madameX

To the point: does anyone have a good recommendation for a chauffer/limo/driver between White Plains, NY and Broadway in the Manhattan theater district?

Background: I grew up in White Plains, a suburb just north of New York City, and the parents still live there. I've purchased tickets for a Broadway play ("La Bete") and want to hire a driver to take us (me, my senior citizen parents, and another sister.) While I've visited WP and NYC numerous times before, the parents are at an age where it is useful to book a driver/limo/taxi/chauffer to drive us. (Yes, we usually drove in in the past, but I am at a point in life where I can spring for a driver service, and this is much easier on the parents was walkig long distances pose problems for them -- age 91.) Money is not the issue, but I appreciate good value as long as it is reliable -- reliability is most important. Given the mobility issue with the parents, the service needs to be door-to-theater and return.

Do Fodorites have any recommendations for a car service? I can find a few taxi and chauffer services through the internet, but I value the opinions of Fodorites.

In advance, thanks!

nytraveler

When heading out to the airports on our own we generally use Dial 7 - or Carmel as an alternate. Both are very large sedan services (not limo services - which would be more). I have always found them to be reliable - but they are not deluxe. (Note: if the weather is very bad they can have delays. As you get closer if you see there will be bad weather than have the car wait for you the whole time to be sure of getting one exactly when the theater breaks.)

We have a corporate service that is more expensive (Big Apple) with cars that are a little more upscale and drivers in uniform if that matters to you.

You will need to arrange both trips in advance - don;t have the driver wait unless bad weather demands it - or it will cost a fortune.

DebitNM

Choosing a limo or car service based in the city will entail 4 trips by the car [NYC to WP; WP to NYC with the poster and family; NYC back to WP to drop off the folks and then WP back to base in NYC]. That surely has to cost way more than finding a Westchester based service.

I used car services to get from Westchester to airports many time when I lived in NY. Unfortunately, I can't recall name of company I used; it's been several years.

Googling Westchester Limo service, I came up with several. Hopefully so Westchester folks will reply.

seetheworld

We've used Flagstar for both business and personal town car transportation (although once, when the SUV wasn't available, they sent a limo -- the kids liked that, lol). They have always been reliable - not so sure on the value part. Call for a quote (ask for Liz).

FLAGSTAR LIMOUSINE
"THE ULTIMATE IN PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION"
360 Connecticut Ave # 299
Norwalk, CT 06854
203.852.6900 Phone
866.365.4667
203.854.4536 Fax

DebitNM

thanks, stw

DebitNM

Just talked to a dear friend in Westchester; they use Yorkies Limo on a regular basis and are very pleased with their service. They found their prices to be much better than other services. Hope this helps.

http://www.yorkieslimo.com/

nytraveler

Double check the services listed. If they serve an area they typically don;t charge you to get there to pick you up. I have taken Dial 7 from Long Island to NYC and they don't charge for their empty trip out to LI - just for the trip back when you are in their car.

If you are coming from beyond their normal service area - as in Philly they may add a premium for travel both ways - but don;t assume they will do it for Westchester without asking - although it may depend on how far north you are.

madameX

Thanks very much all around. These responses have given me some good options.

I should also have been clearer - we will all originate in White Plains at the parents' home, go to the play, and return to White Plains. As some noted, we sort of assumed that a WP or Westcheser-based service would be best, but you never know the options.

Also: I will also call the the concierge service at a hotel/conference center that the family uses for its health club facilities. They may also have a trusted service.

I should also mention: we will be happy with a large-ish sedan rather than a limo. We are 4 people, and know that will mean that some smaller cars will be out.

Yes, we assumed that the driver will not wait for us, but we should reserve a pick-up time at both ends.

'Should also mention: we used to use a service that was a small business man with a few drivers, but the owner moved to a different state and disbanded the local business. We used him for the L.I. airports and Manhattan theater, and miss his service.

I'll remember to report back on the service.

madameX

'Just reporting back --

We used Yorkie's Limo for a round trip from White Plains to Broadway in Manhattan, and were very pleased.

Communication was excellent; price very competitive; the driver was nicely dressed and with exellent manners, and very helpful; spotless town car; arrangements prompt and on time; accurate billing; couldn't ask for more.

To mention some details: this trip included my senior-citizen parents who are always very cautious about being on time, allowing for time to not be late to the theater, etc. and etc. 'No problem when we asked Yorkie's to come somewhat earlier after iniital arrangements were made. Of course, we had plenty of time when we went to the theater, so we located the theater to make sure the driver knew wehre to pick us up, but then had him drop us at a nearby cafe for a snack before curtain time (easy walk.) The trip also required the portable wheelchair we have for Mom to get around more easily, and the driver was always very helpful loading and unloading that. His manners could not have been kinder toward my parents who are a little slower-momving and their own needs. Pick-up after the theater was very prompt (we were in cellphone contact.)

(Yes, we gave the driver an additional tip.)

I should mention that the driver was not in a jacket and tie as some car services are, but he was dressed in a very nice business-casual outfit. If that matters to you... but he appearance was very nice.

Once in White Plains, I also noted that Big Apple and Maxi are car services that are also well thought of, and would think about them if Yorkie was not available for some reason, but I'd call Yorkie's first again.

DebitNM

Glad my suggestion worked for you, my friends really like them as well.