City Center Parking Works Great For Me
In contrast to all the other City Centre Parking threads, I want to say how pleased I am with the new scheme. Having given it time to settle down before commenting, I want to congratulate City Center for producing a scheme that suits me fine. I can now drive in, park instantly almost every time, and I am spared the stress of cruising and fighting for parking spaces completely. For example yesterday I went to City Center for a coffee with a friend at lunch time. City Center at lunch time for me was until the new parking scheme a 'no go area'. I parked instantly, spent nearly 3 hours nattering over lovely CB coffee, then exited without any hassle paying QR 8 to a happy smiling and pleasant cashier on the way out. To me the QR 8 was well worth it. Instead of turning up for coffee stressed, I arrived relaxed and ready to enjoy a nice bevy.
They are debating if they should charge for parking at the Post Office to stop missus by non Post Office users. But as yet no decision has been made. http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar/165063-row-over-q-post-move-to-charge-for-parking.html
I heard that the post office is considering to start charging to park there. I wonder if this is true, and if it will only be a matter of time before we see paid parking elsewhere, like a Lulu, Landmark or Villagio??
Agree with you flor1212 - I go to CC much more often now - indeed, I haven't been to Villagio since I got back from summer holiday - I have been to Landmark but it's on my way home from work - otherwise I wouldn't go there either (as I usually only go to Carrefour). In City Centre there are a wide variety of stores and services that I don't get at Landmark.
the other malls follow what CC has started. Very soon.And BTW, do you know how much CC spent for the system, I think it's a huge amount!And really, it's very comfortable to go there now. I don't go to Landmark or Villagio now (unlike before) because of the parking problem!
I personally support the parking charges and want more shopping areas to use them. Charges keep the unwanted sorts of unsupervised bachelors and maids out of the the shopping malls because they are cheap and will not pay the charges.
I think if this kind of ideas cannot be stopped, probably two years from now Doha will be like Dubai that even privelege parking outside the street will become source of income and business!!!
People who are moaning about parking fees should try and park for these fees at any European City - from London to Glasgow, the fees for parking in City Centres is FAR in excess of the (IMHO) reasonable charges being levied by the City Centre Mall. I am used to paying for my parking and find the City Centre Mall rates OK?
Every establishments shall have parking for their customer it is proper to allocate as cutomer's convenience not to make business for the slot...I'm not agree with this scheme I also decide to go to other establishment rather than greedy ideas.
If there indeed was a drop in business it will be short term - people will get used to the paid parking. I think they should revisit the rates charged in that more stores should provide a stamp for a reduction in the parking fees for those who are shopping legitimately (and for a certain value of purchases) - it encourages shoppers to come to City Centre, spend in those stores, etc.
I enjoy the availability of parking spaces now - but then, I actually go to malls to shop - so many people seem to use them as a free form of entertainment (i.e. window shopping). Getting rid of those who abused the free parking was a good idea - they just need to fine tune it. The theater and Carrefour are providing a "discount" on purchases - more shops need to follow suit.
My husband is very happy with the parking fees, you see, I refuse to stay beyond the third hour when they begin charging 10 QR!
@death-note, its 2 qr/ first hour...not 8 or 10. last time i went to fitness first,spent 2 hrs 30 mins inside, got my parking ticket stamped from the club and i paid only 4 riyals..! all the ql members should unite for this cause,i mean donating the parking fee for charity...its my opinion and request..the management won't have much problems i guess,as they are flooded with money.
the income they generate from parking fees should be given for charity,somalia is suffering badly at the moment..so we all will be happy to use paid parking scheme as we are indirectly or directly becoming a part of charity works..!
TB, I think you are one of the happy or satisfied minority customers with the City Centre Parking Scheme. Most of the people who have been regularly visiting City Centre for shopping and entertainment has decided to swith their location to Landmark and Villagio. The drop in sales in almost all the shops is the solid evidence for it. We have some shops in which we noticed big drop in sales even during Eid period compared to last year. If you go there now the parking area seems like a cemetry with 10 to 20 percent occupancy. I was there yesterday evening arround 5:00pm and was bit worried to park in some areas which was obviously empty.
in citycentre there was a bad smell of damaged pototos and tamatos and no one buy this due to parking fees...
happy shopping !!!!
yes,its great..but there are still some loop holes..like for a late night movie show,which is less than 3 hrs,there is no deduction and if u stay for alonger time,about 5 hrs n more,they charge huge amount,inexcess to what is displayed..so one has to be cautious there,calculate the amt n then pay..else its a real great experience..when one heads to city centre,there is no botheration about parking..
he's a young local guy. seems only around his teenage years. :)he's too young, I don't want to think like that. :P
BM< the cashier must have taken it. must be another of those low paid employees.
do it for us. :P
Hmmmm... so I wonder how it works then BM. Perhaps I will turn journalist today and pop in there for clarification.
we were given that stamp for the free 2 hours but the cashier in the booth didn't deduct it from our parking fee. Yes, I shopped in carrefour and spent more than a hunded.
Only if you shop in Carrefour and spend over QR 100 I think s_isale, and I only drank coffee.
*the PAID parking scheme...
didnt you get a discount for the first 2 hours TB?
though the rates are really a bit crazy. But for people like us who just visit citi center for an hour up to maximum 3 hours, I can also say it's better nowadays. Though we got to pay QR38 one time for staying for more than 5 hours. :) (movie date and dinner with hubby)If you experienced citi center parking before, you will really get to compare the ease of finding a spot now. It is really a fact, COMFORT has a PRICE. :))
I agree with TB, it is hassle less experience in City centre now,
Rizks, Yes we can get parking easily on weekends also.
HGL I have no idea what you are trying to say
I hope you would take the increase in rent if it happens for whatever reason with the same zeal as then somebody would be attempting to get rid of you as his neighbour.
do we easily get parking on weekends too at CC ?
Yes and she had lovely teeth
was the cashier a 'female' ?