I rarely leave reviews unless the experience is bad enough that I genuinely wouldn't want to come back--and this was one of those cases. I rented from this branch for work purposes, so reliability mattered. Unfortunately, over multiple rentals I was given vehicles with serious issues: * Unsanitary conditions (including insect/roach presence) * Mechanical problems (warning lights and drivability concerns) * Safety concerns (severely worn/bald tires) I reported these issues at the time, and the location was aware of them. Despite that, no effective solution was provided and I was not given a viable replacement. I had to continue dealing with these problems, which cost me time, income, and significant stress. What followed was even worse. I spent over four months going back and forth with Avis Budget Group, dealing with delays, repeated follow-ups, and being ignored at times just to get basic responses. Only after significant escalation (including formal complaints) did they finally confirm that a refund was approved, stating it would be processed within 3-5 business days. It has now been over 10 business days, and: * No refund has been received * My bank confirms no transaction was ever initiated * Client Relations has stopped responding There is also a clear discrepancy in the refund amount: * Amount requested: $1,213.59 (baseline rental costs for defective vehicles) * Amount they referenced: $910.10, with no explanation provided for the difference Instead of resolving this, the company continues to delay and push the issue without providing a clear or final solution. After months of effort, follow-ups, and escalation, there is still no actual resolution. This reflects a serious lack of accountability, communication, and follow-through. I would update this review if the issue is properly resolved, but as of now, this has been an extremely time-consuming and frustrating experience. read more

See all

I would leave less than one star if I could. The car we received from Avis was absolutely filthy. It looked like it hadn't been cleaned at all before being handed over to us. The interior was dirty, the overall condition was unacceptable, and for the price we paid, this level of service is ridiculous. Renting a vehicle should come with basic cleanliness and professionalism, and this experience had neither. Extremely disappointed and would not recommend this location to anyone! very rude customer service. read more

What's the purpose of a reservation if you give away the car to the people on line in front of us. We reserved a mini van for our group of 7. Woops, they gave them all to the sports team ahead of us. Then asked, "do you really need a car for 7" as our group of 7 looked on. So they "upgraded" us to an SUV that had zero trunk space and a third row that was extremely difficult to access. We are feeling done with Avis read more

I've rented from Avis Sarasota Downtown many times, and it's always been an excellent experience. The location couldn't be better--right in the heart of Sarasota, just minutes from major hotels, restaurants, and cultural attractions. For visitors, this makes it a far easier and more enjoyable choice than navigating the busy airport rental counters. What truly sets this location apart is the service. Kris, the owner/operator, is outstanding. She brings genuine hospitality and personal care to every customer, making the process smooth, quick, and stress-free. Each time I return, I'm reminded why I continue to choose this location and why I recommend it to all of our guests visiting Sarasota. If you're traveling from abroad or visiting Sarasota for the first time, I strongly suggest renting here--you'll save time, enjoy a warmer welcome, and start your trip in the best possible way. read more

One of the worst car rental experiences I've ever had -- avoid Avis Downtown Sarasota at all costs. I arrived at the Downtown Sarasota location with a confirmed reservation and was given an SUV that wouldn't start. A staff member said it was a key fob battery issue, claimed to replace the battery, and told me it should work. Later that same day, the key fob stopped working again. When I called the location, I spoke to a man with an English accent, who was not only completely unhelpful, but also rude and condescending. He seemed irritated that I was even asking for help and made no effort to resolve the issue. I was told they'd be closed by the time I arrived (around 6:10 PM) and to just use the emergency key inside the fob to get in and out of the car. That worked for the doors -- but completely ignored the bigger issue: you can't start the vehicle without a working key fob. At that point, I gave up on the Downtown location and went directly to the Avis SRQ Airport location the next morning, where I was given a Chevy Malibu as a replacement. Unfortunately, that car also had issues -- several dashboard warning lights turned on within 24 hours, and I had to go back to SRQ again to get yet another vehicle. I spent the first three days of my trip dealing with Avis vehicle problems and unprofessional customer service. There was no urgency, no accountability, and no respect for my time or concerns. I've filed a formal complaint and a asked for a refund for the lost time. To date no one has addressed the issues. Avis corporate needs to seriously investigate the management and staff at the Downtown Sarasota location. This kind of service is absolutely unacceptable. read more

The rental process was quick and efficient. The staff were very helpful. Only area I could have used a little more information was about the electric vehicle and how to charge it. I haven't rented or owned an electric vehicle, so I didn't know what I needed to do to charge it. I did find out about the Presto application and that worked great. I ended with an electric vehicle, because I chose the option where the car company picks your car. I wouldn't do that the next time. The electric vehicle limits what you can do. I wanted to explore some areas that weren't feasible because of the car's range and the time it takes to recharge the battery. I spent nearly an hour or more daily, on a level 3, charger, charging. Thank you for getting me to the airport. It was an unexpected gesture, but very appreciated. I would recommend this location and rent from them again. read more

100% recommend and couldn't be happier with the experience. The staff were straightforward, friendly, and had a great sense of humor, making the process enjoyable. After reading numerous reviews about rental car scams, I was initially apprehensive. However, this avis and budget rental car agency proved to be 100% legitimate and down-to-earth, providing us with the best rental experience ever. Highly recommend! read more

