Empire Limousine

First off, the driver had a horrible attitude.
My second problem with them: I was charged $ 200 for a microscopic piece of gum left on the bus that could literally be picked up with a tissue. No one in my party claims to have even been chewing gum!
Not happy.

Outrageously overpriced. Be VERY careful. Lincoln Park to OHare $ 130, and $ 150 for OHare back to Lincoln Park. Drivers pleasant, cars clean, but pricewise in comparison to other limo services, don’t bother with them

I had a pick up and drop off round-​trip to and from the airport to my hotel for 11 and 10 people over Labor Day weekend. The drivers were on time courteous respectful well-​dressed and handled all of our luggage. There really is no need to ask for anything more when hiring a car service. Booking was very simple and I received email receipt and confirmation immediately. They called me in advance to tell me they were on their way and should I have these needs again I will definitely be using them again. I’m glad things went very smoothly and was one less thing I had to worry about for my group.

Honestly, Empire was great to us from start to finish!
I rented a trolley for my Bridal Shower in Sept 2012 to take my guests from my parents’ house to Navy Pier and back to avoid having everyone needing to drive there and back on their own. A little indulgent but hey, why not?
From the initial consultation by email, Empire was courteous and very prompt with returning my calls and following up. That’s something that is a major pet peeve of mine especially since I work in the service industry as well. The quoted price for the pick-​up and drop-​off service is failing me right now (I think it was about $ 600) but it was definitely a bargain after inquiring at different companies. They sent me the contract right away and we were all set.
The driver arrived early and drove us right to the pier. He was prompt on returning us and we had a great time without a hitch. He let some of my guests leave items on the trolley which was nice. He was courteous and never seemed like he was «asking for a tip».
Only gripe is their cancellation policy. Again, please don’t quote me on this but I remember the sales lady telling me that once you book, that’s it. No return on your deposit, etc. That’s fine but with events I feel like companies need to be a bit more lenient for extenuating circumstances. Oh well. Overall a great experience!
PS: Numerous times recently I’ve seen M&M limos, buses, etc break down on highways (no joke). Not sure what’s going on with their fleet but that’s not a good sign!

I was in charge of finding a limo for a bachelor party for me and some friends. I called Empire and the reservations specialist on the other side quoted me $ 350 for a four hour point-​to-​point rental. She said it was a great deal and it would be in a stretch lincoln that could seat up to eleven.
I said that sounded like a great rate and confirmed it with the other gentlemen going that night and called back. I mentioned the quote and the name of the person who gave it to me. The new person on the phone, she said she was a manager, said that rate did not include gratuity and taxes. I asked how could you quote an hourly rate to a customer without including that? Isn’t that a bait and switch? She said she could not offer a rate any lower than $ 450. I said that was unacceptable particularly because the new rate was nearly a quarter MORE than the original rate quoted. She then tried to UPSELL me on on a party bus that would have cost $ 600 for the night.
I gave up on the transaction and got the original $ 350 for four hours in a stretch lincoln that Empire offered from M&M limousine. I strongly caution you against doing business with Empire. I would not have minded if they quoted an actual price but jacking it up $ 100 is nothing more than a bait and switch.
Someone from Empire Limo has questioned this review and I am updating to clarify that AT NO TIME did I tell them I had fifteen people confirmed for this event. Ever. We never even got close to that number, that is why I still believe, to this day, that this was an attempted upsell.

What was I thinking?!? I am so mad at myself because I looked Empire up on Unilocal and I didn’t listen to my fellow ‘yelpers’. I should have listened and followed my gut. Please whatever you do, read these reviews and find another company to work with, it will save you time and heartache. I unfortunately learned the hard way and thank goodness I was only booking a sedan for one night to drive us to the Radiohead concert down in Tinley Park. I would have been so upset if I was booking a limo for a big day, like a wedding! Long story short is that I booked a sedan to drive 4 people to the concert and back. At 1:40 AM in the morning of the event, I received an email titled: MODIFIED CONFIRMATION. I had to work that morning and didn’t pay much attention to my emails until I received a phone call from John (not sure if he was a manager or a driver) saying that they have a limo for us instead of the car, how exciting! Not really. Of course with his upgrade he wanted more money. He told me that it wasn’t much more. He did his sales pitch and I fell for it and said fine. I hung up the phone and checked my email with the new confirmation. My original quote was 104 each way and I had already paid for one way. Then the email that came in at 1:40 AM notified me that the price was going to be 151 each way. Hmmm… that’s strange. I didn’t confirm that. Then when John sent me another email after hanging up with him and agreeing to a limo, I was now needing to come up with another 250 bucks?!? I called John back immediately and said that I didn’t want the limo. I wanted my original quote that was given to me a week prior. He said he couldn’t because the quote was wrong and it was done by a new girl. He kept telling me that he was doing me a favor by giving me a limo. I made it very clear to him that I didn’t want a limo, nor did I ask for one. I simply wanted a car to drive us safely to and from a concert. Our discussion became an argument and then John hung up on me! I work in customer service and I have NEVER hung up on anyone. He was out of line. I have to say that Empire did credit me my money back but I will never support their business again.

