Originally Posted by
huskyflyer
I am moving to NYC and I have been taking a look at the selections at JFK, EWR and LGA - they all seem similar. Is there a consensus on what branch is best for ES for local residents? Do NYC city branches often carry nice cars in their garages? I am trying to make a reservation and I noticed they only go up to Premium Cars (i.e. no Luxury cars or higher). I understand that the free EE upgrades just means I pay one class lower at the city branch, and it seems like there are no other benefits for renting in the city.
Quite honestly NYC garages (what's left of them anyway, *LOL*) are often hit or miss. Have always found airports (either LGA or EWR) have better options on average than Manhattan locations.
Garages in city don't have dedicated Emerald aisles nor other sections for EC members. Though have to say in > 20 years of renting with National locations in Manhattan do go out of their way for EC members to best of ability.
Manhattan real estate is expensive and National rents garage space, so for past almost decade or so they've kept less vehicles stored say overnight or whatever. Much excess is usually sent out of city to airport or other destinations.
If you have something specific in mind such as luxury, certain type of SUV or whatever then you're much better off most times going out to one of the airports. LGA is easily reached from Manhattan by mass transit or short taxi/uber ride.
One thing to look out for is one way rental ban. Sometimes airport locations will allow one way rentals (picking up at airport but dropping off in city), others they won't and system will reject any such reservations. Driving outside of city and dropping off in another state is not an issue.
One more thing to worry about is airport concession fee.
Even if you live in city both LGA and JFK will tack on concession fees reservation. In past if one could show proof didn't arrive by plane (which having a NYC address and NYS driver's license more than proved) mangers would remove said fee. That apparently no longer happens or may be very hit or miss (more miss than hit).
Thus, off the bat you're going to be paying more for a reservation than if vehicle was picked-up in city. Rates at airport locations nowadays are often same as city, at times maybe a bit lower depending upon demand but still.
Finally, city locations do not participate in any of the various coupons or promotions offered by National corporate. It has only been rather recently they began taking EC free day coupons. If you want to take advantage of promotions or special discounts you'll have to make reservation at airport location.