Good but got ripped off for insurance
Pros: Nice car, friendly service.
Cons: I took the insurance out suggested on the Kayak website only to find that when I got to the rental place, that insurance didn't cover any damage to others if I got in to an accident. I therefore had to take out another policy with Avis to cover me in case of that.
They didn't have the car I reserved so I ended up paying almost double
Pros: Close to Santa Monica Pier (10 blocks)
Cons: The car we reserved didn't exist so we had to pay almost double for an involuntary upgrade. We felt like we were, albeit mildly, swindled by the franchise.
Cons: Despite having a reservation they had no cars available whatsoever.
Eventually told me I could take the sports car since I was an hour late for work, but it would be an additional $20/day. Eventually they said they could remove the upcharge when I returned the car. Took over an hour to pick up the car. Dropped off on time, took over an hour to return the car. 1 employee on site and so many customers we all couldn't even fit in the lobby. Upcharge on car was remove, part of me feels this was only because of the insanely terrible service at pickup and drop off. Never again at this location.
Cheaper than the airport rentals
Pros: Pick-up and drop-off were easy. I was in & out each time. Prices were much better than anything at the airport. I took the #3 bus from the airport to the Santa Monica transit center and walked a few blocks. If you're looking to save money and have time (40-60 minutes), then I recommend doing the same.
Excellent value, great car
Pros: Much nicer than expected car, great price and convenience in both locations.
Cons: Pick up and drop off slower than ideal - each location had longish lines and could've used a second person at desk
Pros: Very quick turnaround to pick up vehicle
Cons: Parking lot too small. Difficult to drop off when someone else is leaving.
Premium (Buick LaCrosse or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type from Avis in Santa Monica.
Avis has 3 rental locations in Santa Monica. Take a look at our Avis rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
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