Avis Car Rental

- 808 Columbus Avenue Columbus, Square Apts, Parking Garage, W 97th St, New York, NY 10025

As a New Yorker, getting out of the city for a weekend escape, a crucial move, or even a local errand often requires reliable wheels that the subway just cannot provide. The choice of a car rental agency is a critical one, weighing factors like convenience, vehicle availability, and service quality. The Avis Car Rental location at 808 Columbus Avenue in Uptown Manhattan aims to serve the busy residents and visitors of the New York region, offering a range of options from compact cars for city navigation to larger vans for group travel or hauling.

This specific Avis branch operates as both a general Car rental agency and a Van rental agency, making it a versatile option for various needs, whether you are planning a trip to the Hamptons, heading upstate to the Catskills, or simply tackling a large furniture purchase in the five boroughs. Given the competitive nature of car rental in a major metropolitan area like New York, understanding the specific details and user experience of this particular neighborhood location is essential for making an informed decision.

Avis is a globally recognized brand in the car rental industry, known for operating thousands of locations in over 165 countries. The company's stated mission is to lead the industry by defining service excellence and building unmatched customer loyalty. In New York City, neighborhood branches, such as the one on Columbus Avenue, serve as vital hubs for residents who do not own personal vehicles but require temporary transportation. These locations specialize in rentals for local use, weekend getaways, and longer-term needs that extend beyond airport travel.

For local New York customers, this branch offers the convenience of a Manhattan location combined with the extensive fleet and booking systems of a major corporation. Avis generally provides various perks, including a Best Rate Guarantee and a loyalty program known as Avis Preferred, which often allows members to enjoy expedited service and rewards, which is particularly valuable in time-sensitive city scenarios. They also promote safety, claiming that their vehicles are consistently reviewed for safety standards.

The Avis Car Rental location is strategically placed in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, easily accessible to residents of the neighborhood and nearby areas. The branch is located at 808 Columbus Avenue, specifically within the Columbus Square Apartments Parking Garage, near W 97th St, New York, NY 10025, USA. This placement offers a more convenient neighborhood option compared to the often-chaotic airport rental counters (such as those at LGA or JFK) for Manhattanites needing a car for non-flying travel.

The counter is situated inside the Columbus Square Apartments Parking Garage, with the rental vehicles available on-site, simplifying both pickup and return processes in the dense urban environment. For those relying on public transit before picking up their car, the proximity to major subway lines is a considerable benefit. The W 97th St address puts it close to the 96th Street subway station, serving the 1, 2, and 3 express and local lines, and a manageable walk from the B and C lines.

A key highlight for accessibility is the facility’s feature of a Wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring that the services are available to a wider range of customers. Furthermore, the company generally offers a Pick-up Service Available feature, where, subject to location policies (hours, distance limitations), customers can call the branch directly to arrange for a complimentary ride to the rental office, a valuable service for navigating New York’s often-congested streets. However, potential customers should always call the local number provided below at least 24 hours in advance to confirm availability and logistics, as these policies can vary significantly by branch.

The Avis branch on Columbus Avenue provides an array of rental services tailored for the diverse needs of New York City residents and travelers. The core offerings are built around flexibility and vehicle variety.

• Car Rental Agency Services: Standard rental options including daily, weekly, and weekend rentals for various vehicle classes.
• Van Rental Agency Services: Specialized rental options for larger passenger or cargo vans, ideal for group travel, moving, or equipment transport.
• Long-Term Car Rental: Rental periods ranging from one to eleven months, often providing discounted monthly rates, a good alternative to leasing for temporary needs.
• Vehicle Classes: The general Avis fleet typically includes compact cars (for easy city parking and fuel economy), intermediate SUVs (for more space), luxury vehicles, and specialized options like minivans and full-size vans.
• Payment Flexibility: The location accepts Credit cards and Debit cards for payments, though customers should be aware of specific credit hold requirements associated with debit card usage, which are typically higher than credit card holds (e.g., estimated charges plus $250 USD for prepaid debit rentals).
• Optional Rental Extras: Customers can usually choose to add options like GPS navigation, gas service options, extended roadside assistance, and SiriusXM® satellite radio to their rental package.

