Mega-luxe ride redefines the limo biz

by Ambrose Clancy
Published in Long Island Business News: February 26, 2010

Thinking about making an impressive entrance?

Here’s an idea: Pull up in a 40- foot-long, 9-foot-high snow-white limo. Glide to a stop opening all three “jet doors” which are hinged at the top so they open up, not out. Smoke wafts to the street from the teak wood inlaid dance floor, complete with center pole where even partiers over 6 feet can stand up straight to boogie. Wrapped in a billowing fog cut by lasers, you step out with your favorite sound deafening all before it at 2,000 watts.

Oh, be sure to have 24 of your friends ready to exit, including the five who are lounging on the rear, open-air patio.

If you can wait six weeks for a booking, the H2 Hummer limo, dubbed “The Transformer” and brought to you by Royal Luxury Limousine, is all yours for $300 an hour. With the local New York limousine business trying to stay out of a recession-created ditch, there’s method in the unique madness of The Transformer, said Mark Bauer. The one-of-a-kind ride was created by Royal Limo and put together by a Brooklyn shop (Top Limo NY Coachbuilders)  for about $300,000. Jaws having been dropping at the sight of the thing for the past two months.

“You’ve got to come up with something different, something people haven’t seen before, to stay afloat,” said Bauer, who owns 10 vehicles serving New York City, Long Island, Westchester and New Jersey. “And if you can stay afloat, you’ll make it.”

He buys new vehicles every year, he said. Joining The Transformer is an Audi Q7 limo which features a fish tank and fireplace.

The limousine business lost up to 40 percent from corporate clients slashing budgets last year and about 25 percent from weddings, said Matt Silver, vice president of The Nassau Suffolk Limousine Association, representing about 100 companies.

Silver noted that Long Island has crashed even harder than the rest of the country because of the dense population and the number of firms operating here.

But he has seen a pick-up of about 5 percent this year over last so there are signs the limo business might be back in gear.

In another marketing boost, Royal Luxury Limousine is taking center stage in two reality TV shows currently shooting and debuting this spring. One of them is America’s Next Top Model.

Business has been off but is beginning to come back, he said. “People are always going to get married.”

Driver Dominick Bonilla said he still isn’t quite used to the public’s reaction to The Hummer Transformer. “Every time out it’s an adventure,” Bonilla said from behind the wheel of the behemoth.

He described cruising Times Square with the windows open, the music pumping and the back patio full of partiers, as driving through a dream.

“Wherever we go, people flock to us like we have the cure for the plague or something,” Bonilla said.

Categories: New York Limousines
3 Comments »

Every year we see a trend of songs that kids play very often during the prom season in all the limos.  Every year its a different song with a ton of bass. I see that for the 2010 - the new song making a killing trend to be the most popular song played in the stretch limousine is a new song by Ludacris - ” How Low”.  This song is getting crazy reviews.Everybody is playing this song in our limos. Kids keep playing this song all the time with windows opened up while the limo is rolling down through the streets of NYC in the stretch Hummers and Escalades. Check it out for NY prom limos:

Categories: New York Limousines
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Finally, after all this time, one coachbuilder in California (Limos by Moonlight) has finally built the first ever Rolls Royce phantom. This is a true Phantom stretch, not like those other fake Phantom conversions in the past where people took a lincoln body and converted nose and back of the car to make it look like the Rolls Royce Phantom Stretch. Those fakes look sort of like the real thing but a lot of people get fooled.  Nobody had enough money to build a real one. Even though the vehicle is built we still dont know who the real owner of this car is. Its only an assumption that the car must cost about $800/hr because regular phantom (non stretched) runs about $500/hr.  So its quiet a price difference and definitelly not something for an average Joe to rent.

This car is beautiful with blinged out Asanti Wheels that must have cost about $15,000, white paint, suicide door that the driver can close from up in front cabin, this is a top of the line stretch limousine and probably the most expensive stretch limousine ever built.

If you are in the market of renting other limos while you are in New York, check out New York Limos service.

Categories: Miscellaneous
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Car washing by hand is not green. When I say by hand, I mean pulling out a bucket with water and a sponge versus going to the “Pay-n-spray” car wash.

So, there are three reasons why it is best to wash your car at a commercial car wash versus the soapy bucket at home. Each reason is a “green” reason.

