This company got one star because owner brought our left behind iPad to a restaurant in Charleston,…read moreand our driver didn't crash. Otherwise, NO STARS.
Our driver, who was pre-booked to take us from Charleston airport to Kiawah Golf Resort, began our experience by appearing then disappearing after our luggage arrived.
When we finally tracked him down, he met us outside the terminal on foot, took one suitcase, left us with all the rest of our suitcases and bags, and took off at practically a sprint back thru the terminal -where we kept losing sight of him- to some side area in the back of the airport. He virtually threw our belongings into the taxi, jumped into the driver's seat, failing to open passenger doors in the process, and took off out of the area before we even had our seatbelts fastened. In retrospect, we wondered if he was not allowed to collect fares from the airport, hence the haste, and to our perception, secretive parking area.
One of the seatbelts could not be fastened (already on the road) and when we mentioned this, he offered the seat next to him as the solution. Did not offer to fix messed up seatbelt. Gave up, as there was no safe stopping spot to change places, and hoped for the best.
No fixed price offered, metered the ride instead.
Finally arrived at Kiawah security gate, where guards gave him directions to our villa. We then drove all over the place in the dark, meter still running. Finally located a resort security vehicle, followed it as it lead the way to some other housing, for some other guests, then asked the security driver to lead us to our address, which he most graciously did. Meter still running. Finally arrived at our lodgings, which the guard was kind enough to sort out were at the top of an unlit tri-level exterior wooden plank staircase. It was after 10 p.m. and very dark.
As we were sorting our payment out, security unloaded the taxi. Gave Herbert our credit card, and were told he "doesn't take credit cards." NOTHING was said about this practice UNTIL we got to our final destination. As the fare exceeded $110, and we were not carrying that much cash, we were able to write a check, but NOT to the company, made out to him instead.
He left us in the parking lot and the security guard helped get our baggage upstairs.
We felt utterly ripped-off, and most unhappy. And exceedingly grateful to the security guard.
Then we discovered our iPad in its separate bag was overlooked when the off-loading of our belongings took place. It was in the "way-back" area of the vehicle, where everything except one handbag had been stored.
Phoned driver in a.m. to verify that it was in his possession. He acknowledged that it was, offered to bring it with him when he came back, a week later, to return us to the airport.
As we had made NO ARRANGEMENTS for a return encounter, we were left feeling a bit like extortion victims.
Located the owner of the company (Yassir), who offered to speak with driver. He called us back, and we were able to arrange a drop-off at a downtown Charleston restaurant. We did not utilize A.E. services to get downtown.
Yassir did leave the iPad with the hostess of the restaurant, while we were dining.
We were never offered any apologies or explanations for the bizarre and cavalier treatment we received.
Can only recommend avoiding this company's services.
