At busy hotels, a smooth pickup comes down to timing and communication. Tell your chauffeur the hotel name and entrance (many have more than one), check out a few minutes early, ask the bell desk to bring luggage to the door, and wait in the lobby until your chauffeur texts that they’ve arrived. Doormen manage the curb and will usually help direct your chauffeur — a small tip for their help is customary in New York.

Tips

Step Tip
Before the day Share the hotel name, entrance and your room name if you want a lobby greeting
Checkout Allow 10–15 minutes, longer at peak times
Luggage Ask the bell desk to bring bags to the curb
Meeting Wait inside; your chauffeur will text on arrival
At the curb Doormen coordinate the arrival lane

Hotels with multiple entrances

Large Manhattan hotels may have main, side and residence entrances — some on different streets. Confirm which one with your chauffeur. Read how to read Manhattan addresses.

Lobby meet and greet

For VIPs and first-time visitors, a chauffeur can meet you in the lobby rather than waiting at the curb.

Airport runs from hotels

Plan pickup times with traffic in mind, especially in the afternoon rush. Read NYC traffic by hour and best times to fly out of New York.

Checking out and luggage storage

If your pickup is later than checkout time, ask the bell desk to store your luggage and bring it out when your car arrives. Give the bell staff your chauffeur’s name and pickup time so they can have bags ready at the curb.

Early-morning departures

For pre-dawn airport runs, ask the front desk for a wake-up call as backup, settle your bill the night before, and let your chauffeur know which entrance is open overnight — some hotels close side doors late at night.