Originally Posted by
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I struggled to get taxis sometimes, as did staff at my hotel and also another that I used. I think it very much depends on time of day, how far you want to go etc. many 'available' taxis were refusing fares. Doorman at hotel seemed to indicate it was common.
The procedure for hotels fetching taxis on the fly consists of: 1) waiting for drop-offs and hoping those taxis will transport their guests; and 2) sending staff out onto the street to fight with everyone else who wants to leave the area.
#1 does not work very well during around shift change times. Meanwhile #2 is often a hopeless case. I used to work near the St. Regis, and learned that there was simply no point in standing in their queue during the afternoons. By strategically positioning myself on the street, I was usually able to succeed within 15 minutes, but struck out on numerous occasions, and didn't even try when it was raining.