Avis Car Rental

- 700 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017

For residents and visitors alike navigating the expansive and vibrant city of Los Angeles, reliable transportation is often a key to unlocking all that Southern California has to offer. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway to a scenic beach town, commuting for business within the bustling Downtown area, or simply need a temporary vehicle, a convenient and trustworthy car rental service is essential. This article takes a closer look at a specific branch of Avis Car Rental, located at 700 W 7th St in Los Angeles, known as the "Avis Car Rental - The Bloc" location. We will explore its unique accessibility, the range of services it provides, and important insights from actual customer experiences to help local users make an informed decision for their next car rental in California.

Avis is a globally recognized name in the car rental industry, known for its extensive fleet and wide network of locations. However, each branch offers a distinct experience shaped by its specific environment and local management. Understanding the nuances of this Downtown Los Angeles location, particularly concerning pick-up and drop-off procedures and customer interactions, can significantly enhance your rental journey. Our aim is to provide a factual and helpful overview, allowing you to approach your rental with confidence and clarity.

Avis Car Rental is situated at 700 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017, USA. This address places it inside "The Bloc," a prominent open-air urban center in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. This location is particularly advantageous for those working, living, or staying in areas such as the Financial District, South Park, and other surrounding Downtown neighborhoods. It offers a convenient alternative to the typically busier and more distant airport rental locations.

Accessing this Avis branch requires a bit of specific knowledge, as highlighted by customer reviews. For vehicle returns, customers are advised to "follow the signage on Flower St to The BLOC parking garage." It's important to note that the previous misconception about entering through the hotel valet on Hope Street is incorrect. Instead, the entrance is through the main parking entrance for The Bloc shopping center on Flower Street. Once inside, you proceed towards the shopping center valet. Before reaching the valet gate, you will find Avis-marked stalls to the right. If these are full, you can go left through the gates, grab a parking ticket, and continue to the valet circle where the Avis counter is located, and staff will direct you on where to park. A helpful tip mentioned by a customer is the "15-minute grace period for the garage," allowing you to exit without charge if you enter by mistake. For pick-up, Avis is located in The Bloc garage next to the Sheraton Hotel on Hope Street; customers should proceed towards Macy's, then go down three steps, and then toward the Sheraton Valet parking, where Avis signage will be visible. This detailed guidance is crucial for a smooth arrival and departure.

As a major car rental provider, Avis offers a comprehensive range of services designed to meet diverse travel needs. At their 700 W 7th St location, customers can expect:

• Diverse Vehicle Fleet: Avis provides a wide selection of vehicles. This typically includes economy, compact, intermediate, standard, and full-size cars for general commuting and travel. They also offer SUVs of various sizes (intermediate to premium), minivans (like the Chrysler Pacifica), and specialty vehicles such as luxury cars (e.g., Genesis G70), convertibles (e.g., Ford Mustang Convertible), and even passenger vans (e.g., Ford Transit 12-Passenger Van) to accommodate different passenger capacities and preferences.
• Flexible Rental Durations: Whether you need a car for a single day, a weekend trip, a full week, or an extended period, Avis offers various rental options to suit short-term, long-term, and monthly needs.
• Optional Protection Plans: Customers can choose from various optional protection products, including Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) for coverage against damage or theft of the rental vehicle, and Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP) for third-party liability. It is always important for renters to carefully review these options and how they interact with their personal auto insurance policies.
• Additional Services & Products: Common add-ons include GPS navigation systems to aid in navigating Los Angeles's complex road networks, child safety seats (infant, toddler, booster) for families, and e-Toll services for seamless travel on toll roads.
• Online Booking & Mobile App: Avis provides convenient online platforms and a mobile app for easy reservation, modification, and management of rentals, including options to "skip the counter" for Avis Preferred members.
• One-Way Rentals: For travelers planning to pick up a vehicle in Los Angeles and drop it off at a different Avis location (within California or beyond), one-way rental options are typically available.
• Age Requirements: Generally, renters must be at least 21 years old (with an approximate $27 per day young driver fee for those 21-24 years old). A valid driver's license and a credit card (for deposit and payment) are typically required.
• Deposit: Deposits can range from approximately $300 to $5000 depending on the car type, paid via credit card pre-authorization. Refunds can take 30-60 business days.
• Fuel Policy: The typical policy is "Full to Full," meaning you pick up with a full tank and return it full, or you can opt for their refueling service.
• Cross Border Policy: Driving into Canada is conditionally allowed if notified at the time of rental to obtain a Canadian Non-Resident Insurance Card. Driving to other non-listed countries is not permitted.

