ACE Rent a Car

Worst experience, computers were down. Customer service was horrible and rude, wanted us to sign a contract with no price or guarantees. When asked to see price or guarantee of return of $ 300 deposit employee got upset after word exchange, employee only got ruder and refused to rent us a car. So after ⁵⁰⁄₆₀ minute wait we walked out with no car and one of the worst experiences at a car rental place ever. I would never return or give this company my money.

Wonderful experience arriving in Ft Meyers FL today. Th Ace Rent A Car transport was where they said he would be, waiting on me. He loaded by bags and took me to the rental site. He was extremely friendly. The staff at the real office were very nice. They did not have Any of the size while I had reserved, so I immediately received an upgrade. I do love driving a convertible at the beach! Very impressed with the whole process from booking in line to getting my rental car.

I was hesitant to book with ACE given the awful reviews on various sites. I vividly remember the 34% customer satisfaction on one of the major travel booking sites… yikes! But, I figured those folks had to be picky and the price was so good. …or was it!?!
$ 150 to book for a week. We went for the $ 8 up charge for a bigger car. We asked if my partner could be put on the car and she cheerily said «yes» and that was it – nothing about an additional charge and, in fact, quite the opposite. I looked at the invoice before going out to get the car and before I could finish my sentence regarding the high price, well above the website quote the clerk says, «oh, don’t worry! Don’t worry! That’s a deposit for damages but you’ll get it all back. It’s the same price as your reservation.»
One week later, we drop off the car. A guy ahead of me was really ticked because he was charged a full day extra because he was an hour or two bringing the car back. No bueno. When I got to the counter, it was a huge surprise. Nearly a $ 100 fee for an additional driver! The clerk when picking up the car said the complete opposite stating that the price was the same as the reservation fee quoted plus the $ 8 charge for the larger car.
I was so angry but it was clear from the interactions with the customers before us that the clerks are trained well and hard on how to scam the customers and stick to their script. I complained but it was obvious that I wasn’t going to get anything other than a blank stare.
I might write a letter to corporate to complain (or even the BBB) but I’m sure it will fall on deaf ears and I’ll just end up being more upset that I’m being ignored again. Given my experience and other reviews, the company is all about a quick (scammed) buck and not about fostering long-​term, repeat business with its customers. This company is fully embracing the stereotype of a sleazy rental place. Shady, shady, shady…

I never make reviews and I hope this one is not premature as I still have the car. First off I have to say you do have to walk a little to get to the shuttle which I did not realize but the shuttle was there within 3 minutes. The driver was very nice and explained how the process works getting back to the airport and what time line would be needed. He even went in and told the desk clerk to give me a mustang. There was no line. I can not say enough about Britney she was great! She did not try to hard sell me at all. No dirty looks when you decline the insurance! She upgraded me to the mustang for $ 50 so I paid $ 250 for a week. You can’t beat that! I hope the return goes just as well.

I booked a car rental with Ace Rent a Car through Expedia, but honestly was a little hesitant after reading the many less-​than-​stellar reviews posted among various sites. I’m happy to say, though, that I had a wonderful experience with Ace Rent a Car and would definitely use them again!
I don’t know if it’s because I booked through Expedia, but there was a shuttle bus waiting for me at the stop as soon as I got off the plane and there was a shuttle bus waiting for me at their office to bring me to the airport when I returned the car (full disclosure — I arrived into Ft. Myers on an early Saturday morning and flew out on a late Sunday evening, so maybe this made a difference since the airport was pretty dead?).
The shuttle stop is a little far from the terminal exit, and obviously not as convenient as just renting a car from one of the companies who have desks right in the terminal, but it was absolutely fine. I would say that all-​in-​all (walking to shuttle stop, getting to Ace’s office, checking out), it took no more than 20 minutes. Easy peasy!
The desk service was very prompt, both in checking me out and checking me in. The one thing I did that I sort of regret doing — they offer to give you half a tank of gas for $ 14.99 (claiming it’s cheaper than the avg gas station), which does not need to be replenished. I took the bait on that one, but wound up having to put more gas in the car over the course of my rental so it probably would have been cheaper to just replenish the full tank on my way back to the airport.
One other thing to note — they require you give a $ 300 deposit at the time of taking out the rental, which is refunded as long as the car doesn’t smell like smoke or animal feces when returned. While $ 300 is a lot of money to lay out, I do like how this prevents the cars from getting all stunk up (nothing worse than getting a rental car that wreaks of cigarette smoke).
Overall — obviously not getting the crème de la crème in rental car companies with Ace, but getting a good deal with good vehicles and good service.

