Avis Car Rental Gilford, NH: Airport & Local Vehicle Hire for the Lakes Region

Avis Car Rental Photos

Avis Car Rental Introduce

Introduction / Overview

For residents and visitors traveling through the heart of New Hampshire’s picturesque Lakes Region, reliable transportation is key to exploring the vast natural beauty, from Lake Winnipesaukee to the White Mountains. Avis Car Rental, conveniently located at the Laconia Airport (LCI) in Gilford, NH, serves as a primary gateway for travelers and a crucial local resource for temporary vehicle needs. As a well-established and globally recognized car rental agency, Avis provides a wide selection of vehicles designed to suit the diverse travel requirements of the New Hampshire community.

The Gilford branch specializes in both car and van rental services, making it an essential option whether you are flying into the area, need a replacement vehicle while yours is in the shop, or are planning a group outing to one of New Hampshire's many recreational spots. Being situated at the airport, the location offers seamless 'onsite services' which means less hassle for those arriving or departing via air travel. While Avis is known for its wide fleet and comprehensive booking options, local users should be aware that this specific branch operates as a satellite office, which sometimes means that broader corporate policies, especially regarding prepaid reservation changes, can be rigid. Customers are encouraged to thoroughly review all terms, particularly those relating to 'Pay Now' discounts, to avoid unexpected complications, as noted in general company feedback regarding prepayment policies.

However, the availability of vehicles right at the Laconia Airport gives local users a professional and dependable option for short-term or long-term vehicle hire. The core service remains focused on providing quality, well-maintained vehicles to ensure your journey across the Granite State is comfortable and safe.

Location and Accessibility

The Avis Car Rental location is strategically positioned at 65 Aviation Dr, Gilford, NH 03249, USA, which is the address for the Laconia Airport (LCI). This location is ideal for those flying in for business or leisure in the Lakes Region, offering immediate access to a rental vehicle upon landing. For local customers, its proximity to major routes connecting Gilford, Laconia, Meredith, and the surrounding towns makes it easily reachable by car.

As an 'onsite service' provider at the airport, the branch benefits from being easy to locate once on airport property, though users should be cautious with general map applications which may not precisely pinpoint the rental counter within the complex, a point raised by past customers. In terms of physical accessibility, the Gilford Avis is committed to accommodating all customers. Key accessibility features include:

Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Ensuring smooth entry and exit for all customers.
Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Dedicated parking spaces to facilitate ease of access upon arrival and departure.

Additionally, the location provides convenient on-site parking for customers needing to leave their personal vehicle while renting. This blend of accessible location and on-site services makes Avis a highly practical choice for travelers in the Lakes Region.

Services Offered

Avis Car Rental in Gilford is a full-service car and van rental agency, offering a fleet designed to handle everything from New Hampshire's scenic drives to its unpredictable weather and varied group transportation needs.

Diverse Car Fleet: This includes economical compact cars for budget-conscious travel, standard sedans for business or family use, SUVs for navigating snowy or unpaved New Hampshire roads, and premium/luxury vehicles for an enhanced experience.
Van Rental Options: Catering to group travel, the location often stocks minivans (7- and 8-passenger) for families, as well as larger 12- and 15-passenger vans (subject to availability and policy) for sports teams, event transportation, or large tour groups exploring the state.
One-Way Rentals: The ability to pick up in Gilford and drop off at other Avis locations nationally or even regionally, providing maximum itinerary flexibility for road trips or moving needs.
Short-Term and Long-Term Rentals: Offering flexible booking for single-day rentals all the way up to monthly and long-term contracts for extended stays in the Lakes Region.
Optional Rental Products: Customers can choose from add-ons like GPS navigation, child safety seats (available for rent), and electronic toll payment systems (e-Toll) which are highly beneficial for traversing New Hampshire's turnpikes and connecting to surrounding states like Massachusetts and Maine.
Fuel Options: Providing multiple choices for paying for fuel, including pre-pay options or allowing Avis to refill the tank upon return (with associated fees), offering flexibility based on travel plans.

Features / Highlights

Beyond its standard offerings, the Avis location in Gilford provides specific features that enhance the rental experience for local New Hampshire users:

Active Military Discounts: Avis offers significant savings, including up to 35% off 'Pay Now' rates, for active-duty U.S. military, veterans, National Guard, Reservists, and their immediate families, typically through enrollment in partner programs like WeSalute+. This is a valuable feature for the large military community across New Hampshire.
On-Site Airport Service (LCI): Its location at the Laconia Airport/Sky Bright FBO means convenient, immediate access to vehicles for air travelers, bypassing the need for separate transportation to an off-site location.
Accessible Facilities: The provision of a wheelchair accessible entrance and a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot ensures that all customers, regardless of mobility, have equal access to services.
Avis Preferred Program: A free loyalty program that allows members to bypass the counter at many locations, choose their vehicle, earn points for free rentals and upgrades, and generally speed up the rental process—a great time-saver for frequent travelers.
Flexible Payment Acceptance: Accepts major Credit Cards and Debit Cards for booking and payment, providing multiple options for customers to secure their rental.