Terrible, terrible, terrible…
Made reservations for our wedding approx 10 months in advance. At the time we did not have the exact times of the ceremony, but was told that was OK and a generic time of noon to 3 PM would be used as a place holder. I would just need to call back prior to two weeks before the wedding day to confirm our times.
Fast forward to approx three weeks before the wedding day I emailed Empire Limo and provided the exact time. I received a confirmation email from them saying we were all set.
I then received a call several days later (9 days before my wedding day) saying they didn’t have a party bus for us at the «new» times. I asked if they had any other vehicle that could accommodate our party; it didn’t need to be a party bus. Empire limo said no. I asked again, «Is there anything you can do?» She repeated they could not do it. I told them I wanted a refund of my money. She then told me I was till responsible for the $ 875 because I was canceling with in two weeks of the event. I explained they were the ones not living up the contract because they were technically canceling on me. They were coming to me with in the «two week no change area» and were changing what we agreed upon.
I really wanted to work it out with these guys for the sheer fact I didn’t want to have to try and track down another party bus for a wedding that was happening in 9 days. I talked to her manager who was as polite and helpful as a troll. His solution was that he would knock off $ 150 ($ 725) and would drive me and my wife to the airport for our honey moon. I had to confirm with him, «So you are telling me I would be paying $ 725 for a 30 min limo ride to the airport, and I would be without ANY type of limo for our wedding party?» He confirmed that was what he was saying and that was his best offer. I told him I will be contacting my lawyer or disputing the charge on my credit card. He told me that was a decision I would have to make, so I hung up on him.
As a side note, I was able to get a party bus from M&M Limo for approx $ 200 less and they were great to work with. Also, I submitted all my emails and documentation to Capital One and they sided on my behalf. They canceled the charge and credited my account.
Seriously don’t use these guys. There are MANY more limo companies out there and frankly you shouldn’t risk a big event with them.

