Hotwire rental car question

I booked 8 days in Fort Myers Florida on hotwire for $190. This was $150 less than booking direct on any of the other rental car companies.
I was told by hotwire that I do not get to go directly to my rental car like I would if I booked directly with Hertz.

My question: Will I be able to avoid the long lines at the Hertz rental counter by having a Hertz#1 card?

Thanks
Joe

Probably not, that's why Hotwire said what it did.

But if I really wanted to be certain, I'd ask Hertz Fort Meyers, not this forum.

(239) 768-3100.

If you call, let us know what you find.

I recently had a similar situation with Hotwire/National. I am Executive level with Naitonal's Emerald Club, but Hotwire offerred me a substantial savings and the rental happened to be with National. I had to go through the check=in line at National (I was the only person there) but still got to pick my car from the regular Emerald Club line (not the Executive line which has upgraded cars). I never mentioned my Emerald Club status since it wasn't relevant and I didn't want to advertise how much Hotwire had beaten their price.

By the way, if anyone is leery of using Hotwire. I have used them several times and their rentals have always been with 1 of the the 3 biggies (National, Hertz, Avis). You have to book the rental before you know the company, but I wouldn't worry about getting stuck with some smaller and/or less reliable company.

Ned in NYC

There are "long lines" at the Hertz counter in Fort Myers? I've been to Fort Myers before -- it never struck me as a very busy city.

Did you call Hertz, OhioJoe? If so, what did they tell you?

Shame that OhioJoe hasn't posted a follow-up on the thread he started, I was curious to find out what he learned.

Traveling to Fort Myers soon?

No, but I frequently rent from Hertz as a Gold member but I never book via Hotwire, so I'm curious how Hertz handles Hotwire reservations.

Plus, I think it's rude to ask a question, get some suggestions, then not post a followup so others can learn.

Booking a car on Hotwire or any third party agency is like booking a room on the same rather than direct with a hotel. You may get a great rate, but you lose the ability to get your room and room charges taken off or comped. This is the tradeoff for the great rate you got. If you are giving most of their profit to an outside agency, you can't expect them to lavish you with amenities. Those amenities are paid for out of gross profit. Decrease gross profit, you decrease your amenities. Simple economics.

Good Luck!
Ric at Joes