Benefits to booking airport transfers directly with hotel?
#46
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: OSL
Posts: 2,638
Like many here, I always book hotel cars coming off long-haul, except NY where I tend to use a limo company that I also use for work (no idea why NY is excepted). I have not really ever had to test the early check-in though I am soon to test it, once I was denied when arriving early. Especially in developing countries where cabs are usually not clean etc... What's the point in flying in business or first only to step off the plane to feel dirty. I also don't appreciate the haggling as I step off a 10-16 hour journey. Almost all other journeys done at destination is done in local transport unless I am covering a great distance (2 hours or more drive).
In Europe, off the Eurostar or s/h flights I am quite happy to just get a cab, or as quite often, a rental car.
In Europe, off the Eurostar or s/h flights I am quite happy to just get a cab, or as quite often, a rental car.
#48
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
Even if there is no wait involved, I still like it when the driver notifies the hotel of ETA, and then everyone is already waiting to greet me when I arrive. It is easier for the hotel to provide in room check in if they know exactly when you are arriving.
#49
I wonder if the people that say that they got a free upgrade would have gotten that anyway due to either status or travel agent booking. Furthermore, is checking in to the hotel from your room such a big deal? I can't say I've done it, but I can't imagine it would excite me that much. Shorter lines are better though .
#50
Last time I had check-in in the room was RC Penha Longa. We arrived with our rental car and while we had to drive 1 Minute from the gate to the entrance everything was ready and the staff waited for us. Same at Amangiri and they had no clue which time we will arrive.
So bottom line I agree Transfer booked by hotel can be very convenient, but not at every Price. I pay normally (excemption outside 1st world countries) max. 20 € more per way.
#51
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Dublin
Posts: 188
#52
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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#54
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1,361
Correct and I don´t say it´s not convenient. But for example in Florence it´s simply 170 € more per way and even if the cab was a Dacia Logan I found it kind of funny. Luxury cars I drive all the way. Check-in at deask was also fine.
So bottom line I agree Transfer booked by hotel can be very convenient, but not at every Price. .
So bottom line I agree Transfer booked by hotel can be very convenient, but not at every Price. .
In the case of truly remote hotels, such as the majority of the Amans, transfer is either complimentary or a very reasonable fee, so it becomes a simple decision to use them, vs explaining to someone exactly where it is, then sit there using your own phone to load Google Maps and help them get there. The only exception I can think of is Amanzoe, where it's a ~€450 transfer each way. We have used it, but on subsequent visits we rented a decent Mercedes for 4 nights which cost ~€200 including fuel.
Before we go on holiday we tend to stay at The Connaught over night and use their car service to go to the airport. When we come home we then stay the night and would have their car pick us up from the airport. However with Uber Lux being so good, we're paying almost 50% less and getting the same car and service.
I've been reading this thread since it started, but it seemed most apt to respond now, as I'm on the way to Dubai right now and several of the hotels have contacted me regarding fees for collecting us from specific places (I did not contact them). In every case I've found it's at least 5x cheaper for me to use Uber. The Armani Hotel wanted Ł160 to collect us from the airport whereas Etihad are taking us for free. Tough choice.
#55
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 676
I think China will depend on the city and personal safety can be a concern. Bangkok is easy though. Was on the board of a company there and used to do day trips there for board meetings. Much prefer taxi since they are readily available at the airport and you can get into the car right away as opposed to waiting at curbside wondering how long it will take for the hotel car to come around. Not even the over-priced airport taxi but the regular taxi on the ground floor. With APEC card, I can be in taxi within 20 mins of stepping off the plane. Very convenient and cheap!
#56
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 676
Well said, especially important when I travel with my kids these days
#57
I was referring to another poster talking about renting a car and driving self to the hotel and around . You couldn't pay me to drive in China!
About car service in Bangkok. The hotels I've done it with (MO, GH) have it waiting by the AOT cars and we just go. I'd say it would be on par with jumping in a taxi but taxis drive faster to the hotel.
About car service in Bangkok. The hotels I've done it with (MO, GH) have it waiting by the AOT cars and we just go. I'd say it would be on par with jumping in a taxi but taxis drive faster to the hotel.
I think China will depend on the city and personal safety can be a concern. Bangkok is easy though. Was on the board of a company there and used to do day trips there for board meetings. Much prefer taxi since they are readily available at the airport and you can get into the car right away as opposed to waiting at curbside wondering how long it will take for the hotel car to come around. Not even the over-priced airport taxi but the regular taxi on the ground floor. With APEC card, I can be in taxi within 20 mins of stepping off the plane. Very convenient and cheap!
#58
It appears that Forbes monitors this board for story ideas
http://www.forbes.com/sites/douggoll...g-a-hotel-car/
(And congrats to pricesquire on the press mention)
http://www.forbes.com/sites/douggoll...g-a-hotel-car/
(And congrats to pricesquire on the press mention)
#59
It appears that Forbes monitors this board for story ideas
http://www.forbes.com/sites/douggoll...g-a-hotel-car/
(And congrats to pricesquire on the press mention)
http://www.forbes.com/sites/douggoll...g-a-hotel-car/
(And congrats to pricesquire on the press mention)
At the hotels he managed, he says, the contracts he made with the car services he used mandated a greeter at either the gate or security, based on airport access policies, and that the car was curbside and ready when the guest exited the terminal. “Otherwise, you should just call Uber,” he says.
Congrats pricesquire!
#60
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 1,782