I was given a smaller car than the one I reserved. Don’t fall into the same trap, it feels like this maybe a standard ploy. It was too small for the number of passengers and bags but when I returned to the Alamo desk it had closed for the night so we had an extremely uncomfortable 2 hour journey. The Alamo staff at the desk had tried to make out that the car I was given was the same size by showing me a picture on a screen - in reality it was considerably smaller and it was dishonest of them to suggest that it was an appropriate alternative for the car I reserved. My booking was for a Renault Espace or equivalent; the car provided was an Opel Grandland with a luggage capacity of 1624 litres versus 2224 litres for the espace. Worse was to follow. When I tried to phone the Zurich airport Alamo office using any of the numbers provided or available online, there was no answer, simply an automated message saying no agents were available. I emailed and raised ticket enquiries through the website which were finally answered 3 days later and when I ended up physically returning the car for a larger one the correct size (a 4 hour round trip) the customer service agent was surly, telling me that she had served me originally and that I had agreed to take the car she offered. A truly appalling experience but must shocking of all is the lack of contact ability post hire and the sheer rudeness / lack of apology from the staff. Awful.
the time taken to check in and get the car was very long as there was only one person there to help. otherwise everything was excellent
the staff were great. we had 6 people and the 7- passenger Renault Espace we had was not very comfortable and had odd controls. the third row seating was only for children and difficult to get into. when you stopped, the driver seat moved back to aid exit, but that crushed the person sitting behind the driver. the shift stalk was too near two other stalks on the right of the steering wheel. too many controls were on the center screen, so difficult to figure out while driving. the espace hybrid, however, was very economical. a vw minivan would have been far more comfortable! (we rode in one) - same length, but taller, so more space.
Had to wait for over 30 minutes even though we had confirmed reservation.
How can any words describe the experience I received??? Online the quote I agreed was £330 for 5 nights hire of a mini convertible. On the day I arrived I was told this figure was not correct and I should now pay £400 plus an additional £135 for insurance. Ok insurance fair enough, it’s high but it’s still a choice, but why the additional £70 above quoted price, which by the way stated includes ALL fees! However it get far worse, on the final day our flight was cancelled so I emailed asking to extended my booking 1 day… A new invoice arrives… £780!!! So what started at £330 ended up at £780… take off the £135 for insurance that’s an un-expected increase of £315 for an additional days hire… Oh and what did the advisor say at the airport… ‘Welcome to Switzerland, get used to it!’ Complaint raised, but of course no response…
It was great, easy pick up and easy drop off.
