1st Trip for young family - Car rental logistics STT vs STJ

[Trishaluna]

Hello everyone,
Fabulous forum you have here. I've been reading a bit over the past few days since we have a new upcoming trip in April. We're a family with two young children (2 & 6). Our trip is slightly up in the air since my cousin and his wife and kids will be sailing in the caribbean this spring. We are trying to hook up with them but if we can't we've booked Concordia eco-tents just to be safe.
We don't arrive in STT until 3pm after a long trip from Boston (starting at 5:30am) Since we have young ones with us, we've booked the first night at the Best Western by the airport. I think it will be easier on the kids (and us) to just walk over and relax for the night, swim, have some dinner etc. Then after the nights rest we can head out for the ferry in the morning to STJ. What I don't know about is whether we should rent a car on STT, grocery shop and then head over on the car barge, or just head out to the ferry and get a car and provisions on STJ. Can anyone give us some advice either way? I've been trying to figure out if one is cheaper than the other as well.
Thanks so much, I've been enjoying all the stories and info here on the board.
Trish

[California Girl]

Most things are less expensive on STT. One thing to keep in mind is to be sure your car rental company allows you to take their car to STJ. "Dependable" has been recommended highly here on the forum. If you decide to take the car barge over, then I suggest that you buy all your groceries on STT.

[Exit Zero]

Depending on how much food you really are planning to buy the other costs probably work out about even.
If the luggage, car sears, stroller etc. are not too formidable the ferry to STJ and renting a car there is probably easiest.
The Best Western 'Emerald Beach' is a beachfront hotel-- the "Carib Beach" Best Western is slightly closer to the airport but not on a sandy beach.

[Pia]

Either way I would book your car NOW for April

Pia

[Trishaluna]

Thanks everyone.
I think we may rent on STJ then.
We are going to attempt to pack as lightly as possible but we do have to bring the car and booster seat. I will probably bring some frozen food and staples with us so if the costs food-wise aren't that different then it may be easier to just rent on STJ and buy our provisions there. My hubby and I are veteran carry-on beach vacationers so we will attempt to go as light as possible with the kids.
We booked the Best Western Carib, I know there isn't a beach but from what I've read it is very close to the airport and it is just one night. I think that landing around 3, we'll probably just want to eat, chill and maybe get a dip in the pool then head out in the a.m for STJ. My kids hit the hay pretty early - by 7 usually.
Thanks again, I will start my search for STJ rentals then. It seems that people like Conrad Sutton. I'll begin with them. Can't wait....I'm looking at 12 inches of the white fluffy stuff that just fell this weekend. Ugh.

[California Girl]

Here's a list Pia posted a while back... it's the BEST! I can personally recommend Courtesy and Delbert Hill's.

Bougainvillea Leasing 340-776-6420 1-800-253-7107
C & C Car and Jeep Rental 340-693-8164
Conrad Sutton Car Rental 340-776-6479 Fax 340-693- 8099
Cool Breeze Car Rental 340-776-6588
Courtesy Car & Jeep Rental 340-776-6650
Delbert Hill's Jeep Rentals 340-776-6637
Hertz 340-693-7580 800-654-3131
Hospitality Car and Jeep Rentals 340-693-9160
L&L Jeep Rental Inc, 340-776-1120 : [www.bookajeep.com]
Lionel Jeep Rental 340-693-8764
O'Connor Jeep Rental 340-776-6343
Paris Car Rental 340-776-6171
Penn’s 340-776-6530.
St. John Car Rental, Inc. 340-776-6103 Fax (340) 776-6103
Spencer Jeep Rental 340-776-6628 Fax 340-693-8399 1-888-776-6628
Sun & Sand Car Rental 340-776-6374
Sutton Conrad Car Rental 340-776-6479
Varlack Car Rental 340-776-6412 fax: 340-693-8276