RSSLimo Rental Tips | San Francisco Travel Blog - Part 11
Huge Classic Car Auction Scheduled for November
Classic car enthusiasts from California and across the country have bought their tickets and booked hotel reservations for one of the biggest events of the year. From Nov. 15 through Nov. 17, the eyes (and checkbooks) of the automotive cognoscenti will turn to the Anaheim Convention Center, where more than 800 classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars and other automotive wonders will go on the auction block. The auction is being held by Mecum Auction Inc., which expects to sell many millions of dollars worth of steel, chrome and rubber before the gavel falls for the last time on this year’s auction.
Admission is $15, and the gates open at 8 a.m. each day, but prospective buyers will want to have plenty of cash reserves to bid on such beauties as these:
- Tom McMullen’s 1932 Ford Deuce roadster, which appeared on the covers of Hot Rod, Street Rodder and Popular Hot Rod magazines, complete with paint job designed by legendary hot rod designer “Big Daddy” Ed Roth
- A 1936 Ford Jack Calori Coupe, a best-in-class winner at the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach
- A Le Mans blue 1969 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Convertible, powered by a 427-cubic-inch, 430-horsepower engine
Here at NLS Limo, we’re very proud of the San Francisco classic car rentals in our fleet, and we’re always on the lookout for new models to add to the collection. Each of our antique cars has been lovingly restored and includes as many of the original parts and features as possible to provide an authentic classic car experience. Some of the options available to our customers include the following:
- Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud limousines
- Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud convertible
- Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith
- 1937 Oldsmobile
- 1948 Plymouth
Our San Francisco classic car rentals are very popular for weddings, anniversaries, birthday and Christmas gifts, wine tours and many other special occasions. To learn more about each of these classics and to reserve one for your special event, give us a call at NLS Limo at 800-339-8936.
Will Ferrell Auctioning Craft Beer Bus Tour for Charity
Comedian Will Ferrell is auctioning off a craft beer bus tour for four lucky winners who will join the movie star for a tour of craft beer bars in Southern California this December. On Dec. 12, the winners will join Mr. Ferrell for lunch at the Blind Lady Ale House after sampling craft beers at three bars known for their superb selection of micro brews. The four winners will receive VIP treatment while sampling craft beers on and off the bus with 120 other beer lovers on board. Ferrell is auctioning the experience to raise money for Cancer for College, a charitable organization established by his longtime friend Craig Pollard. The organization raises funds to help cancer survivors earn college educations after they recover.
Ferrell has announced that in addition to a nice lunch and some tasty brews, each guest will also receive "the most glorious red jumpsuit you have ever worn in order to get into the spirit of the holiday season." The jumpsuits are a tribute to Mr. Ferrell’s performance in the popular holiday movie “Elf” released in 2003. Beer lovers who want to bid on this beer bus tour have until Nov. 14 to take their chance on bending an elbow (and a story or two) with Mr. Ferrell and contributing to a worthy cause. Organizers hope to raise $20,000 for Cancer for College recipients.
Micro brew fans here in the Bay Area who want to organize their own craft beer pub crawl but would rather not deal with traffic and parking hassles can rent one of our San Francisco luxury coaches for the ultimate brews cruise! We offer several VIP luxury tour buses from which our guests can choose where they can enjoy their favorite craft beers en route to their destinations as long as everyone is of legal drinking age. Our Bay Area bus rentals are a practical and very economical way to transport larger groups of people to the following:
- Sporting events
- Pub crawls
- Concerts
- Weddings
- Golf outings
- Shopping excursions
- Sightseeing tours
- Casino trips
- Amusement parks
- Many other fun destinations!
Renting one of our San Francisco luxury buses is very easy and affordable. Browse the pages of our site to view information and images of your group transportation options, and then give us a call at NLS Limo at 800-339-8936 for more information and to reserve yours today! Any time you need spacious, comfortable and affordable transportation for groups of all sizes, you can rely on us to make it a fun and very memorable experience. Call us today!
