When it comes to hired transportation, nothing is as classy or luxurious as travelling by limousine. There really isn’t an event or occasion where a limousine is out of place. Whether it’s prom, a wedding, a corporate gala, or even just a special night on the town—a limousine is the ultimate way to get to and from your destination in style.
Never Booked A Limousine Before?
The important thing to consider is how to get the right limousine for your needs. It all depends on the type of event, how many passengers you will have, how long you will need it for and the distance you are traveling round trip. Most reputable limousine companies will go through a brief questionnaire asking similar questions so they can match you with vehicles that will best suit your needs.
The more detailed and prepared you are prior to booking a limousine, the better experience you will have and get more value out of it. However, what if you’ve never booked a limousine before and think it is outside most people’s budget? Not to worry, a limo is more affordable than you think. We have put together a quick guide for booking your first limousine without breaking the bank.
How To Find A Deal On Houston Limo Service
Decide What Type Of Event You Are Booking For
Not all limo service that Houston residents book is for parties or weddings. Sometimes it is for A to B transfers, airport pickups and drop-offs, or city tours. The more information you provide to the limo company you call the better they can tailor a price to your needs. Many limo companies even have special rates for airports and A to B transfers, so it never hurts to ask.
Decide What Date To Rent The Limo
Choosing when you are going to book a limo can have a significant impact on the rate for the limo service. Early summer is peak season for Houston limo service companies so the price is going to reflect that. If you can book before May or after June you can secure a more affordable rate. If your event does fall within the peak season, hopefully it is on a weekday. Sunday through Thursday bookings during any season are usually the days with the lowest rates and Friday bookings cost about 20% less than Saturday bookings. In addition to Fridays and Saturdays having the most expensive rates all season long, most Houston limo service companies have an hourly minimum on these two days.
How To Choose The Right Limousine Company
Use The Power Of The Internet
Let’s face it; the days of the yellow pages are dwindling off into the sunset. Google and other online search engines are the new and much more powerful way to find what you need. If you know what type of limo service you want, you could search something like “limo service Houston area” or “Houston limo service airports,” the more specific you are in your search the more accurate your results will be.
Get Several Quotes
Since you are looking for a deal, have your price range in mind and request quotes from three or four companies. Once you have all the quotes in front of you, compare what each offers, the pros and cons of each and then the next step is one of the most important.
Check Their Credentials And Reviews
With the companies you’ve narrowed it down to based on price, then you need to make sure each is properly insured, using certified and trained drivers, has an established business history and if they are a member of the National Limousine Association or not. You also want to know that their drivers regularly undergo special driving safety courses and have thorough background checks and drug testing. After all, you will be putting your life in their hands behind the wheel. Once everything checks out, check their reviews on websites such as Google, Yelp and others. No matter how good a limo company looks on their website, the real truth is found in the reviews.
Find Out What The Service Includes Or Excludes
With each company you contact make sure to ask important questions regarding terms of the service and included or excluded amenities and provisions. In order to avoid getting slapped with a higher bill; find out if there are charges for mileage and get a rate scale of those charges. Ask if beverages that may be in the limo are included or cost extra for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. You need to find out when the time you’ve paid for begins and if tip is included. If you forget which question to answer, just ask “Does this price cover everything?”
Ask About Payment Terms And Guarantees
A reputable limo company will typically ask for a deposit of 20% to 50% down at the time of booking—this is not unusual, but make sure you find out your options and obligations should you need to cancel. Also, if a company asks for more than 50% down that is a red flag and a sign to move on to the next option.
Make Sure They Have The Right Vehicle For You
Most Houston limo services have a fleet of either six, eight, or ten-passenger standard limos. If you need a bit more space there are stretch limos and party bus limos that can accommodate between 15 and twenty passengers. If you just have two passengers or just riding solo to the airport, you might want to save some money and book one of their luxury sedans instead, just as nice as a limo but you’re only paying for the space you need. Keep in mind, capacity numbers are a rough estimate and assume every passenger is average size. You should always book for a capacity of two more than you need to be comfortable. You will also want to consider extra features you want such as in-car entertainment systems, Wi-Fi or special sound systems.
Ready To Book Your Limo?
Now that you’ve been given a thorough guide to booking a limo that’s right for you and your event, get the best in limo service Houston has to offer. Excelsior is Houston’s premier destination management company and has an extensive fleet to suit all needs. We are insured above and beyond state minimums, our fleet is maintained and kept in top conditioned and our drivers are thoroughly feted. Whether your event is corporate, private party, or a tour of the city, you can rest assured Excelsior will have you in good hands. Contact us to book today!
