My Report on MCO Hertz

[inkkognito]

Just got back from a quick weekend in Orlando...since fellow DISers were kind enough to answer my queries about Hertz when I got them via Priceline, I'd like to return the favor by sharing a report on my experience. Normally, I prefer a towncar, but when we do a trip where we plan to just bum around town, we get a cheapie vehicle via Priceline. This was the first time I'd gotten Hertz (which requires a shuttle bus ride) after being spoiled by on-site Avis and Alamo. Usually I hate shuttle buses, so I was a little leery. We arrive at MCO after midnight, and there were two shuttle buses outside waiting. We climbed on, and the friendly and helpful driver asked where we were going and hgave us a map with directions to our hotel (much easier than the ones I'd gotten via Mapquest). A few minutes later, another couple boarded and we headed off.
The Hertz lot is just past the MCO hotels where we usually stay before our Disney cruises, about a 5 to 10 min. drive. Since it was so late, the counter wasn't very crowded so we only waited a few minutes. The paperwork was simple, and although they asked if I wanted to purchase insurance, an upgrade, or the gas option, they didn't do a hard sell. Best of all, they upgraded our vehicle for free! We had booked an economy car, and they have as a RAV4! It was a GREAT vehicle.
When we got to the hotel, we noticed a pretty bad dent in the upper part of one of the doors, so we called the next morning to let Hertz know so we wouldn't be blamed. They were rather clueless on the phone, but it wasn't a problem when we returned it. The return was really fast, and we waited maybe 5 minutes for a bus to go back to the airport. All in all, a painless experience. I prefer Avis because they are on-site, but for the right price I would definitely do Hertz again.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[safetymom]

Glad to hear you had a positive experience with Hertz. They do have several programs you can sign up for that allow you to bypass the counter.

 

[inkkognito]

Safetymom,
We saw the members of their club who were able to go directly to their cars for pickup. I was planning to join, but since we were getting in so late, we figured the lines would be almost non-existent. It looked nice and simple...the other couple on the bus were members, so they got off at the first stop and their car was marked on a big board. If we get Hertz again via Priceline, I will definitely go that route. But even with the counter stop, they were quick (and they really scored lots of brownie points with me by giving me the RAV 4...I own an Aztek, so I hate driving tiny economy vehicles).
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by inkkognito
Safetymom,
We saw the members of their club who were able to go directly to their cars for pickup. I was planning to join, but since we were getting in so late, we figured the lines would be almost non-existent. It looked nice and simple...the other couple on the bus were members, so they got off at the first stop and their car was marked on a big board. If we get Hertz again via Priceline, I will definitely go that route. But even with the counter stop, they were quick (and they really scored lots of brownie points with me by giving me the RAV 4...I own an Aztek, so I hate driving tiny economy vehicles).
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

Unfortunately with a Priceline rental you don't get to enjoy all those "by pass the counter" perqs.

 

[inkkognito]

Thanks, Gail...I should have realized that, since the same is true of my Marriott Rewards membership. No perks even tho' we usually end up at the MCO Marriott via Priceline before our cruises.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com