Price 12 €, each night you are in the hotel. Our parking place is only for cars no higher than 165 centimeters.
If your car is higher than 165 centimeters, You should park in the “Alcazar Vinci Parking”.
Posted by
Freehold, NJ, USA
33 posts
Thank you so much. Parking was a major concern.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
We parked in a giant parking lot and took the escalator up to the center. We had carry-ons only, so it wasn't difficult. If you have a lot of bags, you might want to pick lodging that sits on a big enough road to accommodate your car (even if you drop off then go park).
Posted by
Freehold, NJ, USA
33 posts
Thanks. After reading eveyone's comments, I've changed hotels and cars. Got smaller Audi A3
which actually has more luggage space in the trunk than the A4. We asked our local dealership if we could bring our luggage in for a "fit" and they were most accommodating. Two 25" suitcases, 1
20" carryon, and one RS carryon/backpack - all fit beautifully. Choose another hotel recommended by RS Hotel Toledo Imperial which has a large parking lot next door. Think my concerns are now over, w can just enjoy our visit to Toledo.
Thank you everyone to replied. You all were a great help.
Posted by
Freehold, NJ, USA
33 posts
Thanks. After reading eveyone's comments, I've changed hotels and cars. Got smaller Audi A3
which actually has more luggage space in the trunk than the A4. We asked our local dealership if we could bring our luggage in for a "fit" and they were most accommodating. Two 25" suitcases, 1
20" carryon, and one RS carryon/backpack - all fit beautifully. Choose another hotel recommended by RS Hotel Toledo Imperial which has a large parking lot next door. Think my concerns are now over, w can just enjoy our visit to Toledo.
Thank you everyone to replied. You all were a great help.