<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by carpeperdiem:
Carmel car service is just fine - post 9/11 there are many more drivers than passengers, so wait times are minimal (the way it works - you call them once you have your bags - they assign a car number and you meet them in passenger pickup area - typically 5 minutes or less.)
212-666-6666 or 800-9-CARMEL
Rates are typically $34 + toll/tip to or from EWR
The cars are OK. Some newer than others. The drivers are usually OK. Don't let them pressure you into paying cash, if you've pre-arranged credit card.
The reliability issue is a thing of the past -- i use these guys at least 3-4 times a week, and they've been extremely reliable over the past year. NEVER late for a city pickup and airport pickups are often a matter of weather and traffic... if it's raining and the terminals are all backed up - your driver can only go as fast as traffic will permit.
Also, EWR terminal C is much faster to navigate now... so that simplifies things.
Where you'll have problems: if you need a minivan - fuggetaboutit.... my "carmel is fine" statement only applies to sedans.
Book as early as practical, as they also have a recent policy where only a percentage of their cars are available at the $34 rate -- then if it's a real busy morning, and they "sell out" - the rate goes up... yield management in place for a car service... yeah....
Hope this helps.
cpd</font>
Carmel is the worst car service in NYC, avoid them at all costs. I have been left stranded at the airports with a confirmed reservation several times. The fact that they aren't busy because business has slacked off since 9/11 doesn't change the way the company is managed. They meet you outside the terminal entrance (charge extra to meet you inside)and always give you the excuse that the car was there and you weren't so they couldn't wait.