I hired Empire Limo again after using them twice before with GREAT results. However, this time? My experience was a nightmare with the potential to be a disaster if I’d let it. First, I emailed them to get information on chartering their party bus. I invited 15 friends of mine to join me for a birthday dinner and then a huge birthday party I was hosting for myself ON my birthday. Nicole, the manager got back to me really quickly and I decided to do three point-​to-​point trips (hotel to dinner. dinner to party. party back to hotel). The price was really reasonable and I loved their service the prior two times I’d used them so I didn’t call around or really question the decision to use them again. I was able to call and give my credit card number to book the trip over the phone. Next, I received several emails confirming that my credit card was charged for part of the total, and that I would be charged the remainder on the day of service. This is where the experience goes from easy and well done to difficult and disappointing.
The day prior to my events, I received an email letting me know that my credit card was charged for the remaining balance. To me that was confirmation that we were all good. However, the next day, my actual birthday, Chicago had a blizzard with about 6 inches of snow that came down. All day, snow fell and as a result, I was REALLY happy I’d contracted a bus for myself and friends to have easy and reliable transportation on my birthday. The first pick-​up for us was scheduled for 7pm. At 4:30, I got a call from Mary at Empire. They wanted to know if I still planned to use their service as they were getting a lot of cancellations. I confirmed that I definitely planned to go forward and would see them in a couple of hours. Cool. 18 minutes later, Mary calls me back. She tells me that they can’t get the bus «out», so they would have to cancel and wanted to know if we could reschedule for tomorrow. ?? Say what? Get the bus out of what? Cancel what? My birthday? I have 14 women who have fought and really struggled to make it downtown to be picked up at a hotel for my birthday, and now the BUS wants to reschedule? NO WAY. I let Mary know that I could not reschedule my birthday, the dinner or the party two hours before we were set to be there. Not only would that be impossible, but my birthday is only ONE day of the year. It can’t be rescheduled. Period. So, I told her that if they couldn’t come, I needed a refund so that I could put 15 people in cabs all night. She told me they don’t give refunds per the contract I signed. Well, I never signed a contract. And, if THEY are cancelling, THEY will be giving me a refund. OR, better still, you are a limo and bus company… YOU CAN’T FIND A SINGLE VEHICLE OR TWO OR THREE IN YOUR FLEET THAT CAN COME TRANSPORT US? Mary put me on hold to talk to her general manager. I ended up hanging up because I needed to make and receive calls. 20 minutes later, Mary called back to let me know that they got the bus out, and that they would be there. THANKS MARY. Because I sure as hell would have to sue a company who canceled on me and then would refuse to refund ME. But oh… the problems don’t stop here.
The bus arrives, the driver is friendly. We load in and are really squeezed in. The bus actually probably holds 11 – 12 people. Definitely not 14 – 16.
We go to our first stop and a friend asks if we are delayed by 30 minutes, would that be ok? He tells her yes. I then get a phonecall from Mary and find out that he can come 30 minutes later than scheduled, but that I would need to give him $ 50 cash. ??? WHAT THE HECK? But, I agree because at this point, I’m sick of the company and just want to get through the night. I am still REALLY offended that they nickle and dimed me on that 30 minutes. Especially since the driver said it was fine and didn’t mention the $ 50. That is terrible customer service.
Next, we load the bus after dinner and head to the party. We’re having fun on the bus and not paying much attention. The bus stops and we look up and see that we are back at the hotel. ??? No, sir. We are going to a club now. Can I get a credit of my $ 50 for being taken to the wrong address? SMH
Finally, we were picked up and taken back to the hotel without incident. The entire experience was riddled with various problems as you can see. And to me, one of the worst things was that the manager, Nicole had Mary make the call to try to cancel on me. Mary is obviously really sweet and was not prepared to handle the push back she got from me when she tried to cancel their service AND tell me they were keeping my money. Nevertheless, I am glad that we were transported safely. I am glad I do not have to sue them. I am glad I ended up having a great night. But, I’m MORE glad that I will NEVER have to use their service again.

I’m not sure what all the mixed reviews were about. I worked with Nicole who was absolutely great. We rented a ²²⁄₂₄ passenger party bus for an alumni event to a basketball game. We had no issues whatsoever! They were very on time, and in fact came early. I will definitely use them again.

Not a huge fan of Empire. I booked them for my wedding and the process for securing a shuttle bus was relatively painless. I spoke with someone who turned out to be the sales manager and we discussed the size of the bus I needed and for the 8 – 10 hours. I had a specific budget in mind and they came in under that figure so it was a fair price (specifically in comparison to other companies I called).
I wrote down the quote and the guys name and called back a couple weeks later to book. The woman on the phone did not quote me the same price so I told her to speak to her manager who gave me the specific quote. He said he would honor it, I gave them some general info about the pickups and dropoffs for the wedding day and put a 50% deposit down.
A week before the wedding I hadn’t heard from them about the final payment so I called and made it myself. No biggie, but I figured they’d call me to confirm things for the wedding, so that was a bit eyebrow raising.
Fast forward to our wedding day and the bus was on time and the driver was initially courteous. We were expecting some hotel-​type 23-​person shuttle bus and low and behold the thing that pulled up was a really nice swank limo party bus with flat screens, mini bar (no alcohol but bottled water) and a bumpin’ sound system that we cranked up. The whole wedding party was very excited that we got this bus.
The wedding party loaded with the photographer and videographer and we went on our way to take pics in the city before the ceremony. The bus driver knew his way around and got us to the first couple spots in no time. We decided to take some pics around S. Michigan Ave., specifically by the giant bronze legs/​feet statues and the area around that. The bus dropped us off and the driver said he’d be back in a couple minutes. We take our pics and the bus is nowhere to be found. We decide to take some more shots and my wife and I venture off with the photographer to take some other interesting shots. No bus. I call him — no answer. We take more pics. I call him. No answer.
We were on a strict schedule to get back to the hotel in time to freshen up before taking the bus to the ceremony site and the driver just disappeared for 45 minutes. He finally picked up his phone and said he’d be there in a minute. 10 mins later he arrived. We go to one more spot and then luckily get back to the hotel on time.
After this episode things got back on schedule. The bus was waiting for the wedding party at the hotel and we took off to the ceremony site and told him to come back once more to get the other group of hotel folks. On his way back he was a bit late but we’re not sure if it was his faulty (he took a circuitious route to the ceremony — my route was faster) or people were straggling behind at the hotel.
Anyway, everything is good and after the ceremony is over he takes people from the ceremony site 3 blocks away to the reception site. At some point before dropping us off the reception I talk to him about the schedule for the rest of the night. I tell him to be back around 11 to take folks to the hotel and then last trip is at midnight back to the hotel for my wife and I and friends and family coming back to hang at our suite. He says he’s off the clock at midnight but he’ll wait and take a group back right at that time if we take care of him.
This is my wedding night and I don’t need to hear that. 20% gratuity is included in the contract and for him to take a couple extra mins to take the last group back is standard procedure. I don’t need to hear that I should take care of him (i.e. an extra tip) for doing something standard is his profession. I forgot to mention that earlier in the day he asked for my driver’s license and the credit card I used as he need to make an imprint. I hate doing this even when the pizza guy comes because I think it is unnecessary and makes me wary security wise. However, this is done enough that I know some business need to do this when you pay by credit card over the phone.
Anyway, he sticks around and drops us at the hotel about 12:15. I’m waling out of the bus and he’s waiting there for me with a «tip me» face. I say thank you and head to the hotel door. He flags me down and hands me my credit card and license (I totally forgot he had this all day!) and gives me a look like «c’mon buddy where’s my tip». I say thank you and walk away with my wife. The look on his face was priceless but he should no better. I don’t appreciate him asking for more money and then giving me these looks.
All in all Empire was not that bad but I’d definitely shop around some more next time. I made the mistake of not reading Unilocal reviews beforehand, which might have swayed me away from Emprie. I’m lucky things worked out for the most part.

