The days of free parking at the Galleria are coming to an end. Beginning Monday, November 2, the upscale shopping mall will begin charging shoppers to park, a spokesperson for Galleria owner Simon Property Group tells CultureMap.
Prices will be as follows:
- $2 for up to four hours
- $5 for four to seven hours
- $25 for seven to 24 hours
Select stores may choose to offer parking validations for their customers. Employees will be able to park for free in designated areas. Valet parking is also available.
The spokesperson declined CultureMap's request to comment on the reason for the change or if Simon is concerned that charging for parking could reduce the number of shoppers who visit the Galleria.
Charging for parking is still relatively rare for Houston’s shopping areas. River Oaks District, the nearby development that offers a similar mix of high-end shopping and dining, offers free parking in its garage or closer metered parking that’s priced at $4 for 30 minutes. Similarly, Rice Village offers two hours of free parking in its garage or metered parking that starts at about $3 per hour.
Other popular shopping destinations, including Memorial City Mall, Sugar Land Town Square, and the Simon-owned Houston Premium Outlets, continue to offer free parking.