Contact Information

To make a reservation, inquire about a vehicle, or get assistance with a current rental, please use the following contact information for the Avis Car Rental location in Gilford, NH:

Address: 65 Aviation Dr, Gilford, NH 03249, USA
Phone: (603) 524-0044
Mobile Phone: +1 603-524-0044

It is important for local customers to note that calls to the listed phone numbers for a satellite office, especially when outside of typical operating hours, may be routed to the national 1-800 customer service number. Direct communication with the local staff upon arrival is typically recommended for site-specific questions.

What is worth choosing

The Avis Car Rental location in Gilford, NH, is an excellent choice for a broad range of New Hampshire users, particularly those seeking the convenience of an airport counter or needing a vehicle capable of handling the diverse terrain and weather of the Lakes Region. Choosing this specific Avis location offers the assurance of a large, diverse fleet from a global brand, ready to meet needs from a quick business trip to a full family vacation. The presence of significant features like the Active Military Discount is a clear benefit to a large segment of the population.

However, the primary reason to select this branch is its sheer convenience as the on-site car rental provider at Laconia Airport. For visitors, this streamlines the arrival process, and for local residents, it provides a stable, professional base for reserving specialty vehicles, such as passenger vans for group events or SUVs for a winter excursion up North. While some customers have reported challenges with corporate policies, particularly the strict nature of 'Pay Now' reservations and early returns, these are standard corporate procedures, and informed customers who review the terms can mitigate potential issues. In essence, the Avis Gilford location provides the stability, vehicle choice, and professional service required to successfully navigate the beautiful Granite State.

Avis Car Rental Details

Service options
Onsite services

Highlights
Active military discounts

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards

Parking
On-site parking

Avis Car Rental Location

Avis Car Rental

New Hampshire Belknap County Gilford Aviation Drive

65 Aviation Dr, Gilford, NH 03249, USA

Avis Car Rental Reviews

An average rating of ★2.6 from 19 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

