Can anyone suggest a car rental firm at Heathrow that they've had good luck with? The reviews of every major firm have so many horror stories, I don't know which to pick. Easy access would also be nice!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
Go with whichever one gives you the best price - they are all about the same as far as service and access. The earlier you book the better deal you will get, generally, so shop around now.
Posted by
washington
837 posts
Sherry, we used Enterprise in 2006. They were FABULOUS. Loaned us a Michelin spiral map book which was invaluable. We stayed at a hotel the night before our departure but wanted to return the car the evening prior to departure. They were kind enough to permit us to return the car and return the next morning for shuttle to the terminal. The agency was right behind the hotel parking lot. There is a gate which the Enterprise people said is never locked. The morning of departure, we walked across the hotel parking lot, through the gate to Enterprise, and on their shuttle to the terminal. Cost was also much lower than any of their competitors. Also, got an automatic. Have never been happier with a car rental and am only unhappy that they do not operate on the continent.
Posted by
OP
Bloomingon, IL
18 posts
David thanks so much! I'd just about decided on Enterprise anyway and your post made up my mind. We get a good corporate discount so it makes sense. What hotel was it that adjoined their lot? Sounds like a really slick plan!
Posted by
washington
837 posts
I believe that it was the Premier Travel Inn. Very nice, reasonable rate, large room, elegant lobby.
Posted by
Waterford
53 posts
Sherry,
Just a word of caution on renting a car at Heathrow--the drive away from the airport can really be "hairy"!! I would suggest taking a train/bus out away from Heathrow--to a small city in your first direction and renting there. I know of one lady who rented a car and could not get herself out of the airport--ended up getting back to the rental place and turning in her car!!
Posted by
OP
Bloomingon, IL
18 posts
Thanks for the tip about the airport but my hubby drove on the left in Ireland three years ago and he did great - we'll get out onto smaller roads as quickly as we can. May take GPS, haven't decided yet - didn't use it in Ireland and the OS maps were plenty to get us all around the country.
Posted by
washington
837 posts
Sherry, don't worry about getting OUT of the airport. The Enterprise people will give you easy to follow directions. However, getting back is another issue. Try to take careful notes when leaving to assist getting back. GPS will probably help a lot. I recall that we had problems because we went the wrong direction on the right road.