San Francisco: Scenic Surrey Ride Through Golden Gate Park

Worst Map Ever! DO NOT RENT FROM PARKWIDE

The map provided DID NOT adequately illustrate where to diverge from JFK Blvd to the Blue Heron pathway. None of the letter markers on the map have keys or info as to landmarks. In addition, it did not show exactly where not to “go past” in terms of the recommended route. This resulted in us getting way off course, having to push the Surrey back up the hill & getting stuck in traffic and having to cross a busy street. AND we were not alone! Advised another surrey to turn around! I had to use Google Maps to get us back!!! All of this resulted in a 23 minute late return (and very tired legs!) which the company charged another $35. The person on site Kevin had a positive attitude and “warned” not to go past 19th street BUT THERE WAS NOT A SINGLE SIGN and he did not have any recourse. The emergency number goes to a different company and it takes a while 1 minute of recording before it even names the Parkwide Company that rents the surreys. I called them upon returning and received crappy customer service. I gave them the opportunity to credit back the “second” hour overcharged and they refused. It was a good workout but that was not the plan. They had the opportunity to acknowledge the issues and refused.

Response from the operator: Hi Romi, Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that your experience didn’t go as smoothly as we had hoped. We understand your frustration with getting off course, but we’d like to clarify that our staff member, Kevin, did provide instructions to avoid going past 19th Street. While we encourage all our customers to follow these directions, we also acknowledge that clearer signage or additional details on the map could have helped prevent any confusion. We’re also sorry for any inconvenience caused by the emergency number and delayed response. We're currently reviewing our customer service process to ensure we can address these concerns more promptly in the future. Regarding the extra charge, our policy is to charge for the full time rented, and we’re sorry this was an issue for you. However, we’ll use your feedback to look for ways to better communicate our policies and enhance the overall experience. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts. We’re always looking for ways to improve, and we appreciate your patience. Best regards,

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Unreliable

I checked the site online before renting as I saw noted that the surrey rental wasn't open on certain days. When I rented on the site, it allowed me to select the location I wanted to pick up at. They weren't there when I arrived with me group of 11. There were city workers there who told me this was a very common occurence and they often don't show up. No notice, no one available at the number listed to call. We ended up walking the park but I do not recommend this company at all.

Response from the operator: Hi Rossana, Although I empathize, I’m not sure why there is a lack of understanding. It says on the home page of our website the days and time we are open. Like most seasonal businesses, in a city riddled with an employment crisis, we are closed on days when there isn’t enough traffic to open. Likewise, as an outdoor operation with no building but rather a tent, we are weather (climate) dependent. Sounds like you and the city workers need a little more research before you post such negative reviews online.

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Masterful & friendly

There wasn’t a question I asked that these guys didn’t answer about the route through the park.also loved biking the great highway! Amazing. The crew their set us up with comfortable bikes and even showed us the 10% discount on their website. Bikes have maps on them so it’s hard to get lost. A beautiful, family friendly day out as my extended family join us for a birthday, a wedding & Pride! We will be back!

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Unsafe road for surrey biking!

The busy road we were directed to take had NO protected bike lane and was full of buses dropping off large groups of people at the museum, and in the process blocking the bike lane. Double decker buses, school buses, huge tour buses! I had my 85 year old father in the 2 person surrey bike. I had assumed there was a bike path around golden gate park. Instead, I walked up to talk to a bus that was blocking the bike lane and -- guess what -- got honked at by another bus that was trying to pass me! Totally, and completely unsafe for a two person, side-by-side surrey bike. Our rental was at 10:00am on a Friday morning. Unless you are comfortable with huge buses 2 and 3 deep I would skip it.

Response from the operator: Hi there This is odd because the park recently went through a much-touted change for less cars in the park...That said, there isnt anything we can do about school buses taking children to the science msueum, obviously, as the park is truly for all. I am the one who spoke with you personally over a few phone calls prior to your visit, since you were alredady so nervous about bringing your elderly disabled dad. We had agreed if it was too much for we would waive the fee for trying to use the surrey. Just wish you’d called and continued that collaboration instead of posting such a negative review in the aftermath as the door was open for understanding...

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SCAM - DO NOT USE VIATOR

I want a refund! The bike rentals wasn’t even there so why was the option to rent even available?!?!?

via Viator