Not All San Francisco Party Bus Rentals Are Created Equal
There have been a lot of negative reports in the media recently regarding San Francisco party buses. Sadly, much of the negative reports are well deserved. The recent accidental death of a Santa Cruz woman who fell out of a Bay Area party bus last summer is the most high-profile of the reports, but there have been others, including these:
- Recent legislation passed into law by California lawmakers that holds chauffeurs and party bus companies accountable for underage drinking
- Complaints from San Francisco club owners regarding party bus “booze cruises” that drop off drunken guests that cause problems in their businesses and neighborhoods, causing some club owners to ban party buses at their businesses
- Some San Francisco party bus companies that allow underage drinking on board, which has led to accidents after guests have been dropped off for the night
- Other incidents that cast San Francisco party bus services in an unfavorable light
We would like to remind our readers that we are working hard to change the public’s perceptions about Bay Area party buses and that the vast majority of problems are being caused by a small minority of party bus providers. How are we working to accomplish this? Here are a few examples:
- We do not allow underage drinking on our party buses and never have. Our mission has always been to ensure that our guests have a fun and safe party bus experience. We like to be flexible, but that flexibility does not include unlawful behavior.
- Our chauffeurs do not allow rowdy behavior that endangers anyone’s safety. If a guest engages in anything that puts anyone at risk, they receive a polite warning. If the behavior continues, the rental is over, and the guests are returned to their original locations.
- We work hard to provide the best San Francisco party bus experience for our guests for the most affordable rates in the area. Rather than nickel-and-dime our guests with incidental charges that greatly increase the rental charge, we include as many complimentary amenities as possible into our rates.
These are just a few of the many steps we are taking to make our Bay Area party bus rentals safer, more enjoyable and more affordable for our guests. Other San Francisco party bus providers are taking many of the same steps, but in our opinion, we do it better because it has been our business model from the very beginning. If you’re shopping around for San Francisco party bus companies that offer the best experience for the best rate, give us a call at NLS Limo at 800-339-8936 to find out for yourself why we have become the premier San Francisco party bus service!
Toyota Prius Is Top-Selling Car in San Francisco and Rest of California
Auto Data Corporation tracks auto sales across the country and issues an annual report ranking the best (and worst) selling cars in the U.S. The group recently published this year’s report, which states that the Toyota Prius is the best-selling car in the Bay Area and throughout California. The group tracked all vehicle sales from January through September and found that Californians bought at least 46,380 Prius hybrids over that period of time. Sales of the standard gas-electric hybrid Prius, the v wagon, the less expensive subcompact c and the all-electric, rose 26.3 percent in California over the same period of the previous year, and sales rose 14.5 percent in the rest of the country.
We have written about the Prius’ popularity in our blog before in a post about how popular the hybrid vehicles are with the wealthiest Californians. Apparently, that trend continues in the other states as well.
Jesse Toprak, automotive analyst at truecar.com, recently reported that, despite the low sticker price, Prius ownership is chic with the moneyed crowd.
"It’s one of the only non-luxury cars, that if you’re a wealthy person, it’s acceptable to own," he said.
A big part of the Prius’ success is reliability, but rising gas prices are also a big factor for California buyers. Gas prices here are the second-highest in the country, averaging $4.40 a gallon, compared to an average of $3.65 nationwide and second only to fuel prices in Hawaii.
Here in the Bay Area, many people prefer to go without owning a car to protect the environment and save money on gas, parking, insurance and maintenance. There are many alternatives for getting around, but every once in a while, people who don’t own a car need one for running errands, taking a drive to visit friends and relatives and many other uses.
That is why we offer San Francisco Prius rentals for our customers who only need a car for a day or an afternoon and want to reduce their carbon footprint. Our Prius rentals are clean, reliable and very affordable. If you’re looking for Prius hybrid rentals in the Bay Area, just give us a call at NLS Limo at 800-339-8936 to reserve yours today!
