VIP Transportation

I corroborate with all of the one-​star reviews! I guess they don’t want any business…

Best Transportation company in San Diego!!! The reservation was easy and well explained. The driver made contact before arriving which eased the whole process. Driver was professional dressed and drove in the same manner. Their rates were cheaper than other charter companies. Their vehicle was clean and had a fresh scent, unlike other limo bus companies. I would recommend them to family, friends, and colleagues. Call VIP 858−386−3585, you will be treated as a VIP.

Everything was PERFECT! Chris was wonderful to work with in booking transportation for our daughters wedding on 8÷15÷2015, he was patient with all of my questions and helpful with the whole process. The car was on time and considering the challenging address we had I was very impressed, the driver was polite and everyone had a great time. Thank You VIP I will absolutely call you in the future.

DO NOT USE! I had scheduled 2 rounds trips through a broker. Apparently between a verbal confirmation at 9:00am and the bus pickup time at 11:45 — they lost my reservation. After 7+ phone calls they were able to dispatch another bus. It was much smaller than promised and was literally falling apart at the seams.
Pickup was 30 late that day as well, and we were sent a charter bus as well. This was the only trip of the four with a bus with AC, but it was not the limo bus that was promised.
The next morning I confirmed the bus again, and they did not have the time correct, thankfully I called ahead of time. Even with this they were late to pick us up, though finally in the bus they promised. Which was nothing like the pictures. No AC, falling apart, and smelled disgusting. Another disappointment. The pickup that afternoon was also late, and without AC the entire group was sweating. This bus was just as bad as the last.
Horrible customer service, unsafe/​gross buses. Nothing good to be had here.

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
I cannot say that enough.
If you’re in the business of customer service, take some notes from these guys. I hired Vip Transportation my wedding day transportation. Michael was our chauffeur and he didn’t disappoint. He was on time for the pickup, early actually and was in communication with me the moment he arrived to pick up my then fiancée and the ladies of the bridal party. The limo was stocked well with cognac and vodka, and misc mixers (really hit the spot after wedding day stress). Michael was very professional and made sure we had everything we needed in order to be comfortable. At our destination, Michael made sure that we had everything out of the limo before he left. He’s very detailed, a trait I rarely run into nowadays.

I don’t know how I missed all the negative reviews when I was checking out VIP Transportation last week?! But it’s true, don’t use this company and here’s why:
Driver arrived a little late (around 7:10 p.m.). When he arrived he said he had to rush from his last appointment and did not have time to pick up ice, water and wine/​champagne that he said they usually include, but said we could stop to pick it up on the way. I declined since our reservation was at 7:30 and there would not be time to make a stop. So we grabbed our own bottled water and ice and tub to have on the bus. Driver was helpful with carrying cake and case of wine to the bus.
I requested the Krystal Limousine Bus which states on the website holds up to 22 passengers. This bus barely fit 16 average sized adults. We had to squeeze to get everyone seated. Our guests were squished and uncomfortable.
The air conditioning was not working. We asked the driver a number of times to turn on the air conditioning. At first he said the bus had to be running for it to work. Then the bus was running and it was still extremely hot and he said the air conditioning must not be working. It was 90 degrees out that day and the bus was even hotter inside. Our guests were hot and uncomfortable.
The bus was extremely bumpy and I was told by many guests that the shock absorbers needed to be replaced.
The sunroof in the back of the bus had no glass. It was completely open to the elements. Is this safe?
We arrived at the restaurant around 7:45/8 (late for the reservation, but it was okay because I called the restaurant to let them know we were running late).
I could overlook the above things, but here’s the real reason why I’m leaving this negative review:
During our dinner the driver came into the restaurant and interrupted me as they were bringing the cake out with burning candles and singing happy birthday. I had to step away to speak with him and completely missed the most important moment of the evening, recognizing my husband’s 50^th birthday with his closest friends and family. Because of this interruption I was unable to witness him blowing out the candles, give my planned toast and take photos. My guests were forced to shovel the cake down quickly and exit to the bus, because our choice was to leave immediately or wait who knows how long (at least 1−½ hours) for the bus to drive from Harbor Island to and from Valley Center in Escondido?! Because they needed to pick up another customer? This happened at 9:40 p.m. we had the bus until 10:10 p.m. We were still within our allotted time frame, especially because, Chris, the owner had agreed verbally over the phone when I booked the reservation, that we could use the bus an extra hour if needed, just pay the driver in cash for the additional hour.
Overall, I am extremely disappointed with the quality of the bus and mostly with what occured at the restaurant. I can never get back those moments of my husband’s 50^th birthday celebration. Shame on VIP!

