Alamo rental cars...any experiences in the last few months?

[nhrenee]

We usually use Avis but Alamo has a better rate by $35.
How convenient is it to get your car when you rent from Alamo?

TIA

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

You need to go to the counter and wait in line, like Avis, but, unlike Avis, you select your car and check out at a gate (like a parking garage fee taker booth). I would say, not a lot of difference between avis and alamo.

 

[Kimberle]

Ugghh!!

Our very first trip to FL, abt 10 years ago, dh & I had a car from Alamo. It took us at least *3* hours to get the very croweded cattle car shuttle bus over to their site, then stand in line before we got our car.

That was the last time we ever rented from Alamo!! Anywhere!! We'd gladly pay double for more convenience. Now, we rent from Heriz. Not the cheapest by any means, but the most convienent.

Maybe, hopefully, it's gotten better..........

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Kimberle
Ugghh!!

Our very first trip to FL, abt 10 years ago, dh & I had a car from Alamo. It took us at least *3* hours to get the very croweded cattle car shuttle bus over to their site, then stand in line before we got our car.

That was the last time we ever rented from Alamo!! Anywhere!! We'd gladly pay double for more convenience. Now, we rent from Heriz. Not the cheapest by any means, but the most convienent.

Maybe, hopefully, it's gotten better..........

They are now onsite and National and Alamo take care of each other's customers.

Hertz is offsite and requires a shuttle ride and their rates are way higher than Alamo or National, even with AAA.

 

[inkkognito]

We have used both Avis and Alamo several times via Priceline, and we last used Alamo just a few weeks ago. It's great to have them onsite, and if their counter is full and National is not, the National reps. will often wait on you (they'll call you over from the Alamo line). Previously, their cars seems to have a lot of miles, but lately they seem to be newer. We've never had a problem with any of the vehicles, and although I hate having to be in another line to leave the garage, we get there late at night so the line to leave is usually non existent (although one night it was loooong). We have been upgraded a few times when they have been out of our car class. Overall, they are fine if the price is right, and I'm sure we'll be using them again soon because with Priceline, it's almost always either them or Avis (with an occasional Hertz thrown in).
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[dcgrumpy]

We used Alamo on our last trip and are using them again next month. We were on line less than 5 minutes, walked across picked our car and drove right out, no line in front of us. With two kids, carseats, stroller and luggage, I refuse to rent offsite, too much of a hassle.

 

[nhrenee]

Thanks for the responses everyone!

 

[Kevenswife2]

Before you go through Alamo's site, try www.rentacar-usa.com. I just got a great rate (over half what Alamo wanted through their site) and the car is from Alamo. Nova rentacar is based in Ireland so I guess they cater to foreign travelers, but we can use them too. The price quote they give you over the internet is good for 14 days, so you can continue to shop other's rates. And, even though most people with car insurance don't need it, insurance on the rental car IS included in the fantastic rate they give you. No hidden fees or surprises either. They do want 15% up front.

Through Alamo my price was $627.38 ESTIMATED RATE (possible hidden charges). Through Nova it was $294.10, FINAL RATE. That's for 10 days starting on Thanksgiving day!

I read about this website on MouseSavers.

 

[nhrenee]

Thanks Kevin's wife but their price was higher than Alamo's.