This is easily the worst and sketchiest parking garage I've ever used. Like countless others have said on Google, the single attendant here (an older bald man) is extremely rude, aggressive, and unprofessional. He regularly yells at customers and even curses under his breath while people are just trying to leave. The payment system is a complete mess; the machine is often broken, and he'll still demand cash even if you've already prepaid through SpotHero. The whole operation feels shady and chaotic. Save yourself the headache and park literally anywhere else. read more

I had a sketchy experience here, I went to pay when i was leaving using my credit card, which according to signs posted everywhere was totally OK, but the guy wouldn't accept it and demanded cash, and I showed him I only have like 10 1 dollar bills so I can't pay. He then demands to take my little amount of cash, and I ask him why? it's not enough. I want to pay with card. He keeps demanding and demanding the money but I keep asking why. he just doesn't answer and starts getting angry. Finally he just takes my card and does the transaction like normal. What was that all about??? Why was he getting so mad? Why didn't he answer my question? I'm not just gonna hand cash over. Why wouldn't he accept my card at first? When it was finally over and the gate opened he whispered something rude under his breath and was still so pissed off. Whatever I just drove away. lol. But still really weird. And finally, insanely expensive. LOL read more

Imagine the need to find a parking spot in the general Harvard Square vicinity on a Saturday mid-afternoon for several (more than 2) hours. Sounds easy, huh, since it isn't a meal time? Nope. I drove around for a good half hour (because it is slow going around those parts), noticing that the parking meter spots are mostly marked 1 hour limit or 2 hour limit (never mind the 30 min limit and less spots), which were absolutely no help in my situation. Sure, most of the limits were till 8pm and not in effect at all on Sundays, but that wasn't going to help me either. Fortunately, before I headed out, I did some research online and discovered University Place Garage. On weekends they offer a flat fee of $8 with validation and $12 without validation... not that I can figure which businesses validate... but that's okay, because I also found an internet coupon at http://boston.centralparking.com/Cambridge-124-Mount-Auburn-Street-Parking.html which shaved the price for me by another buck! The entrance to this garage is located at 45 University Road even though the legal address is 124 Mount Auburn Street. This is the same way you will want to enter (yes, on foot) to get back to your car afterwards since the doors to the building that the elevators took you to are locked on weekends. Yes, not particularly safe, so be careful. The turns are a bit narrow, and I found the path through the garage a bit confusing, but at least it is an option. If you come with a coupon like I did, just give it to the guy at the gate along with the timed ticket, and pay your fee with a credit card. *** 1/2013 *** Well, coupon prices seem to have been inching up a dollar a year at a time... the logic of my review would set the coupon for weekend parking at $7 back in 2/2011. I'm heading into Harvard Square later this week, so I printed a new coupon that expires at the end of the month for $8 on 1/2/2013, but a quick peek at the same coupon on the website today (1/5/2013) prices weekend parking at $9. *** 5/2013 *** I printed another parking coupon for $9 weekend parking and found a site listing their normal garage prices, which confirms $9 as the current price for parking on weekends (and weeknights) with validation, $13 without validation - http://www.harvardsquare.com/Home/Services/University-Place-Garage.aspx *** 7/2013 *** The coupon is no longer available, so there seems to no longer be a Harvard Square garage parking option for under $10 on a weekend day. Bummer. But at $13 unvalidated, it may yet be the best option for the weekend day, but for evenings after 5pm, it is beat out by $7 at Charles Square Garage WITH coupon - http://www.yelp.com/biz/propark-at-charles-square-garage-cambridge#hrid:APFnkqC1wcGECFg2aGTfhA read more

Had the ticket validated but was charged $22 NOT $14 as it says on the web site. I told the attendant that - he just argued that the sign is the same as on the web site. Tried to explain again but what's the use? Just kept saying the same thing and gave me $2 off - Be Aware! read more