I used their service for my wedding last week and had serious issues with them. Below is an email I sent them with all of my issues which they won’t respond to. Nor will they answer any of my phone calls. Many of my guests had to take a cab home from my wedding because they could not support the movement I paid for.
«Below is the confirmation email I received from you about driving for my wedding last week. It clearly states time and locations. Before the wedding you called and told us that your air conditioning wasn’t working. You provided 2 vehicles which is fine and would of worked out.
While I was at my wedding venue preparing to get married and taking pictures I got a call from my mother saying the vehicles were not at the hotel. I then got a call from my next door neighbor saying the vehicles were at the apartments and she thought they were going to the hotel. Which is correct. They were supposed to be at the hotel. Once I got on the phone with the driver he did not know he was in the wrong spot he just said that he was here and ready to go. Once I got him the right address he went to the hotel to pick up my family who flew from across the country.
Everyone got into the cars and was ready to go, 20 min late. The driver then turned and asked one of my guests where they were going. None of them are from the area. Hence the reason I had to pay you to get them to and from the location. They had to pull up the address and directions to get to the venue. One driver told my mother that the AC would get going once they were moving and apparently that was not the case.
Once everyone got here we were able to start the ceremony which went perfectly. Until I needed your services again. I left the venue and everyone went to board your cars. One of which could not take anyone. He said he ran over a nail in the parking lot. But his tire was completely blown. In turn my family members had to squish into the few cars that did drive to the venue. But there wasn’t enough space. So people had to call cabs. But the minor issue with that is not everyone had cash on them because they were at a wedding.
I understand that it is not your fault the AC was working. Or the fact that your tire went flat. Those are things that are out of your control. But at the end of the day I paid for services that were not delivered and expect I refund because you were the only piece of our wedding day that could not get it together.
Please email me back as I will be with my family for the rest of the week. Thank you»

They send unreliable busses that stop and start and cant even get to the destination to pick up guests. Then they ignore you when you ask for a refund. Do not use them or avery limo brokers.

Worst service ever! switched buses 4 times. Ruined our night.

If I could give this place a negative star review I would.
DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY OR TIME WITH THIS «BUSINESS»!
First off! We originally had booked with another company, and that company passed our event off to VIP Transportation without letting us know only because Roland promised to handle us! But thats a whole other situation!!!
We were scheduled to be picked up at 9:15pm, and at 7 we received a phone call stating that they are «having mechanical issues and would need to pick us up at either 8pm, or 10pm». We chose 10pm because who arrives at a downtown SD club before 10! Little did I know, they were not having issues and in fact had two parties scheduled for one time slot.
10pm rolls around and no bus, or phone call. So myself and the birthday girl begin to make NUMEROUS calls. FINALLY I get the driver on the phone and there was nothing but extremely loud music and screaming girls in the background. HE HAD ANOTHER PARTY! He was in PB with another party when he was to be in Escondido picking us up! It took over 45mins to get something situated, and my husband getting agitated! Our bus did not end up picking us up until 11:15pm, an hour and fifteen minutes later than planned! Two hours late if you go by what we originally booked months in advance.
Once we began rolling on the freeway, our driver sped at high speed. People were flying all over the bus! Some girls had fallen to the floor from him doing whatever he was doing.
When we arrived at the club we told the driver, do not leave until we make 100% sure we will be able to enter since we were there at midnight. Once the last foot stepped off the bus, he shut the door and sped off!!! We were denied entrance! Spoke with all door staff AND THE MANAGER of the club and could not get in! Our group ended up at some hole in the freaking wall bar awaiting for our pick up scheduled for 2am. IT DOES NOT END THERE!!! Our bus did not pick us up until 2:30!!! AND IT WAS A TOTAL DIFFERENT BUS!!!
I have tried to get our money back, or another night comp by their company and have yet to get this situation settled. My advice IS DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY WHATSOEVER!!!
Also… I forgot to mention to bus smelled horribly! And it was super ghetto!

