Avis car rental - zero stars. I'm 55 yrs old and travel considerably, usually by plane or with our own car. This year, having three kids in tow, we decided to book several months ago, through Avis, a minivan (Caravan). Looking at the pictures and information provided on Avis' website, we felt this vehicle would provide us with the extra cargo space that we needed. This morning (July 21), we went to Avis (Slater Av, Ottawa) to pick up the minivan. To our surprise, they didn't reserve the minivan that we had booked several months ago. Instead they booked us a vehicle that they considered comparable to the Caravan - a Ford Flex. The Ford Flex is not a minivan and does not have the cargo space the Caravan offered, nor does it have the space we needed. It doesn't have sliding doors and it's not a minivan, which is what we booked. I tried to address this issue with the sales clerk. He contacted the District Manager and after a short conversation told us that there is nothing they could do. So here we were, the day before we were to leave on a 10 day trip, at Avis sales centre, only to be told that the minivan we booked several months before was not available. This certainly felt like a "Bait and Switch". I tried to contact the Agency Operator(Manager) Mohamad Mahdi and left him a voice mail. He never returned my call. What I have learned in life is that you never really know about the quality of service a business offers until something goes wrong. Then you get to see how they address it. Well, Avis has failed miserably at addressing our concerns, they have totally failed at communicating with us and have left us scrambling at the last minute to make alternate plans. At the very very least, they should have contacted us weeks before to let us know that the minivan we booked months before was not available, hence giving us time to make alternate plans. No wonder their rating is an "F" on Better Business Bureau. Zero stars for Avis, and zero star for their Agency Operator.

Reserved full size vehicle last week on trip to Ottawa, got what looked like crossover type vehicule with very low kilometres practically brand new. Once on the road I got engine light on which was odd considering it’s brand new, gas usage was bad and didn’t feel comfortable driving it, called to address concerns returned it next day. All was well Got another vehicule which was decent no issues, till I got pulled over no surprise there by Ottawa police services with Ottawa police, and he asked for license, registration and insurance. Gave him all that and found out insurance was expired 01-07-2020, and reason for being pulled over was according to highway traffic act they can pullover any rental vehicule. The fact I was black had nothing to do with it lol. He asked me if I could locate other insurance, either from my credit card or personal one for my vehicule in Edmonton, got into my app and got him my personal insurance. All was squared away, When I returned the vehicule told the female attendant which originally gave me the first and second car about the situation her response was everything was closed we couldn’t get insurance papers lol and they aren’t suppose to pull people over for that’ll anything of that sort! I will get the district manager to call you and sorry about the inconvenience. What!!??? Firstly you can get insurance paper work mailed to you especially when it’s mandatory to have one and you have rent out vehicule otherwise they can’t be on the road. Secondly, why would you say they aren’t pulling people over, you are talking to a black man? I don’t know how to respond to ignorant statements. I will never rent from Avis again and I urge all black ppl and those who value great customer service to never rent from Avis. I get a discount trough my company and will let my company know what happened. It has been over a week and no calls from anybody from Avis.

Unfortunately I am unable to give Avis zero stars. Today was a horrendous experience after we learned that the car we reserved was not the car that was available for us upon our arrival. Be very cautious. The company classifies vehicles into seemingly random categories. Our family booked a mini van in January. Today (third week of July) we were given a significantly smaller SUV. Although the seating capacity was the same (even this is a joke with tiny jump seats in the third row) it did not have sliding doors or the extra cargo space we absolutely require for our lengthy road trip. We ended up spending the day running around outfitting our own family SUV with roof racks and a carrier and consoling our 10 year old who was informed that she would have to spend the 12 hour drive in the middle seat between her two big sisters. The worst part? Avis was completely unapologetic. According to them, we received "a similar" vehicle to the one we had reserved (I beg to differ here - a similar vehicle to a Dodge Caravan would be a minivan of a different make; not an SUV) The manager was "off" and unavailable and no one at head office could be bothered to return our call. And so we were left to scramble at the last minute, despite months of careful planning. Disappointment and frustration doesn't begin to cover it. We didn't get the product we confirmed months ago and then there was no mechanism in place to bring our complaint forward, nor was there any customer care available - an absolutely terrible way to do business. Clearly Avis has truly earned its "F" rating with the Better Business Bureau.

I am the operator of this location since Oct 2015, This is a reply to the past 2 comments since they are both from the same person. And I am giving my self a 3 star so i do not skew the average off even though the past 2 people did by leaving 2 negative feedback's for one experience. I did hear about their experience and unfortunately they had to leave on the circumstance of being not happy. But according to our website when booking for a 7 passenger vehicle the image you will see is a Ford Flex on there and underneath the image it will say Ford Flex or SIMILAR. Unfortunately we do not guarantee the make and model for anyone but we try our best to get the vehicle they request. So when the family arrived and we had a Ford Flex waiting for them we actually got them exactly what they booked for. However we do not have vehicles that customers anticipate they will receive. Its just not logic. I am sorry I couldn't be there to help them out but I am here working 6 days of the week and I can not be there for every single customer that comes in and leaves. However if you have my business card then you can email me on my personal email that is on my card. Thank you

I had a bit of a problem, this week, as I needed a couple of specific vehicles for a trip with two groups of students. One of my options wasn't panning out, so I went to Avis and spoke to Lisa. She bent over backward to set me up for a successful trip nd everything worked out better than I could have hoped! This kind of top notch customer service is not something I see often, these days, but my hat is off to Avis, for their spectacular staff and imaginative solutions. Positive attitudes and friendly service will keep me coming back and recommending them to people I know. Emmerson, thank you for rounding out this adventure!

