When it comes to celebratory events, arriving in a lavish limousine is the only way to make a memorable entrance. As well as ensuring that the journey to that big awards bash or gala dinner is an exciting one and providing space for you to pick up friends and other guests along the way, this spacious luxury car exudes style and opulence, and is guaranteed to turn heads whether you arrive early, or fashionably late.
Even so, it’s worth bearing in mind that not all limousines are created equal, and there are several things you should consider when looking to hire one for a special occasion or even purchase your own. From what you should expect to pay to those all important inclusions, we asked the experts at limousine-service.com, to share the key points to have on your radar when selecting the perfect limo for the job.
The cost of renting a car
It should be understood that prices are noticeably affected by the day of the week and the time of year. Thus, in many cities across the UK and Europe in particular, it is more expensive to enlist a chauffeur service in the summer, and in particular, on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s worth remembering that the delivery of your car to your chosen destination from the fleet is paid separately, although more often than not, this cost is included in the price of rent for every hour. Still, it is always wise to check, and to request a quote for the total amount you can expect to pay, including a breakdown, before making your decision.
Choosing a company that provides rental services, as opposed to an intermediary, will ensure that you get the best price. If you’re viewing the car before the big day, be sure to examine its interior and ask the driver about all details of the hire contract you’ll need to sign – for example, whether it is possible to take alcohol or food to treat friends on the journey to your special event, and anything else you may need to know in advance.
The rules
If you’re a smoker, or some of your guests are, then it’s worth enquiring in advance whether smoking is permitted in your hire vehicle. While some companies will allow this, others will strictly prohibit it – so it’s worth shopping around if this is something that could make or break the occasion. Some limousine services may sit somewhere in the middle, allowing passengers to smoke inside the vehicle provided they pay an additional fee. To avoid conflict with the hire company, be sure to iron these issues out beforehand to ensure that you’re both on the same page, and no doubt you’ll have a smooth and stress free trip.
While rules around smoking may vary, the good news is that the majority of limousine hire services will be happy to allow you to drink alcohol whilst on board, and many will even provide that champagne themselves. However, it’s important to note that some rental companies will be quick to add clean-up costs to your bill if you spill your drinks or make a mess, so be sure you’re travelling with responsible passengers and agree expectations with the hire company in advance.
Aside from on-board conduct, there are one or two additional points to bear in mind before making the final decision on which limousine hire company to go with. Should the unexpected happen and your car encounter a technical problem en route, you’ll want to ensure you’ve chosen a firm that respects and values its clients, and that will urgently provide another car of a higher class or the same to ensure you are not left high and dry. Should a firm’s terms and conditions stipulate that in such instances, they will offer a lesser model that could spoil the occasion, then it is best avoided.
The bottom line
When it comes to luxury limousine hire services, there are some excellent high-end options that are guaranteed to give you a night to remember. Nevertheless, it pays to do your homework first and iron out the finer details of what you’re getting before you splash the cash. Do so, and you’ll remove any uncertainty from the big day, leaving you free to enjoy your celebratory event in style.