SCAM SCAM SCAM AND SCAM!!! CHOOSE A LOCAL, PHYSICAL LOCATION WITH GOOD REVIEWS!
If I could give zero stars, I would. Here’s what went down:
On Tuesday, 9÷10÷13 around 8pm I called Chris @ Vip transportation to reserve a 10-​person White Limo for my Wedding coming up in October. The first sentence I spoke was «I would like to reserve a white 10 –person limousine for 3 hours on this day, preferably this Lincoln stretch that you are advertising on your Facebook.» He gave me he hourly price & said I will need to pay a $ 50 deposit, so I provided a credit card. He told me I was to receive a confirmation email shortly. I waited until the next day, and called him in the late afternoon, because I was concerned I haven’t yet received my confirmation. I spoke with him & made some changes to the TIME of pickup. I received my confirmation email shortly after, with breakdown of costs. Instead of charging $ 50 for deposit– I was charged $ 100. This should have been my first sign to RUN.
On 9÷17÷13 I called Chris to change the pickup time, again, because my wedding plans have been shifted. At this time, he mentioned that there is a 4 hour minimum. This was never mentioned previously, especially because my receipt clearly stated 70×3 hours with a total at the bottom. If there was a 4 hour minimum, WHY WASN’T IT MENTIONED DURING OUR FIRST CONVERSATION? ALSO — their website CLEARLY states Sunday-​Thursday has 3 hour minimum. The reservation was for a SUNDAY in October! On top of that, he tried to say that my 70/​hr 3-​hour reservation was for a Town Car– that seats 4 people.
I NEVER ONCE MENTIONED A TOWN CAR. My confirmation receipt even states «Number of passengers: 10″ — I needed a vehicle for TEN PEOPLE MINIMUM! Confused and frustrated, I passed this info to my fiancé, as I was at work. This guy lied and claimed I kept changing what I wanted from Town Car– to a Hummer limo (WTF?!! I WOULD NEVER REQUEST A HUMMER for my wedding!) — to the Lincoln limo stretch– which is what I ORIGINALLY requested, the first day I called! I wasn’t changing my requests, the only thing I changed was the PICKUP times!
My fiancé explained that we cannot afford to do a 4 hour minimum, and really only needed 3 hours of service. Chris said that is not possible, but he would honor the 70/​hr quote he gave me, as long as we did the 4 hour minimum. We said NO THANKS, as this was becoming very sketchy and frustrating — NOT something you want at a Wedding– and asked for our deposit back. He refused, even though he was only suppose to charge $ 50 in the first place.
Needless to say– I have NO IDEA how this guy is still in business. But I BEG YOU TO NOT EVER DO BUSINESS WITH THIS ‘COMPANY’ BECAUSE IT IS A BIG, FAT, EMBARRASSING SCAM!
READ OTHER REVIEWS BEFORE CHOOSING VIP TRANSPORT– they may seem like ‘A Great Deal» — but don’t waste your money– because you will never get it back! You will literally be paying for NOTHING!
Thanks for your time,
–An Angry Bride

This was the most unpleasant ride I’ve ever taken on our way to a wedding we were sweating our asses of. The air conditioning did not work. Music didn’t work, there was no toilet paper in restroom.
The guys on my bus were taking off their shirts bc it was so hot in there.