Terrible customer service. I had to pick up my car the day before my reservation because the agency was closed on July 1st. Because of that they entirely changed my reservation and I was charged an extra $1000. Lisa promised me that she will fix this before I had to return the car in Calgary 3 weeks later. I left her all my paperwork so she could contact her supervisor. Despite several phone calls with her and her colleagues, nothing was done and the national customer service was the same. They promise you things but at the end they don't care at all. I don't recommend this location or Avis to anyone anymore!

Had a horrible experience. Called to make sure my card would work(prepaid card) and they told we also long as I could pay with it online it would be fine. Well not only was it not fine, they only found out after putting a hold on my card. I had to have the CC company reverse this which took a number of calls to both avis and the cc company because avis lacked letter head and failed to follow through on a promise to send a email. Additionalyl it took 3 calls and 1.5 weeks to get a refund for the actual rental. Ruined my weekend.

We did not have a good experience picking up our car in September 2019. We reserved a full size sedan but when we got there all they had was a Volkswagen Jetta or (after some negotiating) a Hyundai Tuscon. Even then a Tuscon is a compact SUV. When I pointed this out the employee was quite rude/condescending and questioned my knowledge of car sizes. Not great for an 8 hour roadtrip with 4 people and luggage. I will not be using Avis again. A Volkswagen Jetta is not a full size car!!!

0 STARS Worest experience. Was over charged at returning of vehicle price was almost triple. Payed 220 for the weekend and extended for rest if week came to around 800 without avis insurance. I would highly recommend and different company or location. Owner did not return calls after he said he was looking into issue and did nothing to resolve issue. Only looking out for him self. Also car wasn't cleaned the best. Have had 1000% better experience other rentals company's.

I'm a regular client at this specific location. Their cars are always clean and comfortable, the manager is always on site smiling and providing excellent service, he will always has a car ready for me even in their busy days. I signed to be a preferred member and since then I never waited to get a car, the car would be ready, I just walk in and they would hand me the keys. An additional benefit of becoming a preferred member is I would constantly get free upgrades.

Rented a car for a day from the Ottawa downtown Avis location. The car worked well and I had no problems. I would use this service again. Moe the manager was incredibly friendly and helped me find the best deal for me, and gave me his card in case I ever needed help with Avis later. When I was in a different city struggling with a car rental, I called the store in Ottawa and he helped me find the best location and deal remotely. Thanks for a great service.

When you rent a GPS along with your car here make sure you check if its broken before you set out on the road. They don't care if they give customers broken products and services. And don't take them up on that one hour late fee reprieve for returning cars, because if you listen to that advice you'll be charged extra for late fees because it doesn't apply to any other avis locations. They don't give reliable services.

Have come to this location twice, fantastic staff and we always receive the highest level of service. Had to reserve the first leg of our trip at a different location and the service we received was not what we expected, had a booking at this location later on and were so delighted by the employee whose name we did not catch but mentioned he had worked there for over 4 years.

Billing issues are very common. Lisa, the branch manager does not follow up properly. I had to start a dispute with VISA, which of course was successful since I could easily prove AVIS not collaborating into resolving this matter. It's very hard to get professional customer support with them. They just don't care. This business is highly disorganized.

I've rented from this location many times and it's the go-to place when I need to rent a vehicle. The location is ideal for downtown Ottawa but mostly it's because I trust the employees - I've experienced almost every hiccup imaginable in renting a vehicle here and the staff has always handled gracefully and professionally.

Booked a long term rental on line. Paying in advance resulted in good savings. Had a little bump though in the fact that Avis' dealer software would not initially allow rentals beyond 1 month despite the online app allowing it. The guy behind the counter was very courteous and worked out the mess for me. Great service.

The Avis booking system never seems to actually properly reserve the car I booked because its so often not available when I go to pick up my car. Reminds me of that Seinfeld episode. They just give a free upgrade usually, but kinda of a risky spot to book if you're on a time crunch or need a specific type of vehicle.

Super Pro. Was behind another customer that was just raving about how great the service there was. I was next and Joe Mesa matched my satisfaction. I had questions, he answered them all being that I was taking the car to the states. All worked out as he said. Excellent customer service.

I paid a lot of money for the large suburban for a special occasion. When I got there (2 hrs after reservations start) they said, "oops we forgot to clean it". 30 minutes later I left with a disgusting vehicle, the seats were sticky, there was garbage, the outside needed to be washed.