1.) Washing your car at “home” uses more water. There have been several studies that show that much more water is used when washing the car at home because most people leave the hose running. Commercial car washes will filter and reuse the water several times before it is disposed. Also, commercial car washes use the Bernoulli principle to provide higher pressure using less water thus conserving water even if the water isn’t filtered and reused.

2.) Car wash soaps contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. Commercial car washes must contain traps to collect the soaps and waxes used to be properly disposed of and prevent them from being washed into the ecosystem. Unless you have installed such traps at your location, the dirty soap water is often flushed into the storm gutters and transferred to the creeks, rivers, lake, ponds, rivers, etc and can damage the ecology there.

3.) The road grime you are washing off can also contain chemicals. Now, to me, this one isn’t as important since these chemicals did come of the road anyway and with a good rain will be washed away into the streams, but it is still something worth considering. Again, a commercial car wash will collect these chemicals from the road grime so that they may be disposed of properly. This will help reduce the amount that is flushed into the streams with a good rainfall.

I cannot see how a company that does not use a commercial car wash or impliment a commercial car was system at their fleet facility can consider themselves “green” if they are stating that they are “Green.” Yes, there is more to being “Green” than just car washing, but it is still a factor that is relatively simple concept.

I still believe that being called a “green company” is just a gimmick and will pass with time…like El Nino and the Ozone Hole…and that going “green” is just this decade’s way for scientists to continue working in the academic arena.

Comments written by New York Limo Service

Categories: Miscellaneous
6 Comments »

This is really funny. It has nothing to do with transportation but its very funny.

Categories: Miscellaneous
1 Comment »

Here are some facts that seperate Royal Luxury Limousine Service from other cheap competitors:

As you can see, huge differences. Same type of service, much different price and quality. That is why you never go with cheaper limos.

Remember! You get what you pay for.

If you have a smart phone - check us out at NY Limos phone capable page.

Categories: New York Limousines
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The ingredients of a good limo rental service

Before you go all out, spending on a so called ‘reputed’ limo service, it is essential that you know what makes a good limo rental service in New York, a ‘good’ or ‘reputed’  NY limousine service. To cut a long story short, there are three basic features which one must look for in a limo rental service.
The first priority is obviously the type of car which is used – is it a recent model or is it outdated? Is the limousine fully fitted with only the basic amenities or are there other attractive luxuries on board? The overall maintenance of the limo is significant and must be top notch.
The second key feature is the driver behind the wheel. The driver plays an important role in the overall experience of hiring an NY limo rental service. Does the driver know all the possible routes and is he capable enough to steer away from traffic congestions? Personal qualities of the chauffeurs also play an important part in communications with the clients. Qualities such as politeness and punctuality for example help in keeping the passengers at comfort which speaks volumes about a particular limo rental service. Limo services these days work really hard to ensure that their crew is polished and maintain the highest standards in any aspect.
The third feature, which though not as important, does have some value – does the company offer any extra value added features such as free rides, free services or seasonal discounts? What does the company offer which no other rental service offer, making it unique?
Eventually, a limo rental service will also depend on your budget. The more you are willing to spend on a limo, the better and more luxurious will be your experience.

However, certain limo rentals offers the same services as others at comparatively lesser rates and these are deals which you must not wish. Renting a limo adds dollops of fun to a boring wedding or the usual Prom night. Renting limos makes a party more appealing than one without one. Just imagine taking your Prom date for a ride in a limo for a night or your beloved wife after a wedding. Money cannot buy love, but it can definitely help in increasing fun and romance in a relationship.
We at Royal Luxury have been in the limo rental business in New York, long enough to give our clients, the best.

Royal Luxury NY Limousine is a #1 New York Limousine Service in New York City for weddings, proms, special events and more. We carry the most Exotic fleet of vehicles in entire New York City Area. Check it out at NY Airport limo

Categories: New York Limousines
4 Comments »

This 2010 Pink Chrysler Jet Door limousine is the NEWEST ultimate in luxury and convenience. With seating for up to 12 passengers, this pink limo will be equipped with decorative lighting, Jet Door (door that opens up like on the small jet planes), AM/FM/CD/DVD Stereos, 2 flat retractable TVs, DVD, Color changing floor and ceiling, large ice coolers, and accessible rear controls. Prom kids love this pink chrysler limo for their proms and nights on the town. These elegant limousines are at your service for any occasion, from weddings to proms to sporting events to nights out, or simply for a more memorable ride to one of our Area Airports.