These guys did a great job of transporting my wedding party of 40 people to the beach and back… we had the ceremony at the beach. They were on time, and the bus was a blast. A good time for all. Thank you VIP!

We booked a party bus with VIP the night of our wedding as our wedding ended at 6pm. We got a 40 person party bus and we were so excited as I felt we were getting a great deal and Rolond who booked this for us seemed like a stand up guy with a great fleet. Sadly, the party bus was a nightmare.
* The Bus arrived 10 minutes late (no biggie, I could have lived with that just fine)
First impression of the Bus, it looked great but as we went to sit in the back of the bus it smelled like a dead body (no exaggeration at all) and the toilet was clogged full of feces
*The bathroom door handle was non existent and had a sharp rusted out hole that one of the groomsman and my new father in law cut themselves on
*My husband Brock went to open the back sun roof window to let the smell out and cut his thumb which caused him to bleed all over himself. We had to stop and get him a band aid and he NO SHIT has a scar on his thumb from it.
*The top railing was rusted out, Brock stood up to grab it and got rust all over his hands
*The bus driver was swerving all over the road so much so that my father in law sat up at the front to watch him as there was a concern as to why he was driving that way. That was a lot of peoples lives in his hands
*The Bus took nearly an Hour and a half to get from Poway to Downtown Gaslamp which is only a 30 minute drive tops
The bus driver was going 35 miles per hour on the freeway headed to the Gaslamp and the driver advised my father in law that it is an old bus, he was flooring it and it was not possible to go any faster
*Once the driver picked us back up later that night he advised several people that he would not take them back to where they were staying in Rancho Bernardo/​Poway area and several people were left stranded downtown. This made my husband very angry which is the only thing I felt bad for but he was angry with good reason
*Once I spoke with the driver and asked him what the problem was he said we only had the bus till 11:30, I advised him the deal was 5 hours and that we still had 40 minutes to take everyone back so he did then take a few of us back to where we needed to go. This was just a disappointment as I asked ahead of time if the bus would take us back and fourth or wherever we needed to go for five hours and I was told yes it would and the driver fought us on this…
*At this point the bus smelt much better as he did go and dump it, we were able to use the bathroom on the way back and we were thankful for that.
*On the ride home the bus driver made a stop right in middle of the road, left the bus running and ran into the Chevron which I thought was odd and very unprofessional especially after the fact that he was very rude and argumentative with us and our guests. He just was not very friendly or much of a people person at all… My dad bought the guy a coke earlier and we tipped him $ 40 even though tip was all ready included in the price of the bus and I do not feel like we ended up being treated in a friendly and professional matter.
*Lastly, I spoke with Rolond about all of these issues and he called, apologized and comped me 5 hours of any fleet of our choice. I chose to get a limo to surprise my husband for his Birthday. The agreement was to have the limo pick us up at 5:30 at our house, the limo never showed. I called Rolond several times, no answer, text or call back. By 6:30 we ended up having to cab down to House of Blues. Once we got down there at around 7:30 Rolond finally called. He promised a limo at the end of the night which he did follow through with and that is the ONLY reason I’m giving a 2 star rating instead of a 1.
VIP TRANSPORTATION IS HORRIBLE.

STAY CLEAR OF THIS COMPANY!
VIP Transportation was booked for a group of kids going to Prom. They paid for a Limo Bus which was 1 ½ hours late picking them up. Then blew the back tires out on the freeway. The kids were stranded in the bus on the side of the freeway until a parent came & shuttled them in 2 groups to the Prom. By the time they all arrived at the prom they maybe had 1 ½ hours TOTAL. Prom ended at midnight… NO limo bus ever showed up to take them home. 22 kids were stranded approx. 40 miles from home for over 2 hours! Parents had to make the 40 + mile drive to pick them up in the middle of the night. The Limo Co. apparently told the parents that they had already picked up the kids & dropped them off… NOT TRUE!
Absolutely a shame that these 22 kids had such a horrible Prom!
A PARENTS WORST NIGHTMARE!

