Avis Car Rental

- 155 Tower Ave, Groton, CT 06340

For residents of southeastern Connecticut, particularly those in and around Groton, having access to reliable transportation is a cornerstone of daily life and travel plans. Whether it's for business, a family trip, or when your personal vehicle is temporarily out of commission, car rental services provide crucial flexibility. Avis Car Rental, a globally recognized brand, has a presence right here in Groton at 155 Tower Ave, Groton, CT 06340, USA. While Avis is a prominent name, understanding the specific experiences and offerings at this local branch is important for Connecticut users seeking a rental solution.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive and factual overview of Avis Car Rental in Groton, focusing on details relevant to local customers. We'll explore their location, the array of services they offer, and what sets them apart, including insights drawn from real customer feedback. Navigating car rental options can sometimes be complex, and our goal is to help you make an informed decision for your transportation needs in our beautiful state.

The Avis Car Rental branch in Groton is conveniently located at 155 Tower Ave, Groton, CT 06340, USA. This address places it directly at the Groton-New London Airport (GON), making it highly accessible for both air travelers and local residents. For those arriving by air, the rental counter is typically located within the terminal, allowing for a short walk to the car lot. This proximity to the airport terminal is a significant convenience, especially after a flight.

For local customers, navigating to 155 Tower Ave is also straightforward. Directions typically involve taking I-95 North or South to Exit 88 (CT-117), proceeding east on CT-117/North Rd, turning left onto US 1 South, and then another left onto South Rd/US-1, which eventually becomes Tower Avenue. Following signs to the Groton New London Airport Terminal will lead you directly to the Avis counter. The airport location ensures easy access from surrounding towns like New London, Mystic, and Waterford, making it a central point for car rental needs in the region. The operating hours for this corporate location are typically Sunday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM; Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, though it is always recommended to verify current hours, especially around holidays.

Avis Car Rental, as a major global provider, offers a broad spectrum of services designed to meet diverse customer demands. The Groton branch at the Groton-New London Airport generally provides these standard Avis offerings:

• Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Rentals: Whether you need a car for a quick day trip within Connecticut, a week-long vacation, or an extended period for business or personal reasons, Avis provides flexible rental durations.
• Wide Range of Vehicle Classes: Their fleet typically includes economy cars for budget-conscious travel, compact cars for ease of navigation and parking, mid-size and full-size sedans, SUVs for families and extra cargo, minivans, luxury vehicles (Avis Signature Series), convertibles, and sometimes even trucks or vans for specialized needs. This variety aims to cater to different preferences and group sizes.
• One-Way Rentals: The option to pick up a car in Groton and return it to another Avis location, either within Connecticut or across state lines, offers convenience for varied travel itineraries.
• Insurance Replacement Rentals: Avis frequently works with insurance companies to provide rental vehicles for customers whose personal cars are undergoing repairs after an accident, aiming to streamline the process.
• Avis Preferred Program: This loyalty program offers benefits for frequent renters, such as expedited service, skipping the counter, earning points for free rental days, and potential vehicle upgrades.
• Optional Add-ons: Customers can typically opt for extras like GPS navigation systems, child safety seats, unlimited mileage options (available on most cars), fuel service options (prepaid fuel, pay-at-return, or self-refueling), and extended roadside assistance for additional peace of mind during their rental period.
• Pick-up Service: Avis locations often offer a free pick-up service, where you can call the branch directly to arrange transportation to the rental office, a valuable feature for local customers without immediate access to the airport.

While Avis aims for a high standard across its network, recent customer experiences at the Groton, CT location provide valuable insights into what local users might encounter. Based on the provided reviews, here are some key features and highlights, both positive and areas for potential improvement:

• Brand Recognition and Network: As a prominent national and international car rental company, Avis offers the assurance of a large fleet and widespread presence, which can be comforting for travelers. This also means access to their broader customer service channels.
• Vehicle Variety: The ability to select from various car classes, from cost-effective options to more luxurious vehicles, is a consistent advantage of renting from a major brand like Avis, allowing customers to match the vehicle to their specific needs for exploring Connecticut.
• Airport Location Convenience: Being situated directly at the Groton-New London Airport significantly boosts convenience for those flying in or living nearby, offering immediate access to rental cars upon arrival.
• Potential for Excellent Customer Service: Despite some challenges, the customer review's "EDIT" and "UPDATE" sections indicate that later interactions with Avis customer service, specifically an agent who promptly processed a refund, can be helpful and effective. This suggests that while initial experiences may vary, there is a pathway to resolution through persistent follow-up with their broader customer service channels.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge the significant concerns raised by recent customers regarding this particular location and Avis's initial handling of certain issues:

• Billing Discrepancies: A recurring issue involves incorrect charges, specifically for fuel, even when the car was returned with a full tank. This suggests a potential flaw in their check-in process or system, leading to frustrating overpayments that require extensive customer effort to rectify.
• Pricing Inconsistencies and Lack of Managerial Support: The experience of a drastic price increase for extending a rental by one day, far exceeding competitor prices and even new Avis website reservations for the same period, points to opaque pricing practices. The quoted response about managers being "here to manage us, not to help customers" reveals a concerning attitude towards customer issue resolution at an initial contact level.
• Cancellation Fees: The imposition of a cancellation fee even when attempting to adjust a booking due to perceived unfair pricing (which was later proven by the customer's own research) demonstrates a rigid policy that can penalize customers who feel they are being unfairly charged.
• Initial Customer Service Deficiencies: The first customer review details a negative experience with the on-site staff regarding professionalism and vehicle condition (dirty car, smoke smell, mis-reserved vehicle). This indicates that the local branch's direct customer interaction can be subpar, potentially causing significant stress and dissatisfaction for customers.

For reservations, inquiries, or to address concerns with Avis Car Rental in Groton, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 155 Tower Ave, Groton, CT 06340, USA

Phone: (860) 445-8585

Mobile Phone: +1 860-445-8585

Given the reported experiences, it may be beneficial for customers to also be prepared to contact Avis's national customer service lines if local resolution proves difficult, as the updated review suggests this can lead to a more positive outcome.

For residents of Groton and the surrounding Connecticut shoreline, Avis Car Rental at 155 Tower Ave offers the convenience of an airport-based location and the backing of a major national brand. This makes it a practical choice for those seeking a wide variety of vehicles for their travel, whether it's for business engagements in New London, a family vacation to Mystic Aquarium, or simply needing a temporary car while theirs is in the shop.

However, it is vital for local users to approach their rental with Avis in Groton with attentiveness. While the brand generally aims for seamless service, the recent customer feedback highlights a need for vigilance, particularly concerning fuel charges, pricing transparency for modifications, and initial on-site customer interactions. It shows that while the national customer service might eventually rectify issues, the initial process at this specific branch may present challenges. For local customers who prioritize convenience and access to a diverse fleet, Avis remains an option, but exercising diligence in documenting vehicle condition and fuel levels, and being prepared for potential follow-up on billing, will contribute to a smoother overall experience here in Connecticut.

Avis Car Rental

155 Tower Ave, Groton, CT 06340, USA