Rent One of Our San Francisco Limousines for a Sightseeing Tour!
Are you expecting a visit from friends or relatives and need a fun, luxurious and affordable way to show off our beautiful Bay Area? Rent one of our San Francisco limos, and treat them to one of our sightseeing tours! Renting a Bay Area limo for sightseeing instead of doing the driving yourself makes sense for many reasons such as these:
- Allowing you to focus on your guests
Renting a San Francisco limo for your sightseeing tour allows you to enjoy the ride as well! Instead of driving everyone from one destination to the next, you can focus instead on being a gracious host and catching up with friends and family. - Not having to deal with traffic
Why not leave the driving to the pros? Your chauffeur will know the best routes for taking in the sights and getting around traffic snarls, and you can enjoy not having to drive for once. - Giving your visitors a special experience
Surprising your guests with a limo ride for their sightseeing tour will surely be an experience that they will never forget! Everyone likes to be pampered, and riding in a limousine is the ultimate in luxury and comfort. - Relaxation
Imagine resting comfortably in the back of your limo, sipping a glass of your favorite beverage and taking in the San Francisco skyline. Or the Golden Gate Bridge. Or cruising along the coast. The possibilities are endless! Instead of dreading traffic and parking, you’ll be relaxing in the back of your limo and having a wonderful time!
We have lots of money-saving sightseeing tours from which to choose, or you can also create your own itinerary and show off your city and area with your own custom sightseeing tour. For more information about your San Francisco limo and sightseeing tour options, or to ask about creating your own tour, just give us a call today at 800-339-8936. We will be happy to answer all of your questions and make every effort to accommodate special requests. Call us at NLS Limo today to find out why we are the Bay Area’s premier limousine service!
Organizers Planning Game of Thrones Bus Tours Next Year
Fans of the smash hit HBO series Game of Thrones will be able to ride through the Irish countryside and view the locations where the program is filmed. The third season of the epic fantasy series is now being filmed in Northern Ireland, and planners report that they expect to have the tour buses up and running by this time next year. Game of Thrones fans will recognize many filming locations, including the North Coast Harbor of Ballintoy, a backdrop for many episodes. Other popular shooting locations expected to be included on the tour are Larrybane Quarry near the Carrickarede rope bridge on the North Coast, Inch Abbey and Tollymore Forest Park in Co Down.
The announcement pleased many tourism officials in Ireland, which, like many popular tourist destinations, has taken a sizable hit in recent years due to the recession.
"We have been working with the various tourism bodies for over a year, we got in touch about setting up this tour. We are helping them in terms of resources and putting them in touch with the right people like the broadcaster and distributor. We are keen on the overall film tourism thing, not just Game Of Thrones," one tourism official said.
Here in the Bay Area, we’re very familiar with movie and television locations as well. Lots of films and TV shows are and have been filmed in San Francisco and the surrounding area, and many local landmarks are instantly recognizable around the world. We’re no strangers to bus tours either. Millions of people visit our area each year and find that tour buses are the most comfortable, practical and affordable way to get around for sightseeing tours, airport transportation and many other destinations.
If you need comfortable and affordable group transportation for a sightseeing tour, wedding, sporting event or other special occasion, call us today at 800-339-8936. We offer luxury motor coaches, party buses, VIP buses and many other options to accommodate groups of all sizes. Whether you live in the Bay Area or are planning a visit, you can rely on NLS Limo for the best selection of San Francisco tour buses in the area. Call us today, and don’t forget to ask about our tour packages!
