Hertz

- 1554 Stillwell Ave, Bronx, NY 10461

For New Yorkers, securing reliable transportation beyond the extensive public transit system is often a necessity, whether for weekend escapes, business travel, or simply navigating the city's vast landscape. Hertz, a globally recognized name in car rental, maintains a significant presence within the boroughs, including a branch conveniently located in the Bronx. While the brand is synonymous with widespread availability and a diverse fleet, a closer look at a local branch, such as the one on Stillwell Avenue, offers a more granular understanding of the customer experience for residents of the five boroughs.

This article aims to provide a balanced and factual overview of the Hertz location at 1554 Stillwell Ave in the Bronx, drawing upon actual customer feedback to highlight both its strengths and areas where New Yorkers might need to exercise caution. From understanding their vehicle offerings, including the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) fleet, to assessing their customer service, this local perspective is crucial for making informed car rental decisions in the demanding New York environment.

The Hertz branch in question is located at:

1554 Stillwell Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, USA

This address places the Hertz location within a residential and commercial area of the Bronx, making it a viable option for those living or working nearby. Stillwell Avenue itself is accessible via local streets and is not far from major roadways that connect different parts of the Bronx and lead to other boroughs. For New Yorkers relying on public transportation to reach car rental locations, this branch's position within a dense urban environment suggests reasonable accessibility via local bus routes and potentially subway connections within a short distance. This local presence can be a significant advantage for residents who prefer to pick up and drop off vehicles without the added travel to more distant airport rental hubs, offering a degree of convenience for daily or short-term rental needs.

As a major international car rental company, Hertz generally offers a wide array of services designed to meet diverse customer needs. While specific offerings can vary by location, the Hertz branch on Stillwell Ave in the Bronx likely provides the following standard services:

• Extensive Fleet Selection: Hertz typically offers a broad range of vehicles, from economy and compact cars suitable for city driving and fuel efficiency (e.g., Mazda 3 4-door, Chevrolet Spark) to larger sedans, SUVs (e.g., Nissan Pathfinder, Chevrolet Equinox), and even specialty vehicles like vans and trucks for moving or larger group travel.
• Flexible Rental Durations: Customers can usually choose from daily, weekly, and monthly rental options, catering to short trips, extended stays, or temporary transportation needs.
• One-Way Rentals: For those traveling outside of New York City and not returning to the same location, Hertz generally facilitates one-way rentals, though additional fees may apply.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Rentals: Hertz has significantly expanded its EV fleet, offering models like Tesla and Polestar. This branch would likely provide access to these electric vehicles for environmentally conscious renters or those curious to try an EV. Customers should be aware of Hertz's EV return policy, which allows returning the EV at any charge level for a fee, or at the same charge level as pickup for no extra charge (but not necessarily 100% full, often up to 75%).
• Add-on Products and Services: Common add-ons include GPS navigation systems (like Hertz NeverLost), child safety seats, roadside assistance, and various insurance/protection plans (e.g., Loss Damage Waiver, Liability Insurance Supplement).
• Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Program: This loyalty program offers benefits such as expedited service, skipping the counter, and earning points for free rental days, which can be particularly advantageous for frequent renters.

The customer reviews for the Hertz location on Stillwell Ave offer contrasting perspectives on its features and highlights:

• Efficient Return Process for Traditional Vehicles: One highly positive review highlights a "very fast and professional service" for returning a traditional gasoline-powered car, noting the ability to "close out within minutes" and "No need to wait in line." This suggests that for conventional rentals, the branch can provide a quick and seamless return experience, which is highly valued in New York's fast-paced environment.
• Understanding Staff on Fuel Policy (for Traditional Vehicles): The same positive review commends the staff for being "so understanding" regarding a half-full tank return, opting "not to charge us for that." This indicates a level of customer empathy and flexibility that can greatly enhance the rental experience.
• Potential for Excellent Service with Traditional Rentals: Based on the glowing positive review, for a standard rental, this location can deliver "the best rental car company" experience the customer had encountered, emphasizing professionalism and efficiency.

However, a significant area of concern arises with electric vehicle rentals:

• Challenges with Electric Vehicle (EV) Rentals: A detailed negative review points to a "disaster" with an EV rental. Issues included a partially charged battery at pickup and significant difficulties finding working charging stations, leading to "wasted hours" and "extreme stress." This highlights a potential gap in the EV rental experience at this specific location, possibly related to vehicle preparation or support for EV charging infrastructure.
• Lack of Support for EV Issues: The customer reported that "No one even offered help or compensation" despite clear explanations of their EV charging problems, suggesting a lack of proactive customer support when issues arise with electric vehicles.
• Financial Impact of EV Issues: The negative experience culminated in the customer having to "rent another vehicle at the last minute" and "paying three times more," indicating a substantial financial burden due to unresolved EV problems.

For New York residents considering Hertz at this location, the contact details are:

Phone: (718) 918-2773

Mobile Phone: +1 718-918-2773

Address: 1554 Stillwell Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, USA

For New Yorkers, the Hertz branch at 1554 Stillwell Ave in the Bronx presents a nuanced option for car rental. Its suitability largely depends on the type of vehicle being rented and the specific expectations of the customer. For those seeking traditional gasoline-powered vehicles for a trip or local needs, this location has demonstrated the capacity for "very fast and professional service," particularly during the return process, and a level of understanding from staff that can alleviate common rental anxieties, such as unexpected fuel charges.

Its convenient Bronx location offers a significant advantage for local residents, providing easy access compared to distant airport locations, which can save valuable time and reduce travel stress. For many New Yorkers, a local branch of a major chain like Hertz provides the reliability of a large company with the convenience of a neighborhood presence.

However, for locals considering renting an electric vehicle from this specific branch, the provided customer feedback serves as a critical cautionary tale. While Hertz as a whole is embracing EVs, the experience at this particular location suggests that the infrastructure support or internal processes for EV rentals might still have kinks to work out, potentially leading to significant inconvenience and unexpected costs. New Yorkers interested in an EV rental from here should proceed with a heightened degree of inquiry, perhaps confirming battery charge levels at pickup and clarifying roadside assistance protocols for charging issues.

In summary, for reliable and efficient traditional car rentals, particularly for pick-up and drop-off ease in the Bronx, this Hertz location can be a suitable choice for New Yorkers. However, for those venturing into EV rentals, it highlights the importance of thorough preparation and clear communication to mitigate potential challenges, ensuring that the convenience of a car rental truly enhances their New York experience rather than detracting from it.

Hertz

1554 Stillwell Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, USA