Who would you choose...Alamo, Hertz or Avis???

[DisneyDeb83]

I have three reservations going for a 7 day trip mid September in a full size...Alamo at $150 with insiders and deal retriever, Hertz at $143 with AAA discount of $40 and Avis at $138. I can't decide who to go with!

We have always done Alamo and had good luck, but hate waiting at the counter. (we can't pre check in because of an issue with my husbands drivers license). I've read some bad reviews on Avis so they make me nervous, even though they are cheapest. And I've always stayed clear of Hertz because they were always so expensive. (I was surprised to find such a reasonable rate tonight!!).

Has anyone had major problems with Avis or Hertz? In past trips it always seems like Alamo has the longest lines, so I'm thinking of going with Hertz, hoping they are not crowded. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[lauradis]

Alamo just because i like them better

 

[joybeth]

Full disclosure....I have only used Alamo. The reason is that every time has been such a good experience I never even price anyone else. Maybe they are all similar, but I just have been really satisfied with Alamo. Quick and efficient to check in. Grab your car from the row and just take off. Easy check in and no surprises with the price. I have always been 100% satisfied.

 

[Southernswthrt]

We always use Alamo/National and the kiosks. But it doesn't sound like you are able to do so. I have also used Budget and they were fine.

 

[DisneyDeb83]

Unfortunately no kiosks for us. Our name starts with D'A... and my husbands license reads as if the D is his middle initial. So the actual license number reads as if his last name starts with D, but the name looks likes its starts with the A. The kiosks don't like it and reject it, though I suppose we could try early check in on the web, or maybe call on the phone. Or even better, go to DMV to get the license fixed! Curious to hear from Hertz users, aren't they kind of considered the premier car rental company?

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Just wanted to add: we are Alamo lovers but can use the kiosk with no problems. Once when Avis was cheapest we signed up for their frequent renter program but after reading the fine print realized that for the first visit, you still can't go straight to your vehicle. They have to verify DL, etc. Then on future visits, the renter's last name & parking spot # are posted on a big board so it's easy to just walk to the car.

We used Hertz last summer but it was in Seattle and not crowded at all. It was a tiny office that we had to take a shuttle to and no one else in line. I doubt that would be one's experience at MCO.

 

[Day-Day]

I'd go with Avis just because for the price difference since I see no advantage regarding check-in for any of the 3 in your situation. Award the company with the lower price unless there is distinct difference in quality.

 

[DisneyDeb83]

Thanks for the info. I think part of my indecision is that I have used Alamo for so long with no problems that I am afraid I will jinx myself by using someone else. But saving money is such a thrill. Twelve bucks could get me a nice treat in Disney!!

 

[gmeh1]

Unfortunately no kiosks for us. Our name starts with D'A... and my husbands license reads as if the D is his middle initial. So the actual license number reads as if his last name starts with D, but the name looks likes its starts with the A. The kiosks don't like it and reject it, though I suppose we could try early check in on the web, or maybe call on the phone. Or even better, go to DMV to get the license fixed! Curious to hear from Hertz users, aren't they kind of considered the premier car rental company?

You can add him at the exit booth. Use the kiosk or online and have him in the car with you. They will be happy to take care of him at the exit.
As to which one to select, they are all reliable rental companies. I prefer Alamo, cause I used to work for them.

 

[Greysword]

Of note:

Hertz is consistently voted the #1 rental company by business travelers (those who are on the road way too much). Sometimes, you get what you pay for.

Personally, I use Avis for our travel as I have found them very accommodating, solid customer service, and easy to obtain an upgrade with the base AvisPrefered membership.

Alamo is great, but National is better due to the Emerald Aisle. So in MCO if you are a *********** (or whatever it is now) member, you can't go to the aisle of your car class and just drive to the booth? Alternatively, can you go to the Alamo booth (instead of the counter) in the garage to sign in?

Good luck!

 

[DisneyDeb83]

Thanks for all the info. Decided to stick with Alamo, got the insiders rate and free upgrade to standard (full size) for seven days down to $143 tonight. I found I was able to pre check in and just pick a car and head for the booth. And it seems that Hertz picks your car for you??? Is this true, or I am misunderstanding their website? I like to choose my own, which tends to drive my husband nuts, as I usually end up looking at 3 or 4 cars before I can finally make a decision!

 

[mikehn]

I would go with the one with the shortest line.

 

[msjprincess]

I like Alamo because you can pick your won car. I'm not sure if you do that with Avis or Hertz.

 

[Day-Day]

Thanks for all the info. Decided to stick with Alamo, got the insiders rate and free upgrade to standard (full size) for seven days down to $143 tonight. I found I was able to pre check in and just pick a car and head for the booth. And it seems that Hertz picks your car for you??? Is this true, or I am misunderstanding their website? I like to choose my own, which tends to drive my husband nuts, as I usually end up looking at 3 or 4 cars before I can finally make a decision!

Being able to do the pre-check changes the whole equation.

 

[donnaf516]

We like being able to pick our car at Alamo. So far we've been lucky and have only had good experiences with them.