The Complete Guide To Limo Service In Los Angeles, California
The City of Angels, one of America's most fascinating and enigmatic places, is a mecca of world-famous movie stars, sports teams, nightlife hot spots, beaches, and sunny destinations. It’s where the server at the restaurant could be a part-time actress, or the salesman at the shopping center may be a scriptwriter. And when you're driving around the city with the sun on your face and palm-lined boulevards all around you, you'll feel like you're in a movie.
Of course, it's not just the celebrities who travel in limousine style. Like all big cities, you'll see business executives, partiers, and everyday people celebrating various special events traveling in limos. A limo is the epitome of fun and elegance, and, in Los Angeles, you'll find no shortage of limo companies vying for your business. Whatever your reason for renting a limo, you owe it to yourself to do your homework and shop around. This guide will help you filter quickly and efficiently through your many options and assist you in asking the right questions so you will feel confident with the company you choose.
Where To Start
You’ll want to get a sense of the available companies. Because Los Angeles is the country's second-largest city, you should have no trouble locating qualified companies. You can start with a simple Google search to get a feel for the different limo companies that best serve your needs. But before you reach out to any of them, narrow your list to your top four based on the information you can find online. If you don’t limit your search from the beginning, you can end up with a list that is way too long that will take you forever to vet.
Once you have your list of four potential companies, take a second glance at their websites and make some brief notes. You will want to look carefully for information about each limo company's reputation, the type of limo you are looking for, and specifics about the services and amenities they provide. Be sure to look through reviews and testimonials to discover what prior customers had to say about them.
Before contacting any of the companies you've selected, you should also make a list of your trip's logistics and requirements. You must understand your own needs so that you can plan accordingly. It will be easier to plan logistics and get a better estimate of how many hours you will need to book if you know where you need to travel and when. When you know exactly what you need, you can organize your trip optimally and within your budget.
The Cost Of Luxury
There are many advantages and perks that come along with renting a limousine in Los Angeles. You will not only have access to a driver who knows the area like the back of their hand, but you’ll also be able to avoid drinking and driving, transport a large group of people in one vehicle, and travel in elegance and luxury. Different limo companies will vary in what they charge, so you must compare rates, services, and amenities to find the best deal. Take the time to gather as many limo rental quotes as possible. If you do your research, you’ll spend your money wisely and have a larger budget to work with for other things.
Apart from the time you require the limo, the rental rate is determined by the type of limo vehicle you select. There are typically a variety of good options to consider, whether you want a regular limo, a sedan, a Hummer limo, or a party bus. Make sure you understand any contract you sign in its entirety so you can lock in the things that are most important to you.
Below are some sample rates from limo companies in Los Angeles so you have an idea of what you might expect to pay:
| Type of Vehicle | Capacity | Rate | Typical Minimum |
| Basic Sedan | 3 | $75 per hour | 1 hour minimum |
| Luxury Sedan | 3 | $90 per hour | 1 hour minimum |
| 6 Passenger Luxury SUV | 6 | $100 per hour | 1 hour minimum |
| 9 Passenger Van | 9 | $125 per hour | 3 hour minimum |
| 14 Passenger Sprinter Van | 14 | $165 per hour | 3 hour minimum |
| 8 Passenger Limousine | 8 | $100 per hour | 3 hour minimum |
| 16 Passenger Limousine | 16 | $180 per hour | 3 hour minimum |
| 20 Passenger Limousine | 20 | $200 per hour | 3 hour minimum |
| 24 Passenger Bus | 24 | $125 per hour | 3 hour minimum |
| 56 Passenger Bus | 56 | $160 per hour | 3 hour minimum |
| 36 Passenger Party Bus | 36 | $270 per hour | 3 hour minimum |
Limousines & Tipping In Los Angeles
Chauffeurs are frequently asked questions about tipping in the private car service industry. Is it necessary for the passenger to tip? How much should I leave as a gratuity? Is the entire gratuity given to the chauffeur? When should I leave a tip?
While each LA limousine service is unique, some industry standards have developed over the last two decades. Many of them were shaped by necessity and custom, while others were shaped by regulation. It's helpful to look at tipping norms in the Los Angeles limo industry to obtain better knowledge and avoid an unpleasant faux pas.
While tipping is frowned upon in certain countries, in the United States, and notably in Los Angeles, the usual rule is that if a service employee carries a bag, props open a door, or gives a personalized service of any sort, tips are desired and anticipated. Although cash is king in many service industries, several limo companies in Los Angeles have adopted the cruise ship or country club model of automatically adding a gratuity to the final charge. Some passengers may find this impolite or arrogant, but the policy is based on tradition, necessity, and experience.
Many luxury rides have been organized by third-party bookers, such as executive assistants or travel managers, over the years. The last thing they want their VIPs to be concerned about in the field is fumbling with cash or doing time-consuming computations. This is one of the reasons why most private car service businesses include a gratuity in the bill - it is a question of passenger convenience.
Most professional chauffeurs rely on strangers' compassion for gratuities, but you might be surprised to learn how often they are stiffed. In the high-end service business, the expected and standardized tip ranges from 18 to 20 percent. Top-tier chauffeurs are more than just drivers, and their responsibilities and duties include everything from route selection to vehicle stocking and cleaning. The gratuity is a significant component of many chauffeurs’ living salaries.
You should also know that tips are not uncommon to be given above the gratuity already charged in the bill. While additional cash gratuities are not expected, they are greatly appreciated. Some excellent chauffeurs have received $20 or even $100 bills from customers who were blown away by their service. It's absolutely up to you whether or not you want to give anything else out, and it's just another way of saying thank you. Whether it's an airport car service or a prom limo, the chauffeured service sector in Los Angeles is distinct, with its own set of implied and codified tipping regulations.
Remember, the car and the driver are the two most important aspects of a memorable limo trip!