I’m giving them a three for a fairly OK and clean car. However, if you are in a hurry do not plan to get anywhere too fast they have one person working in it takes forever to stand in line with people dropping off and picking up cars. I wouldn’t put up with it. I would never run from them.

After leaving the airport, You have a walk a bit to get to the shuttle stop but for the price you’re paying, it’s not too bad. Besides some fresh after being stuffed on plane is enjoyable.
Rented a car for a few days.
The front desk guy tried upgrade us a Mustang convertible at a discounted price but after declining we got a better deal on a SUV instead.
The shuttle from back and forth tot he airport came quickly.

After a few complication, the Fort Myers Ace rent a car worked with me on addressing my concerns, They were friendly and considerate, I would rent from them again. Enjoyed the Florida getaway.
David

Worst company I have ever seen in U.S.
My story: I lost my car key on Wednesday in Miami beach. I went to fort Myers on Thursday to take the key by bus and changed my flight to Friday morning so that I can catch it up. Then I took the key back to Miami beach at midnight Thursday. When I come back to the car, the key did not match the car, and the customer didn’t pick up my phone as well. Therefore I have to sleep around garage. In the morning, I miss the flight, they sent me another wrong key. I come back with the person who sent me the key and grab the key. When I drove back and ask my compensation, they show their bad attitude and kick me out of the store. I slept at airport on Friday night. What a terrible experience. I am homeless for two night!!!

I have used Ace 5 times since September. Good service, friendly counter people and helpful drivers. No extra charges and no waiting. Will use again as my first choice.

AFFORDABLE RIDE
Is this place Hertz? Nope! We recently rented two cars from here because we couldn’t change our original reservation. We got an extremely great deal through another third party website, in which we had to prepay for the car prior to picking it up with no refund, so changing the original reservation was not going to happen.
I did not pick up the first vehicle but from the story my wife told me the guy was a complete jerk to her. He gave her a giant minivan with the drivers door bashed in. She really didn’t want the mini van but he told her she payed for the upgrade called the «Managers Choice» and he was choosing the mini van for her. She told him she wanted a car and he was like nope you are getting a minivan. His language was less flowery then I shared here. He also gave her a vehicle that had zero gas and told her to bring it back at the same level. I find it funny that empty is a level. He told her that they do not have a gas station and they can not fill up the cars. So my poor wife had to find a gas station in the dark near an airport and we all know how safe that can be. She told me that the light was on for empty and she barely made it to gas station. I told her we were bringing it back at the same level… empty…enjoy that! I call it the Customers Choice… it is similar to the Managers Choice.
I must admit the the mini van was really nice on the inside with the exception of the bashed in door panel. It was huge. We could have thrown a party inside the minivan. Our little one did enjoy it because she had the whole back two rows to herself and she could sit anywhere. She was a little sad when we went to return it and get our second car. When we arrived at ACE my wife pointed out to me who the jerk was when she picked up the first car. I positioned myself in line to make sure we did not get him again. He was a real winner with a bad attitude. I was able to witness him working with the customer in front of me. I am just not sure why people take jobs they do not like and then make everyone miserable around them. Since we were returning the old car and picking up a new car I grabbed the guy running outside to check for mileage ensuring that I did not have to deal with the mean guy. The runner was also training a new girl. It was kind of funny because she mentioned to us that it was only her second day as she searched for our second reservation. She seemed confused that we still had a car rented. The employee who was shadowing her went to help her and she snapped at him, «This isn’t my first rental. I know what I am doing!» Wow after two days she seems like a real expert. I am sure the jerk guy she was sitting next to was starting to rub off on her.
We received a brand new Santa Fe that was fully loaded with 3 USB/​power jacks and XM Radio. The car was really nice and great on gas. Our little one missed the large mini van and asked if we could get it back but we told her it was time for some new adventures. My wife even said that she missed the mini van because she loved being big on the road. Honestly who loves a mini van. I did tell my wife we would buy her one when we got back to Chicago but she has declined that offer. I guess she didn’t love it that much.
When we dropped off the second car at 5:30am the shuttle to the airport was sitting there. We were very happy that the bus driver was really nice and did not speed away. This location is offsite and the drive to the airport is a little long. We were really lucky the driver was nice to us even though he had another couple sitting there in the van. He saw us drive up and he made sure to get our contract, mileage and to get our vehicle checked in. He just did not leave us standing there. I did feel bad for the couple who were waiting already but they didn’t seem to get mad, so I just did not worry about it. The shuttle was a giant Ford van that had a ton of room on the inside. We could have had a stand up cocktail reception inside for 15 – 20 people if we removed the seats.
So you are probably wondering why the 4 stars. I am basing that on the affordability of all of the other car places around. This place was half the price unlike Thrifty and Hertz. It is always great to save some money. We also had some really nice cars too. They were not old clunkers with doors falling off. They were brand new cars that drove nicely and had great amenities on the inside. Would I rent from them again? I would totally rent from them again because of the value. I just hope that someone fires the jerky guy at the front desk. He is mean but I could totally see him on a TV show. That gives me a great idea… they should do a reality show here called RENTAL… I would watch that on an empty tank of gas.