Categories: New York Limousines
9 Comments »

Craziest Wedding enterance I have ever seen

Categories: Weddings
1 Comment »

Why should you book with Royal Luxury Limo ? That is a good question. There is plenty of competition out there with probably better pricing. But you have to ask yourself why do some companies charge much cheaper price for the same service? Well, its an easy answer. Here is why:

• Other companies lower down their prices by sacrificing quality.  They dont screen their drivers, they dont care about what drivers do in their down time.  They use cheap sodas from Stop & Shop or any other discounted store. You get refreshments like grape soda instead of CocaCola, you get some cheap lime soda instead of SPRITE, etc.
• Other companies & drivers don’t care what people do in the car (like smoke) - and then you get into that limo that smells really bad
• Other companies don’t clean their cars, carpets smell like beer, drivers dont care
• Other companies have drivers that are on the phone all the time and dont pay too much attention to the road or the clients in the back
• Other companies employee drivers that wear jeans and t-shirt while they drive their clients
• Other companies employee drivers that dont know the language
• Other companies don’t want to spend money to put GPS/Navigation in their cars and drivers get lost all the time, sometimes that is the reason why they are late
• Other companies cars are scratched, scuffed, etc. outside and they dont bother fixing it. The limo looks like crap when it pulls up to the client’s destination
• Most important fact is that other companies that offer cheap prices - DONT HAVE APPROPRIATE PERMITS.

As you see that is what competition does to lower down prices. BUT that is not the story with Royal Luxury Limousine.  We do all the right steps to make sure that you are getting a 120% service and you come back to us in the future. In the mean time, please check out our latest specials at September Deals Page

Categories: New York Limousines
1 Comment »

Finally, Royal Luxury limo has updated some of the social networks like tweeter, youTube, facebook and more. Check out some links

FaceBook

Twitter

YouTube

MySpace

Check it out. Keep up with the tweets. A lot of new limo specials coming up soon!!!!

Categories: Miscellaneous
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1 See the White tigers at Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden: The Mirage
2 Lake of Dreams at Wynn. 140 foot mountain covered with 1500 trees, waterfall and three-acre lake.
3 Get face to face with sharks at Shark Reef, Mandalay Bay
4 Animated birds and animals: Sam’s Town atrium
5 One of my favorite things to do in Las Vegas: Be entertained by strolling mimes: Canal Shoppes, Venetian
6 Classic car collection: Imperial Palace
7 High impact motion simulator rides at Luxor.
8 Don’t miss the $70 million Fremont Street Experience, downtown.
9 See “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition” at the Tropicana
10 Visit the Dolphin habitat at The Mirage
11 See the world’s largest atrium: Luxor
12 Visit the glitziest museum in the world: Liberace Museum (1775 E. Tropicana)
13 1,200 feet off the ground roller coaster: on top of the Stratosphere Tower
14 View an exquisite collection of fine art: Bellagio
15 Love hamburgers and Harley’s?: Harley-Davidson Cafe
16 There are Flamingos and African penguins at the Flamingo Hilton
17 X-Scream thrill ride 900 feet above the strip at Stratosphere.
18 Visit Madame Toseau’s wax museum: Venetian
19 Watch the dragon battle against the magician: Excalibur’s moat
20 Ride the roller coaster: New York-New York
21 Submerging yourself in a magnificent garden of fragrance and color at the Bellagio is another of the things to do in Las Vegas.
22 Visit the Guinness Book of World Records Museum (2780 Las Vegas Blvd. S.)
23 See the New York City skyline: New York-New York Hotel/Casino
24 Watch the dancing fountains: Bellagio Hotel/Casino
25 Circus style performances every 45 minutes at Circus Circus
26 Take a paddlewheel cruise on Lake Mead: Desert Princess (293-6180)
27 See one of world’s largest gold nuggets: Golden Nugget
28 Ride a runaway train (Excalibur’s Magic Motion Machines)
29 See the world’s largest collection of gambling books: Gambler’s Book Club (630 E. 11th)
30 Stroll under a changing simulated sky: Forum Shops at Caesars
31 See the only pyramid-shaped hotel in the world: Luxor
32 One of the typical things to do in Las Vegas: Swim-up blackjack table at the Tropicana
33 Carnival Midway, over 200 games at Circus Circus
34 Witness a volcano eruption: The Mirage
35 Fountain sculptures come to life: Forum Shops at Caesars
36 See the largest Coke Bottle at the Coca Cola Store, Showcase Mall.
37 Visit the Eiffel Tower: Paris Hotel & Casino
38 Cheapest way to get around: Shuttle bus
39 Best place to visit small town America: Boulder City, where gaming is still illegal
40 Watch the surf at the wave pool: Mandalay Bay
41 Best casino for covering large bets: Binion’s Horseshoe
42 Biggest poker room on the Strip: The Mirage
43 Best sports books for style: Las Vegas Hilton
44 Best get-away from the Strip: Red Rock Canyon
45 Best place for people watching: Caesars Forum Shops
46 Ride in a gondola: Venetian
47 Eat the largest hot dog: Slots-A-Fun, next to Circus Circus
48 Best reason to rise early: to see the sunrise over the desert
49 Tour the cactus garden and sample chocolates: Ethel M Chocolate Factory
50 The best of all the things to do in Las Vegas: Gamble! Gamble! Gamble!