This is my go-to parking lot in Harvard Square when I have a need for one. I used to work part-time retail in the square, and I used this lot often. Out of the hundreds of times I have parked here, they have never been completely full. I have never had any security issues, and the staff has always been helpful. Many local businesses and stores validate for this lot; if you're not sure just ask. The store I worked in validated all the time - no purchase required. Checking out their website it seems as if they have extended their evening rates to start at 4:00 instead of 5:00. ($12 without validation, $8 with) This is also their weekend rate - all day. All of the above earns this place a respectable 3 stars. Monthly coupons on the parking company's website, with even better deals, earn the fourth star. http://boston.centralparking.com/Cambridge-124-Mount-Auburn-Street-Parking.html All in all, I'll circle the square once or maybe twice looking for a street spot, but when that fails this is a safe, convenient spot to leave my car. I think that $8.00 is a fair price for parking in this area, especially compared to risking a $30 ticket. read more

For relatively safe parking away from the elements University Place Garage is pretty good. It's in the middle of Cambridge, near Harvard and Harvard Square, and isn't too expensive, although I think the $4 rate just to drive in is a bit much. That said, the place is crammed with more cars than should be allowed and there isn't enough valet staff on the floor to service patrons as fast as necessary. Finding the place can be a bit difficult too, as it's down a side street in the vicinity of hotels and offices and isn't at all easy to find. Daily rates are $23 for 2+ hours of parking and $12 on nights and weekends. There's also a $315 monthly rate and validation for patrons of a number of Harvard Square businesses. It's convenient and safe for long-term parkers but those staying for only a short time should try their luck at a meter first...it's cheaper and there's less hassle involved. read more

Horrible garage. Better to use the Charles Square Garage across the street which is much nicer.

The staff at this garage are tremendously friendly. Yes, it gets packed, yes, the spaces are tight, and yes, you often have to valet your car if you don't get in early enough. But valet is free! read more

Unfortunately I had to pick one star, but I would give 0. It says that within 5 hours if you arrive 4pm you only pay $14 with the ticket validation. First a lot of the places didn't validate the ticket, second they tried to charged me $31 when I was Parked for only 3 hours. Fake advertising, terrible service and very rude customer service. read more

Misleading signage, or incomplete signage. "early bird special of $14 with validation". And in tiny writing and a different font "up to five hours". Yes, I should have squinted harder to read that fine print on their big sign. I was there just over five hours, with validation and was ready to pay the $14 that they advertise. But to my surprise, the bill was $27!! Apparently, the early bird special is void if you are there more than 5 hours, and the business validation is also voided. Ten minutes earlier and I would have paid about half the price. I hope my review at least warns others to be careful if they park here. But my recommendation is to park somewhere else. read more

Tight turns but always a space in the evening at a good rate if you have a validation card. Many Harvard Square merchants including the ART have these cards. My main gripe -- tonight I gave the cashier $20 and got back change for a $10. When I complained, the cashier immediately flashed a $10 that he undoubtedly had ready. He's done it before. Just a warning -- beware the crooked cashier. Brought the crooked cashier issue to the attention of the garage office and got a runaround. read more

This parking lot is a rip-off. Not only do they round up and charge extra, but they do not offer motorcycle and scooter parking rate, so I had to pay the same as a car, even though my bike only took up less than half space as a small car would have. Boston needs to step up it's game for motorcycle and scooter parking. read more

Tight spaces, but the wonderful staff went out of their way to help us both arriving and departing. Make a purchase upstairs and validate for a substantial discount on the price. read more

The location of this garage is convenient when shopping or dining in the Harvard area. The prices are a bit high for non-Boston, but sometimes there is no street parking available. read more

This is a great garage! The staff is always friendly and helpful, it's clean the prices are good and I will not parking anywhere else in Harvard Square. The day shift employees are by far my favorite. read more

The parking lot is way too small and tight for any large truck or SUV! I was asked to park there one morning. The turn at the bottom the ramp was so tight I hit the pillar(not protected by foam like other pillars because it was taken out by a van the day before and not replaced). When I spoke to the garage manager, he simply said that this happens ALL the time. I was told the garage does not assume any responsibility for any damage if you collide with something that's not in motion. This garage should be limited to small compact vehicles only! Do yourself a favor and DON'T PARK THERE....You will regret it. read more