Whenever I rent cars, I just tend to go with whatever is cheapest or I can find coupons for. I’ve never really dabbled in loyalty programs, but signed up for Hertz Gold Plus Rewards before my recent trip to Las Vegas. Reading about the program online proved very confusing, and I didn’t know what to expect – but here are my impressions.
I arrived on Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend, so Las Vegas was obviously very crowded. McCarran Airport has an entire rental car center off site – all the rental car agencies are there in a huge garage. Here’s why I think Hertz Gold Plus Rewards was worth it:
1) Skip the counter
When I landed, I booted up my phone and received an e-mail from Hertz. The gist of the e-mail was “pick up your car in spot 32”. I didn’t have to go to the counter (where there was a huge line) and was in my car in ten minutes. The key was waiting for me and I just received my contract on the way out.
2) Free “upgrade”
The e-mail I received also let me know I had received a free upgrade as a Hertz Gold Plus Rewards member. They upgraded me to…a Dodge Grand Caravan! From a compact car. I mean, I guess that’s an upgrade? It’s always been my dream to cruise the strip with my windows rolled down in a minivan. Still, I think I might have gotten a nicer car if it wasn’t the busy weekend. Plus, automatic rear doors are kind of baller…kind of.
3) Easy Drop-off
This didn’t save a ton of time, but Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members can just drop their cars off, leave the keys, and get a receipt e-mailed to them. So if you’re in a huge rush, this could help out.
4) Other benefits
I think one of the other interesting benefits is “Gold Choice.” If you reserve a mid-size or higher, you can choose between different models and colors as you like. I reserved a compact for budgetary reasons, but with my growing family a mid-size might be more realistic in the future.
5) The price is right
Oh yeah…Hertz Gold Plus Rewards is free to sign up for. So I’m not sure I can think of a reason NOT to sign up. I can still shop prices if I like, but when I end up going with Hertz, everything will be a little more convenient
Final Thoughts
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards isn’t anything spectacular, but it definitely saved me some time and made the car rental process a little smoother. I don’t see the harm in signing up – it’s currently free. The program isn’t enough to make me loyal to Hertz, but it’s a nice tiebreaker when prices are comparable. I’ll always cherish my time cruising the Las Vegas Strip in a minivan with three of my best friends! ALWAYS.
3) Easy Drop-off
This didn’t save a ton of time, but Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members can just drop their cars off, leave the keys, and get a receipt e-mailed to them. So if you’re in a huge rush, this could help out.
4) Other benefits
I think one of the other interesting benefits is “Gold Choice.” If you reserve a mid-size or higher, you can choose between different models and colors as you like. I reserved a compact for budgetary reasons, but with my growing family a mid-size might be more realistic in the future.
5) The price is right
Oh yeah…Hertz Gold Plus Rewards is free to sign up for. So I’m not sure I can think of a reason NOT to sign up. I can still shop prices if I like, but when I end up going with Hertz, everything will be a little more convenient
Final Thoughts
Hertz Gold Plus Rewards isn’t anything spectacular, but it definitely saved me some time and made the car rental process a little smoother. I don’t see the harm in signing up – it’s currently free. The program isn’t enough to make me loyal to Hertz, but it’s a nice tiebreaker when prices are comparable. I’ll always cherish my time cruising the Las Vegas Strip in a minivan with three of my best friends! ALWAYS.