Maserati Plans to Increase Market Share With New Limousine and Other Models
Legendary Italian automaker Maserati has announced that they will introduce a new luxury limousine in the very near future, as well as a new SUV and mid-sized sedan. The recent announcement caught many exotic car enthusiasts by surprise, as Maserati has built an enviable reputation over the years as a designer and manufacturer of ultra high-end sports coupes. The new Maserati limousine will be called the Quattroporte, and comp-any officials hope that it, along with the new performance-focused SUV and luxury sedan models, will help Maserati boost sales and increase market share.
New models are not the only part of Maserati’s new direction. The automaker also plans to make some of their automobiles more affordable, with entry level models priced around $125,000, a price that is half that of Maserati’s lowest-priced cars. The Quattroporte is expected to be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2013. Maserati is withholding most details about the new limo, but they have reported that it will be over 17 feet long and offer more cabin space than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series and Porsche Panamera.
The new sedan will be called the Ghibli, which Maserati says will compete with the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Classes. The new SUV will be called the Levante, which seems poised to compete with the Porsche Cayenne for SUV buyers with deep pockets.
Many staff members here at NLS Limo are very excited to hear about Maserati’s new direction. They are especially interested in seeing how Maserati designers reinvent the new limousine with their keen eye for automotive lines and details. If you have a keen eye for detail and an appreciation for superb customer service and need a San Francisco limousine for an upcoming event, you have definitely come to the right place! We have the Bay Area’s best selection of stretch limos, SUV limos, luxury sedans and other vehicles for groups of two up to 62. For more information about your options, as well as rates and availability, call us today at 800-339-8936!
Tickled Pink Fun Day Treats Cancer Survivors to Limo Ride and Pampering
Ten women in Texas were treated recently to a full day of comfort and pampering, all due to a limousine service and an organization dedicated to helping cancer patients. The ladies were all strangers before being chosen by the South Texas Chapter of Guardians of the Ribbon, an organization dedicated to helping cancer patients. They are all cancer survivors selected for the organization’s annual Tickled Pink Fun Day who became fast friends and enjoyed each other’s company immensely during the limo ride, lunch and spa treatments.
Evelyn Thompson, a breast cancer survivor and one of the participants, said that few people understand the toll that cancer takes on a woman’s psyche and sense of well-being. “It has been nice because we do understand. It has been fun because there is a camaraderie there,” she said. "It is nice getting to know them; it is a special day."
The day began at 8 a.m. for the ladies when they were picked up by their limousine and transported to a local salon for a free hair and makeup makeover. Then, their limo took them to a local plaza where they were the guests of honor at a ceremony that included a release of doves and each of them signing the Pink Fire Truck of the Guardians of the Ribbon. Next, their limousine transported them to a very nice restaurant for a complimentary lunch and then a local nail spa for free manicures and pedicures.
"It means the world to me because it shows support, and that is what every person with cancer needs – the support of family and friends. That is what you need for healing," Thompson said.
Another honoree, a breast cancer survivor named Annie Frysak, also said that being around other cancer survivors helped her heal and face a recent diagnosis of leukemia.
“It makes me feel better being around other people that understand,” she said.
We often feature inspirational stories like this on our blog because they shed light on ordinary people doing extraordinary things for others who cannot or would not do them for themselves. We often partner with local charities to help people who deserve a limo ride and other treats to brighten their day, and we applaud limo services and organizations in other areas that make events like these possible. If you know of someone or a group of people that are going through a tough time and could use a bit of comfort and pampering in a San Francisco limousine, give us a call at NLS Limo at 800-339-8936.
San Francisco Company Sued By Taxi and Limo Companies Over Smartphone App
It’s been a rough couple of months for San Francisco software company Uber, the company that built a smartphone application that allows users to arrange and pay for taxi and limo rides with their phones. This month, the company’s attempt to add New York taxi service in addition to its limo services was swatted down by that city’s Taxi and Limousine Commission. Uber was also recently sued by taxi and limousine services in Chicago for “violating numerous local and state laws regarding public safety, consumer protection, and fair practices.”
