Lately I have begun to think that it might be nice to have a car and driver meet me before and after some of these major excursions I've been making. Sort of an occasional splurge.

Does anyone have experience with any of the limousine companies serving San Francisco and SFO? I took down some information from the big illuminated board down by the baggage carousels, but can't determine too much from the ads. Does anyone have first-hand experience with any of these companies, or know of any other reputable services? Thanks!


AAA Corporate Transportation
800-214-5466

Airport AM/PM
888-876-1701

City Limousine
800-956-5466
www.citylimosf.com

Falcon Transportation
800-990-4546

Consul Limo
650-837-9009

NLS - Nationwide Limousine Service
800-339-8936
www.nlslimo.com




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~ Friends don't let friends fly coach ~

I have relied on the concierge at the hotel where I will be staying to arrange for the limousine service. The top-tier hotels (in my experience) have always used excellent limo services.

I too have used concierges, including the Amex Centurion concierge. However I found that I get the best rates when I simply pick up the yellow pages, dial around and haggle a bit.

This is the only safe alternative - if you go it on your own, you risk getting someone cheap and still overpriced since the service will be unreliable or the car in bad shape.

My rule is to ALWAYS book my airport pickup via the hotel since they will always get someone to meet you, even the if the city is sold out. Plus, in most cases, they will ring the hotel before your arrival so that you can be met curb side and escorted right to your room -

What I will then do is get the name of the service from the driver and have my assistant arrange directly the use of the car that I need while in town - usually cheaper and they know the hotel anyway and the doormen know the drivers, etc. Basically, same service at a lower price.

Before booking your airport transfers through your hotel, and thinking you've done yourself a favor, please read this thread in the Starwood forum about the poor soul who let the hotel concierge arrange his ride to the airport and wound up paying $100 for a $25 journey.

Edited for punctuation.

[This message has been edited by Factotum (edited 12-31-2002).]

I once called Amex Platinum Concierge to ask about whether they could give me a deal on car service. The very honest gentleman at Amex said "Honestly, Sir, I don't recommend going through us if price is a concern." He went on to tell me that they use the most expensive services, and generally at a kickback-type rate.

When not using public transportation or arranging rides from friends/acquaintances (I hate airport parking, and I hate shuttle vans), I have had good luck negotiating with underworked cab drivers to provide meet-and-greet type service. Only works if you don't mind riding in a crappy cab (I don't). In my experience, dedicated sedan companies are overpriced and provide poor service -- the drivers have no stake in what they're doing (and have no economic reason to care).