usvi-on-line
Parking
We did great with Conrad Sutton. He was personable in his own way and even chatty at times. We parked in his lot 3 times during our stay and it was very convenient. We left the keys in the jeep so that he could 'rearrange' the vehicles for best space. We always checked in when we left and picked up the jeep. At night when we went out to eat we usually found parking at the mostly closed Mongoose Junction and then just walked to where we wanted to go.
Everyone who works on island is going to have a bad day sometimes, especially having to deal with some of those snooty tourists that so amused me and Jhud during our stay.
Everyone who works on island is going to have a bad day sometimes, especially having to deal with some of those snooty tourists that so amused me and Jhud during our stay.
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Marcia (Mrs. Pete)
- Posts: 1576
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 9:40 pm
- Location: Madison Area, Wisconsin
I agree that you should not be afraid to use Conrad Sutton. We've rented from him for the last 9 years (sometimes visiting twice a year) and have never had a problem. In fact, we'd never consider renting from anyone else. He and his family have always gone above and beyond for us.
I am not saying that the people who have had problems are lying, it's just that it is really rare to hear negative things about his agency. And, we've been fortunate enough to have never experienced a problem.
Anyway, Joshie posted a very useful list of parking in Cruz Bay and I cannot seem to find it on here. Anyone have a link to that post?
I am not saying that the people who have had problems are lying, it's just that it is really rare to hear negative things about his agency. And, we've been fortunate enough to have never experienced a problem.
Anyway, Joshie posted a very useful list of parking in Cruz Bay and I cannot seem to find it on here. Anyone have a link to that post?
Marcia (Mrs. Pete)
Missing St. John. As always.
Missing St. John. As always.
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sinawitatanka
- Posts: 34
- Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2009 10:34 pm
- Location: Cheyenne River Lakota Nation
There are a lot of people that love the Suttons and always rent from them. I gotta tell ya, I never have because after reading about so many people getting their a$$ ripped up, I'm scared sh*tless of Conrad & Gladys. Carmen is very sweet though. LOL! This is all pretty amazing to me since I'm really not the kind of girl to cower in a corner.
Honey is always trying to get me to let him rent from Conrad cause he finds getting his acceptance a challenge! I haven't caved yet. I probably would have let him give it a go this trip but since we are bringing newbies from out of the country, I was too afraid of them possibly having a bad first impression.
Having said that, we always rent from L&L and they don't have parking. We always go in June and never have a problem parking. Yeah we might have to make the driving rounds a few times and we did use Slimman's once but really, we aren't in a hurry to get anywhere so it's all good right?
This year we did rent from Courtesy I think cause L&L didn't have what we wanted.
Maybe we'll test the waters with Conrad next trip. Well Honey will anyway. Me, I'll just hide on the corner!
Honey is always trying to get me to let him rent from Conrad cause he finds getting his acceptance a challenge! I haven't caved yet. I probably would have let him give it a go this trip but since we are bringing newbies from out of the country, I was too afraid of them possibly having a bad first impression.
Having said that, we always rent from L&L and they don't have parking. We always go in June and never have a problem parking. Yeah we might have to make the driving rounds a few times and we did use Slimman's once but really, we aren't in a hurry to get anywhere so it's all good right?
This year we did rent from Courtesy I think cause L&L didn't have what we wanted.
Maybe we'll test the waters with Conrad next trip. Well Honey will anyway. Me, I'll just hide on the corner!
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Marcia (Mrs. Pete)
- Posts: 1576
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 9:40 pm
- Location: Madison Area, Wisconsin
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Pete (Mr. Marcia)
- Posts: 1471
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 4:48 pm
- Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Oh please. The Suttons are nice people.
One of the problems with a forum like this is that the merchant/service provider that is getting slammed usually doesn't have the opportunity to give their side of the story.
While I am sure that some may have had a negative experience, I would love to hear Conrad's side of it.
All I can tell you is that we've never had a problem renting from them and we will continue to do so as long as we continue to visit the island.
And, getting back to the topic, parking in their lot is a huge bonus. When we go into town at night we don't ever fret about finding a spot because Conrad has us covered.
One of the problems with a forum like this is that the merchant/service provider that is getting slammed usually doesn't have the opportunity to give their side of the story.
While I am sure that some may have had a negative experience, I would love to hear Conrad's side of it.
All I can tell you is that we've never had a problem renting from them and we will continue to do so as long as we continue to visit the island.
And, getting back to the topic, parking in their lot is a huge bonus. When we go into town at night we don't ever fret about finding a spot because Conrad has us covered.
Wisconsin, smell the dairy air
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Pete (Mr. Marcia)
- Posts: 1471
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 4:48 pm
- Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Sorry for the double post, but let me give you an example.
When I was returning our Jeep to Conrad on our most most recent trip, I witnessed the following exchange. Mind you, it was obvious to me that the customer involved had money, just based on his clothing, watch, jewelry, etc.
Arrogant guy: "I'm here to return the jeep."
Conrad: "Did you fill it with gas?"
Arrogant guy: "Well, no...where does it say I have to do that?"