Some say that Uber’s problems can be traced to the brash tactics and harsh criticism of city regulations of its CEO Travis Kalanick. Many cities have taken issue with Mr. Kalanick’s outspoken contempt “of any regulation (of his industry) in general,” saying that they are in a much better position to dictate policy in their cities than he is.
The lawsuit filed recently in the Northern District of Illinois claims that Uber’s pricing policies are predatory, especially the 20 percent gratuity surcharge for its e-hail and payment service. Uber has announced that they plan to implement a similar surcharge for New York customers. The suit alleges that while customers are charged 20 percent for a gratuity, only half of that money goes to the driver, with the other half going to Uber. The suit also claims that the company charges more than the established rate for taxi meters and charges customers for credit card processing costs, a violation of Chicago ordinances.
The suit also claims that Uber’s actions are unlawful, as they arrange fares without the knowledge or consent of taxi and limousine companies. The complaint states that the smartphone application gives users the “false impression” that it is in association with transportation providers. It says that this false impression gives Uber “the aura of legitimacy,” with the public while avoiding “the costs and time necessitated by compliance with the laws and regulations.”
As you might guess, we have our own perspective on this application. We feel that there is a far simpler method of arranging limousine rides, at least in the Bay Area, that doesn’t require a smartphone app or a smartphone. People who need to rent a San Francisco limo for an upcoming event can use any kind of phone to call us at 800-339-8936 and speak with one of our reservation specialists. A smartphone app may be slick and fast, but it can’t answer questions, greet you warmly, help you decide which Bay Area limo rental is best for you and your group or help you in many other aspects. If you prefer genuine customer service over cutting-edge technology, call us at NLS Limo today, and let us help you choose the San Francisco limousine that will be perfect for your special occasion!
San Francisco Limousine Rentals Make a Great Gift Idea
About this time every year, we remind our readers that our San Francisco limousine rentals make excellent stocking stuffers for the upcoming holiday season, especially for the hard-to-buy-for people on your Christmas list. Everyone has someone like this on his or her list each year, and agonizing over what to get him or her can suck the joy right out of the Season of Joy. However, we believe that we have the perfect solution! Rent a Bay Area limo, and give them a gift they will never forget. Here are just a few reasons why a limo rental is a great gift idea:
- One size fits all
For intimate groups of two to larger groups of 22 or more, we have a San Francisco limo option that will seat everyone very comfortably. No matter which of our Bay Area limo rentals you choose, you can be sure that they will have a wonderful time and receive our superb customer service. - Limo rentals are more affordable than you think they are
The San Francisco limousine market is very competitive, which is good, as it keeps rental rates low. You can browse the pages of our site for current rate information, and, if you choose an off-peak day or night for the rental, you may be able to take advantage of our specials. - They go well with concert or sporting event tickets
Adding concert or sporting event tickets to the limo experience is a great way to sweeten an already very nice gift. - They are great gifts for your best clients
Many of our clients who buy limo rentals as gifts each year are businesspeople who give limousine experiences to their best clients. If you’re looking for a new way to impress a big account, give us a call at 800-339-8936 and let us take care of the rest! - This is one gift they definitely won’t return
The day after Christmas is when people return ugly sweaters, unneeded foot massagers, unwanted kitchen appliances and many other gifts that they simply don’t want. If you give a San Francisco limo rental, you can be sure that this is one gift that won’t be returned or re-gifted.
If you have one or more persons on your list that make the season of giving into the season of dreading, we believe that we have a solution to that problem. Call us at NLS Limo today at 800-339-8936 to make a San Francisco limousine reservation for them instead! If you have any questions or want to customize a limo experience, just let us know. We’ll be happy to help!
Call 1-800-339-8936 for your free quote
Great customer service, great prices, and always a lot of fun.
I've used Nationwide 3 or 4 times now and have not once been disappointed. Great customer service, great prices, and always a lot of fun. Staff always helps me pick the best option for my group and our budget.