Used Empire Limo for my wedding yesterday — they showed up on time for both trips, the driver was courteous and the Limo bus we rented was clean. They were also able to accommodate us and show up a little earlier as our reception wound down about a half hour earlier than we had anticipated. We got the black 25 person limo bus, but color wasn’t a big concern for me.

I was very, very pleased with the bus used for my daughter’s wedding. The bus was immaculate, the driver very professional, and ON TIME! I am not questioning the posts of others, but I am concerned that people are hearing only form those who have had some problems with their booking. I do hope Empire backtracks with the dissatisfied customers and gets things cleared up because I personally think they can be the TOPS if my experience is any indication. Go Empire!
Mother of Bride

We used 4 different vehicles for our December 2010 wedding. The good part is that the vehicles were clean, most arrived on time, and their prices were competitive with other limo services in the area. Also, Nicole is pleasant to talk to and she would get back to you the same day if you left a message or email.
The bummer was that our limo bus/​shuttle was late picking up guests from the hotel on the way to the church. He was only a few minutes late, but it was enough for everyone to panic and start calling me and my coordinator. Then, on the way to the church he was rear-​ended in traffic. This was not his fault of course, but could have been avoided if he had been on time. I didn’t realize guests were late getting to the church, but this is why. Then, on the way back to the hotel I requested that the driver go down Lake Shore Drive so that people could see the city from that perspective, but I should have been more clear. I didn’t want a tour, just a drive by, but the driver got off on Michigan Avenue during Christmas shopping rush and the «tour» turned into a 2 hour adventure. Our littler guests had to request to stop at a gas station to go potty because they hadn’t anticipated being on the shuttle for so long.
Later, we used a shuttle to get everyone from the hotel to the reception, which I thought went well, but after we returned from our honeymoon and I started to hear about everyone’s experiences, I realized that instead of continuously running from each site, the driver would stop so long at the drop off location that those waiting for transportation at the other location ended up driving instead because they thought the shuttle stopped.
The limo I had was great and my driver was nice, but I wish he would have helped my Dad with our few pieces of luggage instead of having my Dad make 3 trips for it in his tux.

using empire is my one and only wedding day regret.
here’s the thing. yes, they negotiated a semi-​fair price. and yes, they showed up on time. but, neither of those things matter since the bus was A-​W-​F-​U-​L. seriously. awful!
the problems:
1. this particular limo bus should be retired– or used strictly for proms. it was old, dingy, beat-​up and just generally hideous.
2. case in point– while driving along lake shore drive on our way to my wedding ceremony, an A/​C vent cover came crashing off the ceiling and landed on my photographer’s head.
3. the «decorative accents» inside the bus included glass cases that contained HOOKAS. seriously– hookas! (to my earlier point– appropriate more for a group of teens heading to prom who would think that kinda thing was cool or funny — not a BRIDE ON HER WEDDING DAY).
4. i was lied to. my decision to use empire for my wedding day was based on the photos and descriptions on their website. what we received looked absolutely nothing like the beautiful black shiny limo bus i saw online (and discussed at length with the general manager).
5. i contacted empire via three emails over a four-​week period and via phone to address this matter and received zero response. i even provided photos of what i was told our bus would look like and what it ACTUALLY looked like. when i finally did hear back, the email i received was defensive, unhelpful and completely lacking in customer service.
to sum up–
if you are looking for your wedding day transportation, KEEP LOOKING.

