Current advice or experiences on finding a cheap car rental in LV.
Thanks,
Rick(RI)

Rick,

Go to the car rental's web sites and look for internet specials.

I subscribe to America West's weekly on-line specials that they e-mail me every Wednesday. They have car rental specials on it.



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Jeff, Gambling Moderator
senatorjm@talkvegas.com

Rick, I've made the rounds with inexpensive rental cars, and it is my experience that it just isn't worth it.

I've found places that were $19/day and sometimes a few dollars cheaper. Then the drawbacks start playing out. They are off airport, so you have to call when you arrive, and they send out a car or van to pick you up. It's an unmarked car, because technically, it is illegal for them to provide airport service...I think. But when does they show up??? It can be very slow, because these places are very understaffed. Once they take you to their office, the paperwork is done maually with carbon paper, copy machines, etc., and is pretty time consuming. The person doing your paperwork is also answering phone calls, and being interrupted. Then it's another hassle to turn the car in, with the same understaffed, unorganized, manual process. And if you want to turn in the car anytime other than 9-5, forget it...the office is closed.

IMHO, if I can pay another $6 more and get dependable, efficient service from a major company through their rapid check in system, it's a much better deal.

There are a lot of little places on the strip that can beat the majors for price by about $5. I think the cheapest of the well known companies are Ugly Duckling and Practical. I use Alamo.

Rick, I agree with Joe that cheaper isn't always the way to go. I have waited in long lines and spent a lot of "vacation time" picking up and turning in a car.
I use Avis. They aren't the cheapest, but they are reasonable and very quick and efficient.
I have used Alamo and National in Las Vegas and found both to be very good also.

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John
Moderator Dining Forum
john@talkvegas.com

Does it still work out that it is cheaper to rent a car at one of the hotels instead of at the airport to save the airport tax? If anyone is still finding this to be true, what car rental companies are they, because I have not been having any luck.

For example, I just called Hertz, and their rate was only $7 cheaper for the week if I rent from their Harrah's location instead of the airport. Two phone calls later, and neither one could explain why only slightly cheaper.

I should have been more explicit. I was hoping that their was a code, etc. Friend of mine had a code for a group and got a 20% discount off the same comparison price he checked without the code.
I usually use Dollar at the airport. I find it saves 2 cab fares so it's a bargain on that end. Plus, my price checks prove them to be competitive. I find the Alamo shuttle can be a cattle car at times.
Rick(RI)

Rick, I use avis and their double upgrade that can be found in the entertainment books.

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larryinmi@home.com

Rick,
I usually ask for Sam's Club discount. It seems to be one of the better discounts. I have a membership but have never been asked to see it when picking a car up.

Another thing you might do is make a reservation then keep checking back the week before your trip. I've seen rates drop at the last mionute if they have a lot of cars.

jm

I use Hertz at Harrah's. They except AAA readily. No hard sell on the insurance at all. As a matter of fact the last rental the guy asked "you don't want the insurance...do you?" I don't know if it was maybe because of him remembering me or just the way he asks everyone?
I paid 137 for the week, mid-size Mazada 626 (which was smaller then I expected, but very nice inside) Had 1010 miles on it and non-smoking car. BTW 137 was with taxes. Late night drop box for returns too.
I use this because by taking a cab from the airport to my hotel then renting the next morning, shaves a days rental off my car on an 8 night stay, I only need a 7 day rental. Then drop it off early am. before we go to sleep before check-out in the after-noon.
The agents are helpful at the desk, are never rushed, and I've picked up my car a day early and a day last already and the great rate I've been quoted was still in effect. I've grown tired of the "your 2 hrs late and you lost your rate game" all the places seem to like to play!

V, Try calling back a couple of times to Hertz, you might be suprised to find you get a couple of differnt prices. Also, mention the entertainment book if all else fails. I've never been asked for a coupon when I pick up the car!




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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Lee: Good Hertz tips. Thanks!

Good idea..
What's confusing is:
For the period I'm their, they quote a weekly rate of $134 when I ask for quote on 7 day rental.
BUT, on a rental of 8 or more days, they quote a weekly of $99 plus $25 day.
Bottom line is why rent for 7 days at 134 when you can get 8 days at 99 + 25 = 124.

Rick(RI)
That's a pretty fantastic rate you got there buddy. what size car?
Most times it's the other way around on those rates though 134 + 59 for the extra day. Sounds to me like where ever your renting from is running some sort of promotion on more then a week rentals. I've often found that I can rent a car for a week cheaper then i can for 5 days. Go figure?
After we all figure this great debate out, lets try to figure out comp policies, hotel rate charts, and valet tip/to time waiting for your car ratio's and "why is my seat wet! LOL


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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

For what it's worth. I usually do all my booking through TravelOcity.
Air & Car (They do Hotel also, BUT not for free, which has been my current rate for the past 2 years)
If I don't do air through them, then it's because I got an Internet Special direct.
TRY THEM, You love it,
They find the cheapest flight regardless of date and let you work backwards from that point.
They also have FARE alert, tell them place and amount and they'll let You know when price hits.
Good Luck,,,,

[This message has been edited by Beth (edited December 01, 1999).]

Rick,
Most of us here already use them as one of our tools in finding the best fares. But thanks, just the same.


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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com