Facility Overview
The Icon Parking garage operated under Metropolitan 51 Parking LLC is situated at 136-166 East 51st Street (accessible between Lexington Avenue and 3rd Avenue) in the heart of Midtown Manhattan\'s bustling Turtle Bay neighborhood. This well-maintained, multi-level indoor parking garage offers a full valet parking service that takes the hassle out of finding a spot in one of New York City\'s densest commercial and residential corridors. The garage operates around the clock, providing safe and weather-sheltered parking day and night. The maximum vehicle clearance is strictly posted at 6 feet 5 inches (6\'5\"), making it well-suited for standard sedans, compact crossovers, and mid-size SUVs. Drivers should note that oversized vehicles (over 180 inches in length or between 65 and 75 inches in height), full-size pickup trucks, and high-roof conversion vans may incur additional on-site fees or may be prohibited due to structural headroom limitations.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
This Midtown East parking hub boasts exceptional walkability to iconic New York landmarks, luxury hotels, corporate headquarters, and dining districts. Situated mere blocks from major city destinations, walking distances include:
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral & Rockefeller Center: Approximately a 7 to 10-minute walk (0.4–0.5 miles) west, granting easy access to Radio City Music Hall, Top of the Rock, and Fifth Avenue flagship shopping.
- Grand Central Terminal & Chrysler Building: Located just 7 blocks south (about an 8-minute walk), ideal for commuters and regional rail travelers.
- Turtle Bay & Midtown East Dining: Steps from renowned restaurants such as Smith & Wollensky, The National Bar & Dining Rooms, and casual bistros along 3rd and 2nd Avenues.
- United Nations Headquarters: Roughly a 10 to 12-minute walk east toward First Avenue.
- Luxury Hospitality: Directly adjacent to boutique and luxury hotels including The Benjamin Royal Sonesta, Lotte New York Palace, and InterContinental New York Barclay.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Ingress to the garage is located on East 51st Street, a one-way westbound street running between 3rd Avenue and Lexington Avenue. Drivers arriving from Queens or Long Island can easily access the location via the Ed Koch Queensboro (59th Street) Bridge or the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, following 3rd Avenue northbound to 51st Street. Access from FDR Drive is straightforward via the 49th or 53rd Street exits. Public transportation connections are exceptional: the 51st Street subway station (serving the 6 train) and the Lexington Avenue/53rd Street station (serving the E and M trains) are just around the corner, enabling seamless transit throughout Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- 24/7 Covered Parking: Secure indoor valet facility open around the clock every day of the year.
- Universal EV Charging: Equipped with electric vehicle charging stations for compatible battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models.
- Digital Reservations & Mobile Payments: Supports advance reservations and contactless booking via major platforms including ParkMobile, ParkWhiz, SpotHero, and the official Icon Parking app.
- Professional Valet Attendants: Trained staff handle parking maneuvers, optimizing interior space and keeping entry lanes moving.
- Safety & Monitoring: Fully illuminated indoor deck equipped with continuous CCTV surveillance coverage and on-site staff.
- Motorcycle Parking: Dedicated accommodating rates and spaces for motorcycles and scooters.
Ideal For
- Midtown Office Commuters: Professionals seeking predictable daily or monthly parking near Lexington Avenue and Park Avenue commercial corridors.
- Fifth Avenue Shoppers & Sightseers: Visitors spending the day exploring Saks Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Plaza, and Midtown architectural icons.
- Overnight Hotel Guests: Cost-effective parking alternative to high hotel valet rates in the East 50s.
- Evening Diners & Theatergoers: Drivers planning dinner in Turtle Bay followed by an evening show on Broadway or at Radio City.
Visitor & Driver Tips
Because East 51st Street is a westbound thoroughfare, approach the garage by turning west from 3rd Avenue to avoid navigating heavy Lexington Avenue traffic. Manhattan parking demands can peak during business hours (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM) and holiday seasons, so reserving your space ahead of time through ParkMobile, ParkWhiz, or the Icon Parking website is strongly encouraged to lock in lower promotional rates and secure guaranteed entry. Remember to retain your valet claim check and confirm oversize vehicle policies if driving an SUV or truck to avoid unexpected surcharge fees at departure.