Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

Bali, Indonesia

Ling-Ling's Bali

Lisbon, Portugal

SEEN by Olivier

Paris, France

Brasserie Fouquet's Paris

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Guide to

in Paris

Boutique Hotels

From Christmas Lights to Cozy Nights

Winter in London

The best hotels

Rome Luxury

Enjoy a drink over the city's skyline

NYC rooftops

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

A guide to the magical Christmas atmosphere

Germany's Christmas markets

for Your Next Long Haul Flight

Beauty Hacks

Luxury Travel on a Budget

How To:

for a Stress-Free Trip

Top 10 Travel Hacks

with 30% discount

Get Lounge Access

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Discover

10 things to do in Stockholm

Stockholm

Dog Friendly Dining

Eat & Do

Hidden gems in Marbella

Explore

Koh Samui

A Tropical Getaway

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Chicago, IL

North America

United States

# Empire Limousine – Premier Limousine Services in Chicago, IL
Empire Limousine, located at 5320 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL, is a prominent provider of limousine and transportation services in the city. Established with a vision to offer reliable and luxurious transportation, Empire Limousine caters to various events, including weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions. Over the years, the company has built a reputation for its diverse fleet, which includes party buses and traditional limousines, ensuring a comfortable and stylish travel experience. Despite mixed reviews regarding customer service and vehicle conditions, many clients appreciate the affordability and professionalism of their drivers, highlighting the company's commitment to serving the Chicago community.

7441262f-863b-43ef-90c9-4be5e150a315

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.

f1e75339-61d0-44db-a5f0-d781eedf2ef5

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.

d7848287-42e0-40fe-b218-f42fc094fe35

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 Yelp reviews beforehand, which might have swayed me away from Emprie. I'm lucky things worked out for the most part.

0ab910b9-4d0e-4a79-8da9-00d71d320bf7

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.

4742ff48-7eda-4d31-accd-5766b1d61fcc

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.

20f221c8-0600-4f29-b7b2-9aec26a32087

Empire Limousine has been great for trolley rentals. I would highly suggest them when doing this sort of thing for any occasion. The company is easy to work with, on time, and flexible.

899d32c9-03d1-43f5-9977-1e3beefbdb5b

I got a SUV limousine from them for a buddy's bachelor party for a wild 6 hour tour of the city. If you do the same thing, just let the know the name and/or addresses of all of your destinations so you can just sit back, relax and let their wonderful driver take care of everything. The party ended at 5 am after he drove each of us home individually. I negotiated them to leave me an extra 10 minute grace period before charging me for the next hour and that driver got me to my door at exactly 5:10 and kept their word not to charge me extra. Just double check to make sure the cool lazer lighting works, because I don't recall it working for us. Other than that, definitely 4 STARS.

85bc94bd-40e8-4640-a26e-91a935e918ae

I'm so glad we hired Empire Limousine for our wedding day trolley! There were so professional and easy to work with during the planning stages. AND they were very affordable! They confirmed all of our information the week before our wedding and arrived early for our pick up time. The trolley was so adorable, clean, and air conditioned (which was perfect for our HOT September wedding day). I wish I could remember our driver's name because he was so friendly, professional, and fun the whole time we were with him. I would definitely use Empire Limousine in the future and recommend them to anyone for wedding day transportation!

b94b6f1b-db43-48ec-a1e0-a50ca6c17fed

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.

a934fb58-9c7f-4a90-9149-c4321125799d

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.

Experience luxury and comfort with Empire Limousine in Chicago. Book now for stylish transportation and exceptional service in the Windy City.

Empire Limousine in Chicago, IL | Premium Transportation

Chicago

Empire Limousine

Illinois

Enjoy premium limo services at Empire Limousine in Chicago, IL. Perfect for special occasions or city tours. Book your stylish ride today!

Luxury Transportation Experience at Empire Limousine, Chicago

Discover Empire Limousine in Chicago, IL. Providing top-notch luxury transportation and exceptional customer service. Your perfect ride awaits!

About Empire Limousine, Chicago IL

Opening hours for Empire Limousine, Chicago. Find opening hours for Empire Limousine at 5320 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL.

Empire Limousine – Premier Limousine Services in Chicago, IL

EZ Limo

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago OHare Airport

Lotus