When I booked this, this was by telephone and having looked at your reviews I wanted to make sure there were no extra costs involved ie: toll roads as many other customers have to pay extras to the driver. I was told that there were no toll roads to go through and I would not be charged any extras On the journey there approx 45 minutes not once did the driver engage any conversation as he was continually on his satnav plus 2 mobile phones. Arriving at the Hotel he demanded I pay him 8 for the toll road, I did this as I felt very intimidated by him but I asked for a receipt Then after getting the cases out of the boot he demanded I gave him a tip I said that I wasnt going to do that as I felt uneasy during the whole journey he started shouting at me and cursing at me and pointing at me it was the concierge from the hotel that came over and told him to leave.
My return journey was a different driver (same supplier), on the way I realised that I had no dollars on me for the return toll road, he said he will accept sterling, again no conversation from the driver. Just before arriving at JFK I said to the driver we have not gone through a toll road and he said dont worry I went over the bridge as its quicker, why couldnt the first driver do this on the way?? Then we get to JFK, my daughter gets out of the car and opens the boot to get the cases out with this the driver presses a button inside the car and shuts the boot and the driver states to me that even though Ive paid no toll fee I need to pay him 20 tip. He was very threatening and would not release the boot until I gave him money of which I only had a smallest note of 20 which I had to hand over to him, we were then allowed to get the cases out of the boot.
In no way should I have been threatened to tip anyone and there is no possibility of me ever booking transfers with you using Carmel again. On the paperwork from Viator it states that Gratuities up to the customers discretion.
Driver was blunt and demanded 19 for tolls. This may have been normal, but it wasn't mentioned when I booked the flat rate cab with Viator. I guess I will just get a taxi myself and negotiate fees before leaving the airport from now on.
Fairly easy to phone and contact Carmel - waited in designated area and car was soon there - good ride into New York, although traffic was heavy - but was told it always is, apart from the early hours!