Platinum - Is it worth it?
 

Hertz has a new deal (Well older deal by now but still has it around) to buy up to Platinum level benefits.

I am currently a Hertz 5-star and normally rent 8-20 times year for 1-4 nights at a time. I only rent prestiege vehicles. They indicated that with the platinum service you can book a full size and if they have prestiege avaliable (as they almost always do) they will upgrade you to the prestiege. How does this work if they meet you at the terminal? Do you have to call ahead to let them know which car you want? Is it in your profile or?

How much sucess have you had as a platinum?

Thank you!




Beyond personal vehicle delivery, the rich portfolio of platinum benefits also include:
• Guaranteed vehicle availability worldwide
• Guaranteed vehicle upgrades
• Personalized concierge service on every rental
• Private car service back to your departure terminal
• A four-hour grace period on your returns
• Complimentary #1 Club Platinum benefits for a spouse or domestic partner
• Exclusive savings on Hertz Prestige and Fun Collection vehicles
• Complimentary extras such as ski racks and child car seats

In recognition of your current membership status, we are offering you this luxury travel service at a reduced fee.

Current Membership Level Annual Membership Fee
President's Circle $1,200
Five Star $1,275
Gold $1,350
None $1,500

Not true. They do upgrade you, but it varies by location. In fact, it even states that the upgrade excludes Prestige vehicles, but again that varies by locations. Some are more apt to give you the best car on the lot. I've gotten everything from G37s to Muranos.


If you call ahead and request a non-prestige car, you will almost certainly get it. If you request a prestige... no guarentees.

Do a search. There was some talk when this offer was orginally offered (same time, last year). Also, read through the "upgrades" thread, there's plenty of info in there about Plat upgrades...good and bad.

To answer your more over-arching un-asked question of is it worth it... Since you already rent Prestige cars, your major benefits will be the pickup and drop off, which admittedly is great... I've also made bookings for my Dad, called ahead and mentioned that he'd be picking up the car, and he's received all Plat benefits (basically, using the 'spousal benefits') Also, I've used the 'guaranteed car' twice, and the 4 hour grace period a few times, but using those would vary person to person.

To the OP: only you can decide the "worth" of Platinum (or anything else for that matter ;)). If you only rent Prestige vehicles, then you're already getting the best of what's available. The terminal pick-up and drop-off option is great. As are guaranteed availability and the four-hour grace period on return -- how many times have you sweated over bringing back your car on-time after a business meeting that ran late and you might be hit for an extra day? There's some worth in that?
As suggested by THE Soni read through the threads on Platinum and car upgrades and decide what's best for you. I've been very happy with Platinum and most of the time (85%+) have received a great upgrade when renting full-size or the next one up.

IMO, it's worth it. For me, Going back to NYC as my home market killed me as far as rentals. none of the good Prestige codes worked and they charge alot for a rental as it is. I found myself 6 times this year paying for an upgrade from a F or L to a prestige or Corvette. Going through that made me realize I wanted the best car no matter what. I want to be able to book a F and get a pick of the lot(National has this but I prefer Hertz). Airport pickup and all the other perks are nice extras that I would appreciate greatly. on upgrades alone I've spent nearly $200. so for me, Platinum is not only worth it, but it's damn near essential. after spending a good part of the year picking UAPremExec's brain on how he likes Platinum. I for sure am certain I will upgrade to it. $1200 is a small price to pay for the rewards it comes with.

I'm intrigued enough to give the buy-up offer a shot.....does anyone know a number to call to accomplish this over the phone or is snail mail neccessary?

go to hertz.com, select special offers, click on #1 Gold, Select the Platinum Offer and proceed from there.

I guess the platinum offer is targeted because I don't see it on the offers page when I log in to Hertz.com.

Hertz #1 Club Platinum® -- Experience the utmost in luxury travel service

Our most prestigious level of service, never before offered for purchase, is now available to you through this special offer.

You'll receive the utmost in personal attention with benefits that include having your rental vehicle personally delivered to you at the airport terminal or waiting for you at most U.S. private jet terminals or rental locations.

Beyond personal vehicle delivery, the rich portfolio of platinum benefits also include:

* Guaranteed vehicle availability worldwide
* Guaranteed vehicle upgrades
* Personalized concierge service on every rental
* Private car service back to your departure terminal
* A four-hour grace period on your returns
* Complimentary #1 Club Platinum benefits for a spouse or domestic partner
* Exclusive savings on Hertz Prestige and Fun Collection vehicles
* Complimentary extras such as ski racks and child car seats

In recognition of your current membership status, we are offering you this luxury travel service at a reduced fee.

Current Membership Level Annual Membership Fee
President's Circle $1,200
Five Star $1,275
Gold $1,350
None $1,500

How to respond to this invitation:
To receive your exclusive Platinum member invitation, or if you require additional information, please call the Platinum service desk at 1-888-777-2400.

I didnt see it at first either, then I logged into my account now I can see it and I just registered with Hertz.

<shrug> Just checked again and no offer. :-(

Have you tried calling the number in DavidRS4's post? That is the same number that appears in everyone's 'offer'. I'd be surprised if they turned you down if you gave them a call. Good luck. :)

I really do not think that this offer is targeted. I have never rented from Hertz and I just signed up for the free #1Gold account and it was there.

Sign in...go to the links on the left "Special Offers"...go to the links on the top "#1 Club Gold"...then its down on the bottom right corner "Platinum Membership"

I just got Hertz to do a status match for me with Avis, so now I am Pres Cir. I am going to rent with Hertz on my next trip to see how the service is and if I am happy I will buy up to Platinum.

As a quick note to anyone thinking of applying. You should probably call them now and request your "invitation" now because it takes a week or 2 to get the invite then you have to MAIL it back in (so they told me).

All in, you're probably talking a 3 week lead time to sign up. I literally called them and said "listen, you can charge me card RIGHT NOW if you give me the service" and they wouldn't do it.

I said this in another post so if you re-read it then I'm sorry but bottom line is I don't think any of you should be purchasing Platinum. I believe all of you will regret it.

The reputation that Platinum service has was earned through exceptional service provided mostly to clients who were decision makers on $1m accounts. There were virtually no levels that Hertz would not reach to please these customers and profit was never the goal - just satisfaction. I don't see how it is possible for Hertz to even begin to match that level of service to customers who are paying $1200 for it.

I would save my money. I think this is a terrible idea from Hertz.

As crazy as this sounds considering the situation I'm in. I was going into 2010 wanting to upgrade to Platinum. The idea of reserving a full size (or in my case, the Lincoln) and being able to pretty much pick whatever prestige collection car available seems like it's worth it. But you do have the knowledge of it. What would make it not worth it as I'm guessing it's the concierge and pick up services that you are saying is not worth it.