National MiniVan Rental Review

[KarenP99]

We returned this week from our stay at BCV. I joined the Emerald Club (thanks to Mousesavers), and reserved a Mini Van for the week ($202)

Our reservation was Emerald Reserve (since we booked a minivan, we pick from minivans rather than the aisle which are intermediates)

Upon arrival we went directly to the garage (the only downfall...after going down the elevator we had to go up another, Budget and Dollar are on the same level as the counters) Not a big deal, but with 3 kids, 2 strollers, 3 carseats and our luggage...

I went into the little kiosk she asked my my name or confirmation #. She told me to go to the minivan section and pick whichever van we wanted.

We got to the section, there wasn't a lot there (maybe 5). A few dodge caravans, venturas, buick Terrazas (sp). We picked a white buick Terraza. Nice van, very clean 12K miles, DVD player. We couldn't figure how/if the 2nd seats moved to get easier access to the 3rd row, but that was our only problem.

Drive to the exit, they took my license (gave it back) then we were off. My husband was driving and they did NOT want/need to see his license.

Upon return they just scanned the car & printed the receipt right there. No sweat.

I would have no problems renting from National again!

 

[KerriMc]

I didn't realize you could book a minivan using Emerald Reserve. I think I may look into this. I did book through National and my rate is $274, but I'm still checking to see if it will drop. Is there a fee to sign up for Emerald Reserve? Is it an annual fee?

Thanks for the review ...

Kerri

p.s. I have heard that sometimes there have been Toyota Siennas ... I guess you didn't see one of those? I haven't heard of a Terraza ... it is a new make by Buick isn't it?

 

[lawgs]

you can sign up free for Emerald Aisle Club although they say the cost is usually 50$ ( never heard of anyone ever paying that fee )

check out mousesavers....she may have a link to the website where you can sign up for FREE ( basically what happens when you do ....you provide them with your driver licence information along with your credit card information .....and any other service you want them to provide ) ....this is all stored in your profile which then makes checking out a much faster experience since they can pull the information up on the computer at the check out booth using your Emerald Club Number....

spouses are covered under this plan ...no extra fee for them as drivers

you do have to show your card, diriver licence and credit card at the check out booth...along with any other discount $$ coupons you may have....

from posts in other sections here about what is showing up on the aisle....it has been said that a fair number of vans and smaller suvs have been showing up on the aisle, although in policy there are only suppost to be mid size cars there...your mileage may vary ( but if they have them on the aisle you are getting a van for the mid size price )....if you really need van, that is what you should reserve through Emerald Reserve if you are a member

 

[KarenP99]

The membership is the Emerald Club. The reservations are either emerald aisle (intermediate reservations only), or Emerald Reserve. We were emerald reserve because we reserved a minivan (which is not intermediate).

I did not see any Siennas (that is what I was hoping for), but Terrzza was fine!

 

[MKCB]

Karenp99 or any others who have rented mini-vans from National lately.

Are the minivan "full size" ones or smaller ones ie. Grand Caravan vs Caravan. We need the extended cargo space of the Grand Caravan as we have 6 people with lots of luggage.

Are the Terrzza's the same size as the Grand Caravan?

Thanks.

 

[KarenP99]

It's been awhile since I've seen a grand caravan, but there was a good amount of space. We had 3 suitcases, DOUBLE stroller, 3 backpacks, umbrella stroller, 3 kids (in carseats) and two adults. We did have to put some stuff in the aisle, but it was fine.
ETA: We also had an 18"X18"X18" box that fit in the back (if that helps you with the measurements).

You might want to look up the owners manual online, we couldn't find a way to move the 2nd seats to get easier access to the last row. (and the manual was not in the car)

Good luck!