Conrad: "In your contract, sir."
Arrogant guy: "Who reads those things. So, what happens if I return it without the tank being full?"
Conrad: "There is a $7 service charge."
Arrogant guy: "That's preposterous, I'm not going to pay that!"
Conrad: "Then I suggest you go fill the Jeep with gas, so you won't have to."
Arrogant guy: "how do you get off charging that service fee?"
Conrad: "It's in your contract, sir."
Arrogant guy: (Turns to me) "Where is the nearest gas station?"
I give him directions and he leaves. Now, mind you, this was in the midst of a virtual monsoon. Arrogant guy chose to go back out, in said monsoon, and attempt to fill the jeep with gas rather than pay the charge that clearly was spelled out.
Fast forward. Arrogant guy could post something horrible on a forum like this and we would never hear Conrad's side of things.
That is my only point.
When I was returning our Jeep to Conrad on our most most recent trip, I witnessed the following exchange. Mind you, it was obvious to me that the customer involved had money, just based on his clothing, watch, jewelry, etc.
Arrogant guy: "I'm here to return the jeep."
Conrad: "Did you fill it with gas?"
Arrogant guy: "Well, no...where does it say I have to do that?"
Conrad: "In your contract, sir."
Arrogant guy: "Who reads those things. So, what happens if I return it without the tank being full?"
Conrad: "There is a $7 service charge."
Arrogant guy: "That's preposterous, I'm not going to pay that!"
Conrad: "Then I suggest you go fill the Jeep with gas, so you won't have to."
Arrogant guy: "how do you get off charging that service fee?"
Conrad: "It's in your contract, sir."
Arrogant guy: (Turns to me) "Where is the nearest gas station?"
I give him directions and he leaves. Now, mind you, this was in the midst of a virtual monsoon. Arrogant guy chose to go back out, in said monsoon, and attempt to fill the jeep with gas rather than pay the charge that clearly was spelled out.
Fast forward. Arrogant guy could post something horrible on a forum like this and we would never hear Conrad's side of things.
That is my only point.
Wisconsin, smell the dairy air
Well, I certainly didn't mean to offend you by my post, I didn't think it had a negative tone. I wasn't judging whether or not the Suttons were nice people. Maybe Carmen. I have conversed with her and she is very sweet. I said so.Pete (Mr. Marcia) wrote:Oh please. The Suttons are nice people.
One of the problems with a forum like this is that the merchant/service provider that is getting slammed usually doesn't have the opportunity to give their side of the story.
While I am sure that some may have had a negative experience, I would love to hear Conrad's side of it.
All I can tell you is that we've never had a problem renting from them and we will continue to do so as long as we continue to visit the island.
And, getting back to the topic, parking in their lot is a huge bonus. When we go into town at night we don't ever fret about finding a spot because Conrad has us covered.
I was simply trying to say that in the four or so years since I've been reading the forums, IMO, it seems I have read just as many negatives as I have positives and I'm afraid it has left an impression on me. Simple as that. Someday, maybe we'll give it a whirl and then I can leave a post about my own personal experience and opinions but like it or not until then, I'm afraid I'll just have to stick with being a little leary.
And believe me, I definitely know there are two sides to every story...
Probably in the minority here, but personally, I dont get the "must secure parking in town" thing. Off season, on season, never been an issue for us. Sure, may have to look a little, or park and walk, but thats OK. Just consider it a chance to burn a few calories. Plus, I think we're used to it as I have to take the car into NYC on occasion and live near 2 college towns (Rutgers and Princeton) where parking is a challenge. I suppose other folks may be more spoiled when it comes to parking where they live or dont want to have to deal with on vacation.
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
I agree with you on this. I think it was the point I was trying unsucessfully to make. We've really never had an issue. All it takes is a little patience or an extra few feet of walking.jmq wrote:Probably in the minority here, but personally, I dont get the "must secure parking in town" thing. Off season, on season, never been an issue for us. Sure, may have to look a little, or park and walk, but thats OK. Just consider it a chance to burn a few calories. Plus, I think we're used to it as I have to take the car into NYC on occasion and live near 2 college towns (Rutgers and Princeton) where parking is a challenge. I suppose other folks may be more spoiled when it comes to parking where they live or dont want to have to deal with on vacation.
Never met a calorie I didn't love to burn!!!
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Pete (Mr. Marcia)
- Posts: 1471
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 4:48 pm
- Location: Madison, Wisconsin
No, it wasn't $7 per gallon. It was $7 total. And, if you've seen the photos from that Monsoon Monday, $7 was a steal. But, arrogant guy would have none of it.mbw1024 wrote:Pete, can you clarify that service charge? $7 bucks or $7 per gallon?
If it was $7 bucks Charlie probably would have put a $20 down and said thanks for saving me the hassle and next time I will know to fill it. Although frankly who doesn't know that??????
Mind you, we had just come from that way. We actually had to drive on the sidewalks from just about the gas station past the tennis courts...that's how high the water was. I kept thinking to myself...good luck pal, hope it was worth the $7. Hope you make it back alive.
Wisconsin, smell the dairy air