This review is both for Avis Car Rental Company in general, and this location.Do. Not. Rent. From. This. Company.I have never rented through Avis before and I never will again. When booking I was looking to rent for two and a half weeks as my new vehicle was in transit to the dealership and I had just sold my other one. I compared prices and noticed that I could get a larger SUV with a "pay now" discount for the same price as a sedan at Enterprise so I decided to go with Avis.I went to the pickup location, which was not correct in maps and resulted in me going to an unrelated business first. I attempted to call them prior to pick up to ask a question and the phone number that was listed actually just goes to Avis' 1-800 number. The staff informed me that they do not have a phone number there. When I arrived, they explained they gave me the paperwork and said "initial here, here, here, and here". They did not once explain or read any policies to me, review the vehicle or do any kind of walk through. They just handed me the keys and sent me on my way. While walking out, my husband and I were discussing bringing it back early if my new vehicle arrived earlier than expected and the staff explained that if I did prepay, I would not receive a refund for the days not used, and that they could not doing anything about it because they were a satellite office and I would have to "take it up with Avis", which I was news to me. I went outside and did a walk through by myself and took pictures of the condition of the vehicle prior to leaving. I immediately knew the vehicle had previously been smoked in more than once. I am highly allergic to cigarette smoke and instantly got a sore throat and a headache. I've spent the last 3 days trying to get the smoke smell out and think it's finally remediated.Fortunately, my new vehicle has arrived early and therefore I do not need the vehicle for as long as I reserved it for. I changed my reservation to end earlier than I had originally booked for. I noticed there was a negative number and assumed since they let me change the date, that I would be getting a refund. I called to see how that process works and was told that per the policy, I would not be getting a refund.They offer a "pay now" discount which is where my problem therein lies. Apparently, with this discount, there is a policy that you will not get a return for any vehicles that you return earlier than you rented for, which is very much in the "fine print" and not explicit to customers. I (wrongly) assumed that the pay now discount was due to committing to and paying for it prior to picking up the vehicle, not that changes to the reservation would not result in a refund.I explained to them multiple times that my problem was not with the policy itself, but the manipulation used by not making it explicit what the policy is at the time of booking, and the failure of the staff to review these policies. I rented cars MULTIPLE times and did not expect there to be any out of the ordinary policies as there wasn't a review of ANY policies, not even the standard "do not smoke in this vehicle". I spoke to a standard customer service representative and requested escalation to a supervisor. The customer service representative was not help but not surprising for tier 1 customer service (I have worked in customer service myself, as tier 1 support, and understand the hierarchy). The supervisor was very rude and combative. I'm sure she would say the same about me however, this situation does not sit right with me as they are manipulating and taking advantage of their customers. Being discrete about their policies, the failure of the staff at the pickup/drop off location and their inability to compromise at all is unacceptable. Not that it should make a difference, but I do believe that their customer service is outsourced to a third party company and therefore, you are not getting customer service from the company itself. I will not be renting from them ever again and would highly advise everyone to avoid renting from them as well.
Apr 10, 2025 · Janell Hutchins
99% of this review is for Avis in general. The gentleman that helped at the airport did what he could. But Avis can definitely have marital relations with a rusty rake. I booked it online, was charged online, then charged again when I picked up the car. Called customer service and said the second charge would be refunded. Surprise surprise, it was not. Called customer service again and she apparently has to escalate the issue. So now I have to contact customer service, AGAIN, with the same details I just provided and hopefully wait 3-5 business days to get my money back. First time using Avis, last time using Avis.
Oct 13, 2023 · Allan
As with the MANY other negative reviews - the young guy working there (he never told me his name) was atrocious. He was rude, and didn’t explain anything to me. He gave me a quote over the phone that was considerably lower than the amount he told me about (over $300 more) once I arrived that included the insurance. He wouldn’t describe what the insurance covered and seemed highly inconvenienced even had to talk to me about it. He didn’t explain to me where the car was parked, so I had to hunt it down in the dark. I reserved the rental for a week, but was able to return it after two days, due to having my personal vehicle repaired faster than anticipated. I called up the same young guy at Avis, and he proceeded to tell me that it might be cheaper for me to keep the rental for the entire week, as I would be billed at the daily rate if I returned it early. He wouldn’t provided me with the cost difference, so I had to figure it out on my own. The rental was also for “unlimited mileage.” When I returned, I was ordered to go obtain the mileage from the vehicle by the same young employee… even though I had unlimited mileage. Probably his job, not mine. It would’ve been nice to have some advance notice that I would need to obtain the mileage. Even after returning the car, he wouldn’t explain to me how much I would be charged. There was an $850 hold put on my credit card from when I initially rented the vehicle. I told him that couldn’t leave until I knew how much I would be paying. He seemed highly inconvenienced and took some time to punch up a receipt before tossing it to me without saying anything. This was probably the worst customer experience that I’ve had at any business for as far back as I can recall. I was perfectly courteous and polite with this guy, but he was a jerk. Based on the other terrible reviews, maybe you should actually consider taking some action on dealing with this problem employee who clearly hates his job and despises working with the public. Also, in addition to this abysmal customer service, the business model of Avis seems to be to predatorily extract as much money out of their customers as possible. I’m going to see if there is a more formal corporate complaint process (since none of these reviews seem to impact your customers experience improving) and take the time to explain my frustrations. Also, it’s odd to me that Avis charges such a massive amount for hazard insurance and that it seems to be tax-free revenue due to it being an insurance fee. Maybe something for a federal regulatory authority to look into. I would rather run everywhere like Forest Gump than use this rental service again. I’m looking forward to my token empty corporate response and continued lack of action.
Nov 13, 2022 · raul williams
Open when other rental spots were closed, really helped us out of a bind when our car broke down in Laconia. They were able to get us set up on short notice (20 mins before closing) and rented us a nice car that was a current model. Interior was clean, barely any miles on the vehicle, and it was up-to-date with a computerized interface (which took some getting used to, and warranted a quick skim of the manual to figure out) The prices were also decent, lower than we expected. Only trouble is we had to return it in 24hrs. Service left a bit to be desired though, but considering we were there so close to closing time, I'll give it a pass. Also, that little globe decoration they have on the desk here is cool! Wonder where I can get one.
Sep 26, 2021 · Kim M
Avis wasn’t my first choice to begin with, but Laconia enterprise was sold out of cars so I resorted to the next closet car rental place... Avis at the Laconia Airport. Avis was running a 30% off car rental special on there website. However the website stated that Avis, too, were all out of car rentals. I called to see if this was really the case. It was discovered that they had one car left to rent. I asked if I could still take advantage of the 30% off special they were running. I was told no because I wasn’t reserving the car online and paying ahead. I told Mike (the worst customer service rep I have ever spoken with) that I would be more than happy to pay over the phone, ahead of me picking up the car. He told me no. I asked him why? I would have reserved the car online and paid ahead if the remaining rental car was listed online. He told me the website and the location were separate and he couldn’t honor the discount because I wasn’t reserving online. I again stated that I would have reserved online had their site been accurate and listed the remaining car. Mike wouldn’t budge. I hung up and drove the extra 25 minutes to Enterprise in Tilton where I was given awesome rates and amazing customer service. Avis isn’t worth it and if you absolutely have to resort with this company, try not to speak to Mike.
Mar 15, 2021 · Meghan Pinkham