The best car rental service in downtown Ottawa. I have rented a car several times from this location and I am always very happy with the service. Staff is very kind, knowledgable and flexible. Recently I had family visit and they were able to accommodate a minivan rental last minute.

I rent a car about once every 1-2 months, and I have tried a few different places, but always come back to this place. The service is always helpful and top notch, the cars are well taken care of, always clean, no hassles ever. Highly recommended.

I started to rent cars not so long ago but from all the places I visited, there's no staff like this location. Lisa made the process quick and easy. It's a great friendly atmosphere and I only go to that location since my first visit with them.

Good rental agency. Centrally located and easy to get to. Staff was very professional and helpful. The underground parking can be a bit of a maze so spend a few minutes to speak to the rental agent to understand how to park and return the car.

SCAMMER ALERT, BUDGET/AVIS rentals: upon returning my car I noticed they are scratching all the bugs from the windshild of the customer's car before me. Then they sad that the windshild had tiny chip (so small that it is not visible!).

Jeff at Avis/Budget on Slater was a joy to deal with for my rental, explained all that there is to know about renting a vehicle and tried to accommodate me as much as possible, would definitely rent from Avis/Budget again!!! Heather G.

I have regularly rented from this location over the past few years. The staff are friendly and helpful. Additionally, the cars are always clean. I’ve rented from other companies and locations but the service I’ve had here beats them.

We got into accident and needed a car. Your staff are really friendly, compassionate and accommodating. He did every possible way for us to get a car back to Toronto on that busy long weekend. Thank you for your awesome service.

Best service never had. I booked via internet and no surprises, no catches, service of great courtesy both at departure and arrival with 2 different people. Vehicle meets expectations and even better. Go ahead with confidence.

Came in on a Sunday afternoon and they were very understaffed with one guy doing everything. In spite of that though, service was as quick as it could be under the circumstances and the guy was very accommodating and helpful!

Had a nightmare of a time trying to find a rental car. The manager of this location was beyond helpful. He’s super patient and very kind. He made my horrible day, not so bad at the end. Someone give this man a raise☺️

Matt was great although we came with no appointment due to enterprise rental ruining our day and walking to this branch. He was polite and helpful We got our car in 10 minutes! Avis customer from now on!

Thank you all for the wonderful comments! It is an absolute pleasure each and every day to work with you in every way possible, to make sure your rental experience the best I can give :) Sincerely, Lisa

Avis customer support (call center) is just a freaking nightmare. Messy, disorganized, confused, incoherent... Agents are super dumb, unable to understand a single thing and are misleading.

Great friendly service ! This Avis location was able to find me a minivan for a 9 day trip with a couple of days notice during the busy summer vacation period. I recommend ++

I've never had a problem here with a rental. Frequent upgrades. Service is always fast and friendly. It is worth signing up for preferred to speed up your rental.

Easy to find, with their own parking. Nice attention (they even gave some advices) and good timetable. Used 3 times, if I need a rental car again I shall repeat

I've been waiting six weeks for a refund from them. The guys working here are nice enough but there are lots of places to rent cars downtown - go with another.

I took a truck here to transport furniture to the apartment. Excellent service, fast processing, fair payment. You need to pre-book a car on the site.

When I needed a car to rent in Ottawa I came to this location. The staff and manager were super friendly and helped us get a car for the weekend.

Service was great and the car was brand new. It was kinda busy when I got there but the guys were really fast. Definitely a repeater

Lisa saved our bacon and was the most amazing person to deal with I have very had at a rental location. Thank you so very much!!!!

Used it twice and will come back whenever I need a rental. Clean cars, excellent service and good location in the downtown area.

Got my car in just a few minutes, return was also fast and easy. Car was brand-new, with just 350 kilometers on the odometer.

Amazing service and courteous staff. Their cars are clean. Great location in Ottawa. I recommend renting from there.

Best customer service from Jeff that I have ever had renting a vehicle. Definitely recommend renting here.

Service was good, but there was a long wait for the service guy and they had a limited selection of cars.

Poor customer service, manager charged my card 4 times without my knowledge for outrages cleanning fees.

Great deals and cheap prices, people is really friendly and looking forward to help you suit your needs.

Great with the exception of navigating that underground parking (unavoidable, given the location).

These guys are crooks. I returned the car with a full tank and they charged me for fuel service.

I'm a regular customer here. Efficient, friendly service. Clean, nice cars. No hassles.

Store manger has Outstanding customer service with consistency great people thank you!!

if i could give these guys 0 stars i would, very rude and disrespectful employees.

great service and location with underground car park so no snow removal required!

Prices on a rise....but if you are regular then they may give you a discount....

Great experience. Easy to use, convenient, friendly service!

Very professional and friendly service. Thanks Lisa

Lisa helped us like a boss. Great customer service

Rent from here regularly, always get good service.

Staff is super helpful and the location is great

Service always top notch. Never an issue.

Great service with great cars every time

Very courteous service! Sure to return!

Always so friendly and helpful!

Horrible customer service

Fantastic service

Amazing service

Cheap rentals.

Très serviable