Categories: Miscellaneous
5 Comments »

Saw an interesting post on a tech forum. YouTube recently rolled out a new feature that is a welcome addition to their toolbox: deep linking to a point inside a video stream. It’s a very easy implementation, as well. All you need to do is add a ‘#’ at the end of the YouTube URL and then reference the time code following the ‘#’ sign. For example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWLnFXsEFZ8#t=0m50s

Categories: Miscellaneous
No Comments »

The first priority is obviously the type of car which is used – is it a recent model or is it outdated? Is the limousine fully fitted with only the basic amenities or are there other attractive luxuries on board? The overall maintenance of the limo is significant and must be top notch.

The second key feature is the driver behind the wheel of the car. The driver plays an important role in the overall experience of hiring Manhattan limo service.  Qualities such as politeness and punctuality for example help in keeping the passengers at comfort which speaks volumes about a particular limo rental service.

The third key – does the company offer any extra value added features such as free rides, free services or seasonal discounts? What does the company offer which no other rental service offer, making it unique?

We at Royal Luxury NEW YORK LIMOUSINE have been in the limo rental business in New York, long enough to give our clients, the best.

Categories: New York Limousines
2 Comments »

Newly built cellphone parking lots are helping ease congestion at several U.S. airports

When travellers think about air travel these days, many conjure up images of overcrowded skies. And while that may not be easily fixed, there is another problem plaguing many airports – traffic on the ground. And for that, there is hope.

Much of the ground traffic involves drivers circling the terminal or terminals again and again, waiting for arriving passengers to make it to the curb to be picked up. The problem has been worsened by the almost universal use of cellphones, which induced many drivers meeting passengers to stay in the car rather than go into the terminal, because the flyer and driver could co-ordinate by phone.

And it was complicated by security measures, imposed after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, that prohibit drivers from waiting at the curb in many airports, forcing them to keep moving, or park illegally on the shoulders of roads in or near airports and other potentially unsafe places.

But many busy U.S. airports, from Florida to California, have found a simple partial solution to the problem by creating what they call cellphone parking lots within the airport but away from the terminal.The Greater Toronto Airport Authority recently opened its version of the cellphone parking lot at the east end of Terminal 1 at Pearson International.

Like most of those in the U.S., the Pearson lot is short-term and free. The lots are simply places where drivers can pull in and wait for the cellphone call from flyers who have been reunited with their luggage and are at, or on their way to, the curb.

The idea has captivated not only airport managers, but also limousine drivers and drivers who are picking up relatives or friends. At the cellphone lot at Logan International Airport in Boston, William Young was waiting for a friend recently after driving from Exeter, N.H.

Professional drivers love the cellphone lots, too. Mike Gres, who drives for a limousine company in Mount Vernon, N.Y., was standing next to his car, smoking a cigarette, while waiting for a passenger in the cellphone lot at the Westchester County Airport in White Plains, N.Y., one recent afternoon. Gres raved about the concept. He also said he appreciated the cellphone lot’s electronic arrivals board – a duplicate of the one in the terminal.

The lot also has portable toilets, which many drivers consider a convenience – even in the winter.
With about 25 spaces, the Westchester lot was more than half full on a recent weekday, mostly with limousine drivers.

La Guardia airport in New York City simply does not have the room for a cellphone lot – some would say it does not have room for one more taxicab, for that matter. But its big sister, Kennedy International Airport, which covers far more land, does. Its 250-car cellphone lot opened late last spring.

At airports where cellphone lots exist, airport managers usually call attention to them with big signs.

CHARLES DELAFUENTE
New York Times

Categories: New York Limousines
1 Comment »