We told them the days and times that we would be picking up and returning the rental vehicle. They gave us a price that we agreed upon and proceeded with the rental. When we brought the rental back, exactly when we told them, they charged us an extra $ 15 per hour over their daily rate. This was not conveyed to us anytime during our rental transactions.
Regional car rental places are usually a good experience, but I cannot say that of this particular rental location’s policies.
We were also charged $ 15 per day for a sub standard booster seat. I could’ve driven to the dollar store and got one, that was higher-​quality, for five dollars that I would’ve just thrown away.
We will not be using this location for further trips to Southwest Florida.

I was given one price verbally when I picked up the rental car and when I returned it, the price was triple the original quote, plus a deposit that takes a couple of days to refund. NOT HAPPY!!!

I recently rented a car from Ace and here is my experience:
1. Booked through Expedia mid size car for one week $ 162 with all fees (120 rate + 42 Fees).
2. Checked review on Unilocal — extremely mixed but Ace was 50% of on-​site options at least. I think the local competition is putting up negative reviews on Unilocal.
3. Arrived at airport on-​time, followed signs and within 5 minutes a very friendly driver picked us up for a 7 minute drive to the Ace location.
4. Driver unloaded bags and went into check-​in area one person in line ahead of me.
5. Got to the agent (didn’t get name), agent tried to upsell a convertible Mustang (declined– no hard sell), declined all insurance (not necessary and no hard sell), offered to upgrade my midsize car to a Nissan Rogue SUV if I bought half-​tank of gas ($ 20). Took that offer — brand new SUV very nice. Knew about the $ 300 security charge — used AMEX no issues. Check in time 15 minutes
6. Returned a week later– had about 3 gallons of gas left so I paid an extra $ 6 for the upgrade.
7. Driver loaded bags in shuttle — checkout time 10 minutes.
8. $ 300 credited to my AMEX in 1 business day.
Five star experience and price, less one star for being offsite. Would do it again.

