Car Rental
 

My husband and I are doing a 12 day Road Trip from San Francisco to San Diego. Or plan was to pick up the car in the city so we would not have to waste time/money getting to SFO. We were thinking either Hertz Fishermans Wharf or National Union Square. I have read some not so good things about picking up a car in the city and there being a lack of fleet. Does anyone have any experience with this or advice on renting a car in SF? Or have a specific rental company recommendation?

Thanks!

We were in SF this past week for a night and then rented a car and drove to Sonoma area. We had no trouble with Hertz in Union Square. They were out of the car I had requested and upgraded us to a nice Cadillac SUV. It was a VERY quick transaction. I think we were in and out in a matter of minutes. We followed the directions on my phone for getting out and then back into the city and it was pretty easy.

We have used Dollar from both Fisherman's Wharf location and O'Farell Street offices. Never had a problem getting a car. They also did not charge a one way drop off fee. They often have city specials too.

You save a significant amount picking up in city vs. airport and then there is the cost of getting to airport.

I've never heard of reserving one in the city and not having it available. Your plan is good, and usually one way rentals are cheaper picking up in the city. You never know who will be cheaper, you just have to check. Is Hotwire now doing one way? If so, that could be your best bet, but probably way cheaper just a week ahead.

I, like DebitNM, have been pleased with Dollar (and it's sister--Thrifty).

HTtY

If they give you a crap car you could always stop at one of their airport locations and switch it out on the first day.
But San Francisco is not like some smaller city locations with small fleets of cars, rental in the city is pretty common there.

Renting in the city is great. But they actually can run out of cars at busy times or holidays so definitely pre- book.

I've never rented from your location, but I rent in NYC and other large cities and my experience will probably be relevant as renting from dense high population areas is pretty much the same.

I think for the most part, overbooking occurs. To maximize your chances of getting a car and one of your size preference, reserve and pick up the car <b>early in the morning</b>. Usually there are more cars in the morning. And lines are shorter. I've never been denied a car, but I have been forced to take something larger than I wanted, like a hybrid or an SUV instead of a midsize.

IME, Hertz is better than National, in service, choice, everything overall.

Also, airports charge captive fees. Although city rates are higher, so I guess that's a wash, but the trip to the airport is a big hassle.

<<<Also, airports charge captive fees. Although city rates are higher, so I guess that's a wash, but the trip to the airport is a big hassle.>>>

Actually, I don't think it's a wash here - everyone says it's much more expensive to rent at the airport than in the city because of the fees tacked onto airport rentals.

Plus the cost of transportation to and from the airport. And it can be real time suck. For instance train to airport and then rental bus to lot if you're not taking a cab.

I've picked up rental cars in SF, in the city, several times and never had a problem. I always select based on price among the major companies; to me, they're all the same in terms of service.

Have to watch out for the one way drop off fees; not all rental places waive them; it depends on the specific pickup and drop off locations.

I always start with www.carrentals.com, and see the rates for the various companies. Check the add on taxes and also - drop off charges.

http://exoticcars.enterprise.com/

Personally I wouldn't call these exotic, Ive seen nicer, but they are still okay if you're looking for cheap.

Or this, one of my faves http://carefreelifestyle.com/exotic-...FYFo4Aod3UIAig :D