This review is 7 months overdue but as I promised! I rented a pick-up truck from this location after my trucks steering went out due to driving in the high waters of Hurricane Helene. Little did anyone know that there was hurricane Milton just 10 days behind Helene. Because we live on SIesta Key, we were forced to pack up and leave town. The ONLY place we could find hotel reservations was in Savannah Ga. We spent a week there as the hurricane hit SK head on and people weren't even allowed back on the island for days after. I had to keep extending the car rental to about 3 weeks and the lady (I believe manager) at Budget couldn't have been nicer!! And when I did turn the car in, I was definitely over the allowed mileage due to having to drive to GA. and even down to Naples for a week and back. When I asked what my additional cost would be due to the extra mileage she replied "don't worry about it just as long as you and your family were safe". She couldn't have been more sincere. Now THAT'S A+ customer Service!!! read more

I'm very disappointed that I was given misleading information from a lady working this location. I came in with a same day reservation that was completed online and she informed me they have no cars available. She stated the Avis website should've stated that it was "sold out" and not allow the reservation. She went on to say my reservation is "a healthy reservation" and I can go to the airport or siesta Avis and still have my reservation. Frustrated of the inconvenience but hopeful that the airport would hold my 11am reservation, I drive 20 mins to the airport waited the line for a few minutes. I get called up, I hand the guy my reservation and he says "I can't find your reservation." I explained to the nice guy, I made the reservation at north Washington Avis and the lady informed me that my reservation would be good at the airport or siesta Avis - pretty much any Avis would honor my reservation. Ive learned that they have been sending people to the airports with this same statement. They are either intentionally misleading customers or misleading themselves. They gotta stop lying. This is unacceptable and super inconvenient. read more

Avis - Sarasota - Car Rental Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

We had to rent a car because of repairs to ours. We were told it may take a few days to get our car back so we rented. The owner was great. Got us set and going on our way. Rented Friday morning to Monday evening. The unimaginable happened next. Our car repair guy called 5 hours later and the car was done. When does that happen. We went and dropped the rental off and they charged us for the one day at a great rate ! They were wonderful. Nice job! Great spot. Very clean car and again, amazing people. read more

at least 30 people in line; moving at speed of cold molasses! if you want a 2 hour wait to get a car, Avis Sarasota airport is for you- if not, avoid Avis Sarasota like the plague!! read more

I've had many car and truck rental experiences, and the service and commmitment of this team in getting me into a car on one the busiest days of their year - when long-term snow bird renters are either returning or picking up their long-term rentals for their vacation - and boy was the joint hopping! They worked hard to get me into great car at a great price - thank you Avis Angel Dream Team!! read more

Thank you Sarasota Avis for your sponsorship to make a wish foundation. I really enjoyed the free Tesla rental. Great customer experience.

The Karen with the blond bob cut behind the counter, is so rude! I have never felt so disrespected! Dismissive and and just over all un inviting! For sure recommend going to other locations! I canceled my reservation and went elsewhere. read more

I rented a car at another Avis location in Florida and in driving it to Sarasota I had a lot of problems. Avis's customer assistance said I could exchange the car at another Avis location, so I took it to Avis Sarasota. They could not have been more helpful. They documented the problems and provided a replacement car immediately. The entire process took less than 10 minutes and I was on my way with a much better car. read more

This is my new place to get a car in Sarasota. Better then the airport and most of the time cheaper as well. Great customer service.

This shows an office on Bird Key, it does NOT exist, this address is a residence. The closest office is at the airport. Please update the map, I wasted 30 minutes and caused a lot of stress as I was trying to return the car before another day was added to my rental. read more

My husband and I were traveling with our 2 granddaughters. We had traveled a long way and it was very hot! Our car broke down and we had to get a rental and have ours towed. It was very frustrating and we were out of sorts to say the least. I reached Kris! She's the owner of Avis downtown. What a blessing she was to us! She not only gave us a good deal but she went above and beyond and came and picked us up! I was one grateful grandma! Kris is just one of this great humans that you meet in life and realize it was no accident you found each other! Thank you so much for being there for us. We will be traveling your way again and will definitely be by to rent a car read more

As a frequent traveller pre-Covid era, I have visited hundreds of off-airport rental agencies. This was, by far, the best experience I have had in my years of travel. The Budget rental location at the Tampa airport ran out of cars after I had stood in line for over an hour (at midnight!). I ended up taking an uber to Sarasota, and called Avis/Budget downtown Sarasota the next day. I spoke to Kris Skinner, the manager/owner. Over the phone, she kindly listened to my travel woes and instantly put me at ease. She told me she had a car for me, and she would love to help me and set things right. Sure enough, I arrived to her office off North Washington Rd in Sarasota, and she had a Ford Mustang Convertible waiting for me out front (quite the upgrade!). She said she "wanted me to have an awesome vacation". Kris was so kind, professional, and breezed me through the paperwork carefully and efficiently. She was flexible about my drop off and the car was spotless. Kris runs a "top shop" and I wish there were more off site car agencies run the way she does it. Don't call anyone else!!!! Skip the crazy lines at the Tampa or Sarasota airport, and rent here! read more

My husband and I rented a car from the Sarasota Airport. The vehicle did not meet our expectations and we were told to return it for a trade. While returning the vehicle back to the airport for a trade we ran over something that put a large hole in the tire. As luck would have it, Kris' budget/ Avis group lot was a 1/2 block away!!! We stopped in to see if we could trade the vehicle at her location as there was no way we were going to make it much further. The tire was already almost flat. Kris was outstanding! Her customer service and willingness to take care of us was amazing. We will certainly be taking an Uber from the Sarasota airport to rent from her in the future. Thanks Kris, you have no idea what a blessing you were for us! read more