April 11, 2016 – Finding inexpensive parking in downtown Chicago is often a challenge. But companies now offer services that let drivers pay in advance at a garage near many Loop and River North venues. These services are easy to access from either a computer or smartphone. For venues featured here, click on the site, enter the destination, and a variety of options will pop up. Determine the garage you want and order it. On arrival, swipe the code from the phone or printed UPC code, and presto! The gate opens. Show the pass again when you leave.

Park like magic with Chicago Genie

Started one year ago, Chicago Genie offers flat rate parking in more than 20 garages in downtown Chicago, including near popular theatres.

“Our customers are extremely pleased to learn about some of our online specials,” says Michael Norris, editor of Chicago Genie. One of the most popular is our $December 31, 1969-hours deal, which starts from the moment they enter the garage and allows some extra flexibility on arrival time.”

“Customers have told me personally that they can’t believe we’re able to post such low rates,” he says.

The Genie’s most popular garage is Wabash-Randolph Self Park at 20 East Randolph Street. Because of the location, the garage attracts people heading to Millennium Park, nearby theater district, and nearby stores like Macy’s.

Website: Chicago Genie

ParkWhiz offers parking downtown and across the country ParkWhiz provides parking in 150 cities as well as daily/monthly parking, special event, and airport parking.

“In Chicago, we have great parking options at the United Center,” says Brandy Kemp (right) of ParkWhiz, “so if the Blackhawks or Bulls are in town, those spaces sell quickly.”

Feedback from customers has been positive, she says. “We do help our customers save money, but equally as important we save them time and eliminate the stress that can come from parking in an unfamiliar or congested area.”

Park Whiz has an app with exclusive mobile-only rates, driving directions to your parking spot, and directions from the spot to your final destination.

Website: Park Whiz

SpotHero saves the day SpotHero lets drivers reserve parking with convenient garages, lots, and valets in more than 2,500 locations across the country, including Chicago, through both a mobile app and website.

“SpotHero’s home base is Chicago,” says a spokesperson. “We offer more than 500 parking facilities around the city, up from just 250 last year, with average savings of around 19 percent.”

The Loop and River North are some of their most popular parking locations in Chicago.

SpotHero also saves drivers time because they don’t have to look for a parking space, especially when they’re in a hurry for a meeting or need to make a show.

Website: SpotHero