(Filled-up 07/30/17 SU @ 2:30pm): Surprisingly...I wasn't shelled by high gas prices here compared…read moreto others in the area!
A friend and I were returning from a weekend at the world-famous Gilroy Garlic Festival and in need for a fill-up in order to make it back home. I opened my handy-dandy Gas Buddy app for nearby and cheapest gas stations which pulled up this Shell located off the 101 Freeway. Gas prices were still relatively high during this time, but this one was surprisingly lower between $0.05-$0.07 lower than two other stations directly in the same area. Shell was a brand I trusted, so would there be any reasons to have second thoughts about this location!?:
PURCHASE
87 Unleaded Regular Gas ($35.75): The gas lamp thrusted its ominous glowing red light into my face as I tried to enjoy the scenic coastline as I made my way to any gas station. With the needle on "F", I couldn't risk accelerating for fear of premature empty tank. I rolled into the station, pulled up into the first open pump, and breathed a sign of relief. After 11.17 gallons of gas at $3.19/gallon (credit card price was $0.10 more per gallon), I was felt much better...except about the traffic and long drive we still had ahead of us!
SERVICE
No real issues here as everything went smoothly without human interaction whatsoever. The machine took my credit card, the pump fueled quickly, I received a paper receipt, and I was out of there!
PARKING (FREE)
There were a couple designated spots in front of the price marquee presumably for the air/water pump or if you needed to grab a quick snack inside Sam's Market. Otherwise, there was no need for parking because you simply wanted to pull in, pull out, and be on your way.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A tall signage at the corner of Five Cities Dr. not quite viewable from the freeway but seen once you exited the freeway and drove around a bit as you passed two other competing gas stations https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=XAX10ZTmXmWluskCyeyfcw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. With an attached medium-sized "Sam's Market" convenience store https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=KWc9yxeZNpaWJ6S5bgDO0w&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, this was a compact covered gas station with designated pump and thoroughfare lanes. It had a total of 8 pump stations (two columns with four pumps each). There were the requisite soapy suds, squeaky squeegees, paper towels, trashcans, and air/water stations (I missed the usage charge). The multiple ways to enter/exit the station slightly added to potential congestion as it was on a rounded corner. There was plenty of natural lighting during the day while I imagined bright electric lights flooded the night. There were no TVs or background music.
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
This Shell gas station on Five Cities Dr. fulfilled a need which was fuel that allowed me to get home. I wasn't sure what their hours were, appeared to have sufficient lighting, had all the necessary amenities, and prices were decent all things considered. However, I abhorred the fact that they had separate prices for cash vs. credit ($0.10 difference) and charged for air/water; these were the main factors in my rating. Furthermore, they were hidden as you followed your GPS. I found fairly good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $36.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice...AMEX! 3.5 STARS