I was happy with the low price of the rental which is why I booked the car. I was aware that the pickup location involved using the shuttle and I was okay with that.
The main problem: I arrived 10 minutes early for my 10:00 am pickup and got charged an extra hour for that ten minutes. The agent, Brittany, didn’t even realize I had gotten an extra charge and when I pointed it out to her she said she couldn’t credit me for the hour at that time, but that she would refund the money to me for the extra hour charge when I brought the car back in.
Upon returning the car, it was a guy named Chris who handled the return. When I brought up the fact that I was supposed to get a credit for that extra hour that I was overcharged at check-​in he told me «that ship sailed a long time ago», and walked away after handing me my new bill with new unauthorized charges on it.
Later I realized that I got charged ANOTHER EXTRA HOUR from that 10 minute early situation since I dropped the car off at 2:00 pm.
Here’s the rub — and is this even legal? At both times — check-​in and pickup — my card was charged without my signing for the charges or authorizing the amount. Beware, they will charge your card without letting you know the amount, and yes they do charge an extra $ 300 deposit and will take any added-​on fees out of that, no discussion.
Along with the sketchy business practices here, the staff is all over the place. Brittany was very smiley and nice which I appreciated but man, she needs some training. Chris was the opposite: rude and abrupt as hell. The counter/​reception area looks like a fly-​by-​night operation with boxes everywhere.
I did call ACE to complain; they filed a complaint with the franchise in Fort Myers; the Fort Myers franchise’s email said basically: tough luck, better luck next time, we’re not refunding you any money.
I’m going to the Better Business Bureau about this one. I don’t think this Ace franchise owner gives a crap about what’s going on. And corporate Ace doesn’t seem to take responsibility for any of it either.
I gave them two stars: one because of the great price that I originally got if they hadn’t charged me extra, and another star for the nice car.

This company does not rent convertibles to Florida residents.
I reserved a convertible car online and went to pick up the car. After a long wait in line I was informed that company policy does not allow Florida residents to rent convertibles. Ever.
So if I had flown in from Ohio, there would be no problem, but because I was from Florida and renting the car in Florida ACE absolutely would not rent the car.
This apples to anyone in Florida.
I had already made the reservation online and paid the insurance.
The reservation was cancelled, but the insurance paid will not be reimbursed.
Also they claim to have unlimited mileage. This is also untrue if you a are a Florida resident and want to rent a car anywhere in Florida. Then the mileage is a total of 100 miles.
So if you are a Florida resident looking to vacation in your own state, stay away from this place.

DO NOT RENT FROM ACE. You may think they are cheaper until they hit you with the $ 300 deposit at check in that you won’t get back until a week after you turn the car in. This place is not at the airport and requires a shuttle when you get there. It’s very disorganized at check in. I would advice to pay the extra $ and go with Hertz. It’s there at the airport and only require a $ 25 deposit if you use a visa and $ 100 deposit on all other cards. We plan to go back in July and we will not be using Ace. I sent a complaint to their headquarters and they replied back with a letter, a copy of their deposit policy, and a ace post it note pad. Really?

This place needs to work on their check-​in process or to hire some more people. They don’t know where the cars are parked and are so slow. We have been waiting to pick up our car for an hour. Avoid this place.

This was my first time renting a car. Something was wrong with my credit card and couldn’t hold the $ 300 hold reserve when you get the car, and didn’t have another card. But, the people of ACE were super understanding and worked with me. They even gave free upgrades to the car (depending who you fly with). I would definitely recommend renting a car here. Some things to keep in mind, they are off-​site from the airport, but there is a shuttle that will take you to and from the airport. Just plan your time accordingly and you won’t be late for your fight! Every thing went smoothly and ACE made it great vacation without any hard times or negativity. Loved it. Thank you Chris!

I just got back from a trip to the Fort Myers area. I booked a car at Ace through
. Once I booked it, I read some of the reviews and was feeling a little skeptical.
Once at the airport, the shuttle was on the other end of the parking lot, past the major car rental shuttles. This was not a big deal, as the shuttle came pretty quickly and the driver was great.
Once at their off-​site airport location, we were told that they didn’t have our intermediate car on the lot and that all they had were mini vans (the reason why I only gave four stars). I was starting to think that this was a red flag, but took what they had. We wound up getting a big Nissan Pathfinder boat-​like car that actually drove really nicely (though it was kind of a gas-​guzzler). The people in the office were friendly, so that made it a decent experience, despite the fact that it took probably close to an hour to finish getting the car.
Dropping off the car was painless and easy. They hold a 300 dollar charge on your credit card for damages, which will be refunded in a few days, as long as the car has no damage.
Overall, a good experience and I am sure that I would rent from them again.