Car service

Just Airports, Blackberry Cars and Parker Cars are all recommended on another travel forum:
https://www.blackberrycars.com/
http://www.parkercarservice.co.uk/

I’ve used Blackberry Cars a number of times, always on time or early. Clean newer vehicles, friendly and helpful drivers. Used them most recently this past September for London -Heathrow. Highly recommend.

Thank you both for the suggestions and recommendations. I am going to use Blackberry Cars. They seem reasonably priced and have gotten good reviews.
Erica

Could you please post the cost you're quoted? Always good to know :)
Thanks!
-Alison

Staying within this same topic, I paid 51.25 pounds for a car service on Sunday November 11th from my hotel in Croydon to Heathrow at 5:30AM. It was booked through MiniCabIt and then they transferred it to Britannia Airport Cars. My question is:

1. Are tips assumed to already be included in such pre-payments?
   1. If not, what would be a reasonable amount to tip?
   2. And should it be in pounds or is USD ok?

Thank you.
Dan

I was given a quote of £44 which apparently includes a parking and waiting fee. My hotel is near Victoria Station. Price depends on the post code your hotel is located in. As far as tip is concerned I cannot answer that. I guess I should think about that as well. I would give a tip in pounds not US dollars.
Erica

Tipping is so often discussed on this forum. Here is what the Rick Steves website says about taxi/car tipping in Europe:

For taxis, just round up to the next euro on the fare (to pay a €13 fare, give €14); for a long ride, to the nearest 10 (for a €76 fare, give €80). If the cabbie hauls your bags and zips you to the airport to help you catch your flight, you might want to toss in a little more. But if you feel like you're being driven in circles or otherwise ripped off, skip the tip

Your Blackberry quote was the same as mine, and that’s all you’ll pay, other than if you choose to add a tip à la Rick.. The LHR to London prices include the waiting/parking (this is common, as it may take you a long time to get through immigration) but your return to the airport won’t include that charge.

I’ve tried a variety of London car services over the years, and so far this one has offered a good price for very good service. I hope you have the same experience.

Many thanks for your replies!

Wow! Just love the info provided on Rick Steves' forums. In this particular case, had already received 3 quotes for car service. However, Blackberry Cars is better than others. Also, with back and forth email, very quick and informative.

Minicabit itself offers this advice relating to tips:

The price you pay online with us if full and final, however if you feel you have had a fantastic trip with your driver, you can offer them a cash tip or gratuity, it is also your choice on how much you would like to tip the driver for their service.

Note the word fantastic here. Not ordinary ...

Erica--- what did you choose, how was it and how much?

I just returned from London last night. We had a wonderful time and fell in love with the city. I used Blackberry Cars to pick us up from Heathrow and to return to Heathrow to depart. Pick up from Heathrow to hotel (postcode was SW1) was £45, which included their parking and any waiting. The trip back to Heathrow was £35. The company was quick to respond to emails and the quote they gave me was what I paid. No surprises. As soon as we landed I received a text and as soon as I reached the designated wait area the driver was already there holding a sign with my name on it. The driver was also on time to pick us up at hotel to go back to Heathrow and I also received an email when I confirmed the night before.
As a first timer in London and after a long flight from Arizona, we were not up to figuring out the tube or any public transport right upon landing and being exhausted. I may decide differently when we return and try the public transport from Heathrow. For us, it was worth the price and the company was fast and professional. I would use them again.