How is Alamo?

[mm42]

I've never had particularly good experiences with any of the tier-2 rental agencies (Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, etc.)

However, it does seem like most of the complaints about Alamo in this thread relate to the lines at the rental counter. Through Alamo QuickSilver, I have been able to bypass the lines when I have rented with them. Also, now they have a new QuickRent program which offers counter bypass without even joining a club.

--- Mark

 

[Sam60]

I rented through Alamo twice- never again!!! It brings a whole new meaning to the phrase "Remember the Alamo!" Horrible lines, pushy and rude employees, hidden charges, you name it, if it makes your trip unpleasant, Alamo delivers.

Personally, I LOVE Priceline, and use them for most of my travel reservations. But I won't use them for Orlando car rentals because one of their suppliers is Alamo. It just isn't worth taking the chance...

 

[cashmom]

My husband and I just rented a car with Alamo in Las Vegas. It was a terrible experience. Very long line at the counter. When I complained to the manager, he said they had run out of cars to give to people even though we had a reservation for a compact car. When we finally got outside to find our car, there were rows and rows of cars so I don't know what he was talking about.

Anyway, I had already reserved a car at National and a car at Alamo for our June trip to WDW. I told my husband as we were standing in the never-ending line at the Alamo rental counter in Vegas, I would never rent from Alamo again even if they are cheaper (which they are at MCO by about $25). After reading through these posts, I am more convinced than ever to cancel my Alamo reservation.

 

[kimbo]

NEVER AGAIN-
We waited almost two hours to pick up our car, and were treated rudely in the meantime. We've had good luck with Avis since.

 

[Beverly Lynn]

I have used alamo on many many occassions and like Gail I have never had any problems. and I have quicksilver and use that but when I went at 1130 am in the day on a fri afternoon last dec they had every agent on duty close to 12 of them. no lines at all. I used my quicksilver with my priceline rental and zoom right out of there. but I guess everyone has an off time with one company or another.

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Beverly

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Bev,
It seems that you and I never have any trouble while traveling. Do you ever wonder why?

Gail

Offsite - 88
CBR - 89 & 90
PO - 91
OKW-92,OKW-93,OKW-96, OKW-97 2X'S,OKW-98 2X's
OKW-99 2X'S,OKW-00 2X's OKW-01 1X
Jamaica-SandalsInn 98&00

 

[Lewisc]

Bev--I didn't realize you can use Quicksilver with Priceline reservations. Any trick or problems? I assume Hotwire would work the same.

Alamo may be better than it used to be, but it had a reputation (written up in magazines) of being too aggressive in trying to upsell car sizes, waivers and gas plans. I was told the economy car I reserved wasn't powerful enough to go on an interstate road and that (I was rented a car in Tampa and returning it Orlando) that I should prepay for the gas since there were no gas stations in Orlando. I laughed and disagreed, she said she meant there were no gas stations anywhere near the airport.
Since quicksilver by-passes the lines and rental agents I may give Alamo another look (although Dollar and National are very convenient being in the airport).

 

[Tense]

What a nightmare... Arrived at 12:00pm got to alamo at 1:00, the bus was full needed to wait for the 2nd bus... When we arrived my DH stayed with the kids 2 and 7 at the time, I went in to get my car. Not kidding... the were at least 75 people in line before me.... there I stood...and stood...1 hour later DH sends in DS to see what happened... Mom's in line... so to make this short... 4 hours later, and a downpour, and now late for our dinner resevations, I get to the front of the line. Only to find out they had no more cars... Want an upgrade for additional $$ extra insurance.... alot of you know WHAT!! The price was different... IT WAS AWFUL.... Never again.. NOT ALAM :mad

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Lewis,
Thanks to Bev's advice, I used the QS counter for my Priceline ressie. The actual kiosk will not work. I also had called Alamo to check on my ressie and to double check (not doubting Bev, but, making sure she did not just have a lucky day ). Sure enough, we could use either the QS counter or the express counter (which I never even looked for). Totally hassle free. No big sell for insurance, no more than a slight mention of upgrading (they were doing their job). We just waived the insurance, said no to the upgrade and were merrily on our way. From start to getting the car, no more than ten minutes.
Have never had a problem with Alamo (except in Tampa one time and that was resolved immediately), never had a hard sell for anything and have been upgraded at no charge too many times to count, especially since we joined QS.

Gail

Offsite - 88
CBR - 89 & 90
PO - 91
OKW-92,OKW-93,OKW-96, OKW-97 2X'S,OKW-98 2X's
OKW-99 2X'S,OKW-00 2X's OKW-01 1X
Jamaica-SandalsInn 98&00