We book VIP as a last minute booking since SD Hot Limos couldn’t accommodate us. Roland, was awesome! Bus was nice and clean. Got us from San Diego to Anaheim and back safely. We’ll definitely be using them again!

My bro reserved a limo for his wedding day waaaay in advance.
When he called to confirm the day prior to the ceremony, they told him that the limo he reserved needed a car part and was not available.
HUH?!
After bro complained, he was so-​called «upgraded» to a limo bus.
FINE… It was a day before the big day, and he just wanted transportation. Reluctantly, he agreed.
Wedding day, he relayed all the info to me to follow up to make sure this bus comes to pick up the bridal party at the resort .
So here goes…
1. Bus pulled up. GHETTO…
2. Bus was late
3. Bus had a stripper pole in it
4. Bus had no A/​C
5. Bus had no radio
6. Driver asked me for directions
WTF…

WORST COMPANY YOU COULD EVER USE!
If you like being late for your special event/​day, never receiving a confirmation, never being able to talk to anyone at the company, having an unprofessional driver who is in jeans and doesn’t know where he is going and then being asked for a TIP after all that, then go ahead and use them, but when I hire a limo I expect PROFESSIONALISM.
My father-​in-​law has been in the limo business for 30years so I know what I am talking about and these people/​company are the most unprofessional ever seen! In fact I think they may be a fraudulent company/​floosies. I will be contacting the better business bureau.
I had been calling for two weeks straight, left an email, left 4 voicemails, and never received anything. The owner decided to call me about 1 hour prior to pick up promising this and that and when the limo finally shows 20 minutes late there was nothing except some crap bottle of white wine, but not even ice to keep it cold. The limo doesn’t even know where he is going! After the day is over and we are exiting the limo driver, Bernardo, decided to ask us to «settle our bill» a 20% gratuity for the crapiest service available… if it wasn’t my wedding I wouldn’t have handed it over, but I had no time to fight! Anyways, I think you all get the point. STAY AWAY!

ZERO STARS. HORRIBLE SERVICE!
My friends and I used this party bus company for a birthday celebration.
However, this company completely ruined the night.
1. We arranged for a 1:45AM pick up time from Stingaree. The bus did not arrive until after 2:30AM. Our group was waiting outside in the cold for more than 45 minutes.
2. They didn’t tell our group that the drop-​off bus would not be the same one as the pick-​up bus. Some of my friends had left their belongings in the original bus. Before going home, the bus driver had to go the company’s lot in Miramar so that we could retrieve our belongings.
3. THE INSIDE OF THE BUS STRONGLY SMELLED OF GAS/​EXHAUST. I’m asthmatic and had difficulty breathing. Long story, short: The bus had to pull over because I passed out due to lack of oxygen.
4. When my friend contacted the company to talk about the bad experience our group had, the company insisted I was just drunk. NO. I WAS NOT DRUNK. The last time I had a drink was on the bus that dropped us off, which was at least 4 hours ago. Sorry, but alcohol didn’t make my chest feel tight, make me cough, or feel lightheaded. THE EXHAUST FROM YOUR BUS DID.
While submitting a complaint to the BBB, I found out that this company is also known as «First Class Luxury Transportation». See Unilocal reviews under that name here:
This company basically changed its name so that it wouldn’t be associated with the bad reviews that it got under «First Class Luxury Transportation». SHADY.
P. S. I’ve been a long time reader of Unilocal reviews. I was never interested in writing reviews until this company treated our group so badly & I felt the need to warn others. Just some FYI in case you were thinking this was a fake review.