Well, the first time I get ripped-off going to TJ was on the U.S.-side!
I parked at Border Station Parking (the last U.S. exit off I-5, right turn at the light) 4570 Camino De la Plaza, San Ysidro, CA 92173
I drove in at 8PM Thursday night and paid the $7, that's what the big sign said. When I returned to my car the next day around Noon (Friday @ Noon) they said I owed another $7 since I stayed past 10AM. If you read the fine print on the ticket (I'm sure we all do that) it does indicate this, not sure why the big $7 signs don't have the same message on them.
I guess next time it's Gateway Inn, I think it would have been $8 total to park there for 16 hours.
Still not a bad price for overnight parking. If you're going to stay that long, consider parking at the trolley station at H or E streets. Car security might be a different issue here.
Otherwise, Gateway would probably be your best choice.
Thanks. I didn't know Border's policy was 24-hours or until 10am, whichever comes first. (Normally I'm back before 10am.) Looks like I'll have to check out a few lots. I haven't used Gateway in a longtime, but my memory was I didn't get 24-hours when I paid my fee.
Still not sure how you got ripped off.
Gateway parking is per 8 hours so 7 dollars could turn into 21 in a full 24 hour period. It is on the main sign if you look closely.
Border station has signs both when you come in and go out that the day rolls over at 10am and also printed on the ticket.
The very worst parking is World parking where I has seen more accidents with drunk teens and more cars being pissed on and worse. The security is so good here the drug cartels ran a tunnel that entered into this lot !!
The only good thing about this lot that you pay for a full 24 hours.
Good Luck
Milkman
Don't go to Gateway. While $4.00 for 8-hours seems attractive at first blush, they towed my car shortly after the expiration of about ten hours. Cost for getting my car out of impound was about $60.00.
You may want to consider yourself lucky your car was not towed.