Houston’s walkable garden district, the iconic Rice Village, is bustling with local boutiques and established brands, community experiences from farmers markets to curated activations, and chic stores and restaurants. It’s the ideal place for holiday shopping, and thanks to a variety of convenient parking options, scoring a parking space is seamless.

If you’ve recently parked at Rice Village and thought to yourself, “Well, that was easy,” you can attribute the positive experience to a partnership between Rice Real Estate Company (RREC) and local entrepreneur Adam Raffle along with his team of parking ambassadors.

In the bustling dining, shopping, and entertainment area of Rice Village, RREC ensures that guests have access to multiple parking options that are hassle-free and easy on the wallet as well as hospitable parking ambassadors from Raffle Parking in the event any guests need assistance.

One standout parking feature at Rice Village is the two hours of free parking in the two centrally located, covered garage and rooftop parking decks—something rare for a big city like Houston.

Guests will also find convenient surface parking in front of their favorite retail shops and restaurants, with affordable hourly rates that can be paid via onsite pay stations or the ParkMobile App, a digital payment app that allows direct payment from a phone.

Raffle Parking collaborated with RREC to ensure parking is stress-free for guests. Together, they’ve provided multiple parking options, clear signage, easy-to-use pay stations, and digital payment options. Most importantly, rates are more affordable than in other parts of Houston, with surface lots starting at just $1.50 per hour. After the first two free hours in the garage, paid parking starts at just $3 or $4, depending on the day.

As the holidays approach and Rice Village welcomes eager shoppers, it’s a busy season for the parking team. To prepare, they’ve added friendly staff and a convenient $5 Holiday Valet Service, open for hassle-free needs on Thursdays through Sundays until New Year’s. The valet, located in front of Sixty Vines on University Boulevard, is payable by credit card.

Score a great parking spot but need assistance? Or perhaps some directions to Tecovas, Sephora, or Vuori? Just ask Rice Village's Lead Ambassador, Elgert Lleshi.

Lleshi started with Raffle Parking in 2019 in downtown Houston, where owner Adam Raffle first recognized his entrepreneurial drive and spirit. A true example of the American dream, Lleshi moved to Houston from Albania in 2016, teaching himself English while taking classes and working his way up in the valet industry. 

Lleshi began managing Rice Village’s parking operations in 2021, working with a robust team of parking associates dedicated to creating a seamless and hospitable experience for visitors. Known for a unique service-first approach, Lleshi and his team can be found patrolling the streets every day, ready to help with parking or directions—always with a smile.

Both Adam and Elgert each find themselves lucky to spend time in the picturesque Rice Village, whether on or off the job. 

“At Rice Village, we focus on hospitality in every way, including creating a stress-free, welcoming parking experience. It’s not just about parking cars; it’s about creating a positive first impression for every guest. As a native Houstonian, I have wonderful memories of Rice Village, so the opportunity to add value and make meaningful contributions to Rice Village is truly full circle, and an incredible honor.” - Adam Raffle, President of Raffle Parking

When Lleshi ’s not engaging with tenants and guests to provide excellent service, you can find him enjoying a healthy meal at Sweetgreen, a scoop of ice cream at Van Leeuwen, or a game of corn hole toss at Morningside Square, a charming greenspace located next to Badolina Bakery & Cafe.

In addition to the holiday valet promotion, Rice Village is running a special Google Review campaign for guests who’d like to get on Santa’s “Nice List.” Throughout the holidays, Rice Village tenants will share handouts featuring QR codes for guests who visit their businesses. Simply scan the code to leave a Google Review about your parking experience now through January 3, 2025, to be entered into weekly drawings for complimentary garage parking passes, valid for up to 12 months.

Thanks to Rice Real Estate Company and Raffle Parking’s dedicated ambassadors, a visit to Rice Village during the holidays can be stress-free and allow guests to focus on what matters—enjoying all Rice Village has to offer and finding the perfect holiday gift.

Rice Real Estate Company plays a vital role in supporting Rice University’s growth and financial future by acquiring and managing key properties. Their portfolio includes iconic holdings such as Rice Village and Ion District—vibrant hubs that go beyond campus to connect the university with the wider community. These properties embody a blend of innovation, culture, and commerce, all while contributing to Rice’s mission of excellence.