Used them for a wedding a few weeks ago. They showed up on time, were courteous and easy to work with. I think my husband did some hard bargaining to make the price reasonable — which is relative, because I think all limos are crazy overpriced and there’s some serious collusion going on within the industry. Anyway, they did a good job. I do wish they had an ipod hookup, though.

I decided to book with Empire for my sisters bachelorette party since they offered the lowest price for a 26 passenger party bus. I doubt I will ever book with them for a number of reasons…
1. When I made the reservation I was told that it was ok for me to pay in cash that day and all they would need from me was my credit card number to hold my reservation. The day before the event I get a call from a very rude woman, who I shall not name, asking for payment or she would cancel my reservation, even after I explained the terms I was given before she refused to want to keep my reservation. I then spoke to a gentlemen who was nice and helpful.
2. The day of the event the driver didn’t call me to tell me he was outside. I only found out because someone from our party happened to run out to their car at that time. He didnt even have my number to call me to inform me he was outside, he asked me for my number before we left.
3. The limo wasn’t stocked… the limo was empty and didn’t even have beer or water.
4. The AC in the back part of the limo didn’t work and was blowing out HOT air… after explaining this to the driver he said it was working and was on full blast.
5. Even though driver was nice and try to be accommodating he complained that everyone was being too loud and music needed to be lowered… its a BACHELORETTE PARTY!!!
6. Driver told us that he would check the AC when we were dropped off and when he picked us up he said that it was working fine… but still blew out HOT air.
7. The limo bus we ordered was not the one i reserved… didnt have a stocked bar, no stripper pole, etc.
8. Driver also wanted me and my party to take trash bags with us so that we can keep the limo clean… itsnt that their job?
Overall the driver was really nice but that is not enough to make me reserve with them again.

We hired Empire for a huge charity event last night. A portion of the event was set up so that 6 limo buses would leave at exactly the same time and VIP patrons would race each other in a scavenger hunt. Empire guaranteed 2 limos to arrive at 5:15 and the other 4 to arrive at 5:45. Instead, we had 150 guests standing in the rain in cocktail attire waiting for buses that were 45 minutes late.
To top it off, the dispatched was rude, completely unhelpful and kept telling me that we had not ordered the limos to arrive at 5:45 or to fit 25 people each (even though I have 6 invoices from Empire that all state this is true).
I will never again use this company. And, I warn you – if you do, you will regret it. They are horrible and effectively ruined our party.

My mother found this place for my wedding last June. We went to an open house where they had a number of buses and limos for us to walk through, ask questions, etc. They had a great price so we went with a 50 pas. bus. It was great. They were prompt, clean, and safe. Our driver, Charles, was so friendly and patient. He even let my drunk brother-​in-​law use the on-​board mic for our 40 min trip from Chicago to Brookfield Zoo. Everyone we dealt with were courteous and professional.

Here is the settlement that they wanted for us to get our $ refunded… basically for me to take off my review… HILARIOUS! STAY AWAY FROM THIS SHADY COMPANY
6÷4÷2009
This document is to address the dispute and settlement between Empire Limousine and *****.
Empire Limousine agrees to a refund of $ 270.75 for services rendered on May 16, 2009 on the condition of the following:
There will be no disclosure of information by any and all involved parties regarding service and incidents pertaining to 5−16−09. All conditions of this settlement are confidential and are not to be disclosed to any third party. This is including but not limited to internet review sites, radio, television and print media. Any existing disclosure must be eliminated before this settlement will be paid out.
If there is a breach of this settlement, this dispute can be tried before Illinois courts and Illinois law will be applicable.

Purchased a bus for a bachelorette party and was very disappointed. While the driver was nice, the upkeep of the bus was terrible. It was very dirty and smelled awful! I called the office to complain and they were somewhat helpful. They asked the driver to clean the bus in between our stops which he did. Upon returning to our bus however, it smelled heavily of bleach and wasn’t too much cleaner than it was previously. For the amount of money we spent I think we could have gotten something that was nicer and better maintained.
I would not rent from this company again in the future or recommend them.