Beyond the core rental function, the Columbus Avenue Avis location and the broader company offer specific features designed to enhance the customer experience. These highlights often represent significant value, particularly for targeted demographics or those seeking convenience.

• Active Military Discounts: A notable highlight is the provision of Active military discounts, demonstrating a commitment to offering savings for service members.
• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: The facility ensures ease of access for all customers, providing a Wheelchair accessible entrance at the Columbus Square Apartments Parking Garage location.
• Avis Preferred Program: Customers can enroll in the loyalty program for expedited service, bypassing the counter in many cases and earning points for free rental days or accessories.
• Pay Now Options: Booking online with a "Pay Now" option can save customers a significant percentage on their rental rates compared to paying at the counter.
• Free Pick-up Service: A convenient service available at this neighborhood location, allowing staff to pick up customers and bring them to the rental office to collect their pre-booked vehicle (arrangements must be made by calling the location directly).
• One-Way Rentals: Avis facilitates one-way rentals, which are perfect for long road trips or for dropping a car off at an airport location after a stay in the city.

For reservations, inquiries about vehicle availability, or to arrange a local pick-up service, customers are advised to contact the branch directly.

• Address: 808 Columbus Avenue, Columbus Square Apts, Parking Garage, W 97th St, New York, NY 10025, USA
• Phone: (212) 666-3593
• Mobile Phone: +1 212-666-3593

Choosing the right car rental in New York is all about balancing the convenience of a major brand with the service reality of a specific, busy neighborhood location. The Avis branch on Columbus Avenue offers undeniable benefits, including its prime Upper West Side location, a variety of rental vehicles (from compacts to vans), and essential accessibility features like a wheelchair entrance and a pick-up service. The availability of specialized discounts, such as for active military personnel, further adds to its appeal for specific user groups. These elements make Avis a strong contender for locals who value brand reliability and Manhattan-based convenience.

However, potential renters in the New York region must enter the process with realistic expectations, particularly regarding vehicle class availability and service speed. Recent customer feedback suggests that the high-volume, inner-city pressure can sometimes lead to significant service lapses at this specific branch. Reviewers have highlighted severe issues, including extended wait times—with one customer reporting a two-hour wait due to "no cars available" followed by slow processing—which is a major inconvenience for New Yorkers on a tight schedule.

More concerning are the reports regarding vehicle condition. Customers have described receiving cars that were visibly dirty, had a strong cigarette odor, and, most critically, displayed an urgent recall alert related to safety components, such as brake pedals. Furthermore, issues were reported where the reserved vehicle class (e.g., mid-size SUV) was not honored, and a smaller, less-suited vehicle was provided instead, with staff reportedly being dismissive and unhelpful when concerns about safety and cleanliness were raised. These anecdotes about vehicle maintenance and customer service responsiveness should serve as a cautionary note for all prospective renters.

To maximize a successful rental experience at this or any high-demand city location, a New York user should consider several best practices. First, always book well in advance, especially for high-demand vehicle types like vans or SUVs, and use the "Pay Now" option if possible to lock in the rate and speed up the checkout process. Second, call the branch directly to confirm your reservation and vehicle type, especially if you require a specific feature or size. Third, upon arrival, allocate ample time for pick-up—significantly more than the 10-30 minutes often cited in internal metrics—and conduct a thorough, non-negotiable inspection of the vehicle's interior cleanliness, mechanical condition, and displayed alerts before leaving the garage. Should any issues arise, immediately document them and insist on a resolution, contacting corporate customer service if the local staff cannot provide a clean, safe, and appropriate replacement.

In summary, this Avis location offers the organizational backbone and fleet diversity of a major international car rental company, making it a powerful tool for your New York transportation needs. Its physical convenience in Uptown Manhattan is unmatched for local users. However, navigating the potential for service and vehicle quality issues requires diligent preparation and assertiveness on the part of the renter. By being prepared for possible delays and carefully inspecting your rental car, you stand the best chance of leveraging the convenience of the Columbus Avenue Avis for your journey out of the city.

Avis Car Rental

808 Columbus Avenue Columbus, Square Apts, Parking Garage, W 97th St, New York, NY 10025, USA