You’re driving into downtown Lancaster, the GPS says you’re two minutes away, and suddenly the reality of historic city centers hits you. The streets are narrow, the brick buildings are gorgeous, but the curb space? Nonexistent. If you’re headed to the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, your biggest stress isn't the check-in line; it’s figuring out where that expensive piece of metal you’re driving is going to live for the night.
Honestly, parking here is a bit of a puzzle. Most people assume they’ll just pull up to the front door and everything will be handled. While that’s an option, it's rarely the smartest one for your wallet. Whether you are here for a massive convention or just a weekend getaway to see the Amish countryside, you've got a few distinct choices to make.
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The Valet Trap vs. The DIY Win
Let’s talk about the valet. It’s convenient, sure. You pull into the circle, hop out, and someone else deals with the tight turns. But for the Marriott Penn Square parking, valet service currently runs about $35 per day. If you’re staying for a long weekend, that adds up fast.
The "secret" (though it’s not really a secret) is the Penn Square Garage.
This garage is physically attached to the hotel and convention center. Most regulars avoid the valet and drive directly to the garage entrance at 28 South Duke Street.
The price difference is wild. Self-parking in the Penn Square Garage is typically $15 per day. That’s less than half the price of the valet. Plus, you get in-and-out privileges if you’re a hotel guest, though you’ll want to make sure the front desk validates your ticket or keys your room card correctly for the gate.
Why the Garage can be a Headache
Don't get it twisted; the garage isn't perfect. The clearance is 6'8". If you’re driving a massive dually truck or have a thick roof rack with a Thule box on top, you’re going to have a very bad time. I’ve seen people have to back out of the entrance ramp because they didn't believe the sign.
Also, the layout is a bit of a labyrinth. If you park on Level 2, you can walk directly into the Marriott through a connecting bridge. It's a lifesaver when it's raining or snowing, which, let’s be real, happens a lot in Central PA.
The $5 Weekend Hack
If you’re just coming into town for a dinner at The Exchange (the hotel's rooftop bar) or a quick event, don't pay the full daily rate. The Lancaster Parking Authority has this "After 5 PM" program.
On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, if you enter the Penn Square Garage after 5:00 PM and leave before 5:00 AM, it's a flat $5 fee.
This is huge. Most people see the $15 max and just accept it. If you’re just a local visitor, timing your arrival by fifteen minutes could buy you a craft beer at the bar. Just keep in mind that if you stay past 5:00 AM, the computer resets and starts charging you the standard hourly rates from the moment you entered.
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What about Street Parking?
Street parking in Lancaster is... an adventure.
There are meters everywhere, and they use the ParkMobile app, which is convenient. But honestly, for this specific hotel, street parking is a trap. Most meters have a two-hour limit. The parking enforcement officers in Lancaster are incredibly efficient—and I mean that in a "they will give you a ticket the minute your time expires" kind of way.
Meters are enforced Monday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. If you find a spot on a Sunday, it’s free. But finding an open spot within three blocks of Penn Square on a Sunday is like finding a needle in a haystack.
Navigating the Entrances
One thing that trips everyone up is that the Penn Square Garage has two different entrances depending on what you're doing.
- For Daily/Hotel Parking: Use the entrance at East Mifflin and Duke Streets.
- The Morning Shortcut: There is an entrance at North Christian and East King Street, but it’s only open from 7:00 AM to 11:29 AM, Monday through Friday.
If you miss the Duke Street turn, you’ll end up circling the block, which involves three right turns and a lot of patience with pedestrians. Lancaster is a very walkable city, meaning there are always people in the crosswalks.
Realities of EV Charging
Traveling in a Tesla or an EV? The Penn Square Garage does have charging stations. However, they are "first-come, first-served." On a busy convention weekend, these spots are snagged by 8:00 AM.
If those are full, your next best bet is the Prince Street Garage or the East King Street Garage. They are only a block or two away and often have better availability for chargers.
Actionable Tips for a Smooth Arrival
To make your stay at the Marriott Penn Square as painless as possible regarding your car, follow this sequence:
- Check your vehicle height: If you are over 6'8", do not even try the garage. Call the hotel ahead of time to ask about "oversized parking" options, which usually involve a surface lot a few blocks away.
- Ignore the lobby circle: Unless you are doing valet or have six suitcases that require a bellman, drive straight to 28 S. Duke Street.
- Park on Level 2: This gives you the direct walkway into the hotel. No elevators or stairs are needed to get to the lobby.
- Validate immediately: When you check in, hand the front desk your parking ticket. They can often "program" it so you use your room key to exit, which prevents you from having to fumble with a paper ticket at the kiosk when you're trying to leave.
- Download ParkMobile: Even if you use the garage, you'll likely want to park near a coffee shop or boutique later. Having the app set up with your license plate saves you from standing in the rain at a kiosk.
Parking in a historic city is never "fun," but the Marriott Penn Square is actually one of the easier spots once you know the Duke Street trick. Just watch your clearance and keep an eye on the clock if you're trying to snag that $5 weekend rate.