The Avis Car Rental at The Bloc, while having some notable challenges, also presents several features and highlights for locals:

• Prime Downtown LA Location: Its central position within The Bloc makes it exceptionally convenient for residents and business travelers in Downtown Los Angeles, offering a desirable alternative to often more remote airport rental locations.
• Efficient Drop-off (Once Understood): Despite initial confusion regarding the entrance, the actual drop-off process, once navigated correctly (via Flower Street to The Bloc parking garage), can be "fairly smooth," even at busy times like 8 AM on a Monday. The 15-minute grace period for the garage is a helpful allowance.
• Ability to Secure Confirmed Returns: Customer feedback indicates that if you insist on waiting for the car to be checked in and for a confirmation, staff will eventually process it, ensuring you have proof of return and minimizing potential post-rental disputes.
• Established Brand Network: As part of a major global brand, Avis typically offers reliable vehicles and benefits such as 24/7 customer care and a wide network of support should issues arise during your rental journey.

However, it's crucial for prospective renters to be aware of and prepared for some potential downsides highlighted in customer reviews for this specific location:

• Customer Service Inconsistencies: Reviews indicate significant issues with staff professionalism and demeanor. One reviewer described an employee ("Ray") as having a "disassociated and arrogant attitude" and attempting to "tack on additional insurance coverage that can be waived and are not necessary," even threatening to withhold the car. This suggests a need for renters to be firm, informed, and prepared to document interactions.
• Pushy Sales Tactics: The attempt to insist on unnecessary additional insurance is a serious concern that renters should be vigilant about. Knowing what insurance you already have and what is genuinely required is paramount.
• Appearance of Staff/Office: One review mentioned that "staff could definitely be more professional, and their appearance doesn’t exactly scream 'corporate rental agency'," which might affect first impressions but, as noted, doesn't necessarily hinder the functional aspect of the rental.

These points emphasize the importance of preparedness, clear communication, and potentially documenting interactions (as one customer did with a recording) to ensure a smooth and fair rental experience at this specific Avis branch.

To inquire about availability, make a reservation, or confirm policies with Avis Car Rental at The Bloc, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 700 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017, USA
• Phone: (626) 380-9620
• Mobile Phone: +1 626-380-9620

Current operating hours for this location are typically: Sunday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM; Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Saturday 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM. It is highly advisable to call ahead, especially to confirm specific vehicle types, pricing, and any current policies regarding deposits or insurance requirements, particularly given the mixed customer feedback.

For residents of Los Angeles, the Avis Car Rental location at 700 W 7th St within The Bloc offers a distinct and potentially convenient option for their car rental needs. Its prime Downtown LA setting is a clear advantage, providing easy access for those working or living in the central city area, thereby avoiding the time and hassle often associated with airport car rentals. The detailed guidance available for navigating the parking garage for both pick-up and drop-off, though specific, can lead to a "fairly smooth" process once understood.

While some customer experiences highlight areas for improvement in staff professionalism and sales tactics, the overall functionality of the rental process (getting the car and returning it) appears to be achievable, especially if renters are proactive and informed. For locals who prioritize a central location and who are prepared to be assertive about their rental terms, this Avis branch can serve as a valuable resource for accessing vehicles for various purposes across California – from daily city navigation to longer road trips. Being prepared and knowing what to expect can help ensure a functional and successful rental experience from this Downtown LA location.

Avis Car Rental

700 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017, USA