You give your key at most of them. Some above ground ones let you park, but rarely.

Hope that helps.

The real question is. “Why would anyone want to drive there?” :-)

Actually, it’s not that horrible to drive in Manhattan. It’s far more convenient when I’m in the city for an audition to drive in, and then be able to get to my car and leave when I want to, rather than be tied to the rather limited train schedule or have to schelp all my audition gear on the crowded bus.

That said, yes – most places I know do take your keys. My favorite place to park is at the Skyline Hotel on 10th between 49th and 50th.
The price isn’t bad if you’re in early, plus if you’re staying at the hotel, there’s a huge discount on the parking garage. (something like $10 for 24 hours, but I forget the exact amount). And it’s easy into the city, and easy out!

Here’s an option. Park on the Jersey side. When I go into Manhattan I take the New York Waterway Ferry. Service on weekends is about every 30 minutes or so; shuttle buses on the Manhattan side can get you really close to the Village.

Parking and ferry is something like $19, the shuttle bus is included.

The website is http://nywaterway.com/

The ferry is in Weekhauken, located close to the Lincoln Tunnel corkscrew making it easy access to and from 95 (Turnpike)

If you watch the Today show, you may recognize the shuttle buses whizing past Matt Lauer’s head.

Just make sure you know what time the garage closes if it is not a 24hour place. I’ve had several friends who’ve gotten stuck in the city this way.

I’ve had to call the NYPD on occasion, because the attendant fell asleep and no amount of buzzing or screaming would rouse them. The officers basically drove their patrol car up to the garage and flipped on the sirens… worked like a charm.

LOL, I’m sure you’ll be fine though. I’ve had some weird parking garage experiences in NYC but never any damage to my car.

I even had to switch garages once cuz one of the attendants kept leaving these weird love notes in my car. Oh the memories.

Parking in Manhattan is insane (imo). I’m a college student though, so I don’t have the money. Parking in Jersey and taking the PATH is probably your best bet.

There are options to park yourself, but most do park you. I’ve managed to only have a car in the city during the evening, so I was able to find on-street parking while I was there.

I am from Mass. I go to New York City like 4-5 times a year! I LOVE VISITING THE CITY! :) I have never stayed in a parking garage. I have always parked on the street. I always find parking around 96th street and broadway. If you go up and down the streets and as long as you read the signs, you can park. Usually it takes me like 10-15 minutes to find parking! It’s cheaper than a parking garage that charges way too much! I think it’s worth a try…If you have any doubts, either don’t park there or ask someone walking by! I always do and they are usually nice helping you out! any other questions email me at lullabystar@aol.com. Oh and you will have to let me know how that restaurant is! i’ve always wanted to go but no one i bring ever wants to go with me! :)