Renting a car on STT vs. STJ

[kristen1206]

I had not even considered the first option until I read a trip report where someone did it. If we decide to stay in Cruz Bay, I will definitely rent in STJ because I won't need the car the entire time since we'll do Salomon one day (and can walk) and Jost another. But if we stay at a villa, it seems to make sense. No cab from the airport to ferry dock, no lugging suitcases. Just get off and go. But after reading some more about it, I understand that it you have a problem with the car, tough luck because the rental co is no on the same island as you are. Are there any companies that have offices on both islands? Anyone have good or bad experiences either way?

[Steve S]

We are three for three good so far and will do it again. Breakdown is a bummer, I've read of one or two of these problems on this forum, but I'd bet you're talking less than 5% chances of that happening. Pretty good odds for the benefit as I see.

[kristen1206]

Thanks Steve. Who do you rent from?

[augie]

You'll get people that make very good arguments for either.

On our three trips we rented on STJ the first time, and on STT the last two.

Pros to renting on STT: Fewer luggage exchanges, can stop for supplies on STT if you want, generally cheaper, save $$ on ferries (the more people in your group the bigger the savings), more flexible return time on last day (if you have a later flight out this is a real plus).

Cons to renting on STT: You mentioned the one most often cited and with the greatest annoyance potential - if you have mechanical trouble help may be an island away. I had two flat tires one year, but from where we were I wasn't getting cell phone signal anyway, so we couldn't have called for help - just changed the tire, took the flat one to the service station to get patched up, and were on our way. The only thing I really miss by renting on STT is that the approach to STJ on the car barge doesn't seem as "romantic" as cruising into Cruz Bay on the people ferry.

Pros to renting on STJ: Help if needed is closer, you may be able to park in the rental lot in Cruz Bay if you have trouble finding a place, you're supporting STJ business.

Cons to renting on STJ: Generally more expensive, I've found a pretty strict return time policy on your last day, and in our limited experience, we've felt a more relaxed and friendly customer service attitude with our STT company vs the one we used on STJ (although that can be highly dependent on who's in the office, what kind of day they're having, etc.)

Weigh the options and do what feels best for you.

[kristen1206]

Thanks Augie. So many decision I have to make! And I will be posting about another shortly Where does the car ferry come in? And I assume it leaves from Red Hook?

[augie]

Car barge comes in by Enighed Pond, a little southeast of where the people ferry comes in, and yes, it leaves from Red Hook, basically right next to the people ferry terminal.

[baseball0717]

KRISTEN
MY FAMILY JUST RENTED A JEEP 4 DOOR FROM AMALIE CAR
RENTAL ON ST. THOMAS. THEY WERE WAITING AT THE AIRPORT WHEN WE LANDED.AND WHEN WE RETURNED THEY WERE THERE AGAIN. VERY EASY TO DO BUSINESS WITH. JEEP WAS NEW AND VERY CLEAN.WE RENTED FOR TEN DAYS.ALSO WE STAYED IN GRANDE BAY AND LOVED IT.

[Tim from Chicagoland]

I'm renting a Ford Escape from Hertz on STT and bringing it over. Got a fantastic rate on the internet. $400 for 8 nights! I've been renting vehicles for 25 years for vacations, on some traveling 1,500+ miles. I've never had an accident or a problem I couldn't solve myself. I'm not the least bit concerned.
Now if we're talking Italy or the Dominican that's a different story.
Rent on either island & get on with planning the rest of your vacation.

Tim

P.S. Maybe someone could suggest a mechanic or tire service company for those worried.

[kristen1206]

Thank you! My husband can deal with a lot of mechanical issues and flat tires etc..and knock on wood, we have never had issues before so I think we'll go that route.

[Steve S]

I'm renting a Ford Escape from Hertz on STT and bringing it over. Got a fantastic rate on the internet. $400 for 8 nights! I've been renting vehicles for 25 years for vacations, on some traveling 1,500+ miles. I've never had an accident or a problem I couldn't solve myself. I'm not the least bit concerned.
Now if we're talking Italy or the Dominican that's a different story.
Rent on either island & get on with planning the rest of your vacation.

Tim

P.S. Maybe someone could suggest a mechanic or tire service company for those worried.

Tim - Check with with Hertz, I think they are one of the companies that does not allow you to bring a car to St. John.

[Steve S]

Thanks Steve. Who do you rent from?

I've used Dependable and Discount. Both good experiences.

[Muhaha]

[quote="Steve S:!: Tim - Check with with Hertz, I think they are one of the companies that does not allow you to bring a car to St. John. [/quote]

Yup, Hertz does not allow you to bring the car on the ferry. I checked as I have a boatload of Hertz points to spend, but no go. I guess you could do it anyways, but if you have an accident on the island...

[Steve S]

[quote="Steve S:!: Tim - Check with with Hertz, I think they are one of the companies that does not allow you to bring a car to St. John.

Yup, Hertz does not allow you to bring the car on the ferry. I checked as I have a boatload of Hertz points to spend, but no go. I guess you could do it anyways, but if you have an accident on the island...

I had some friends rent Hertz on St. John in '06. Don't know if they still do it.

[Tim from Chicagoland]

Well I must apologize. Hertz does not allow vehicles on STJ. Initially I spoke with a rep at the St. Thomas branch and was told verbally that I could. Became quite leery after reading your replies. Called mainland toll free number and was told no. I need to remember that sometimes things are done differently on the islands. Reserved with Dependable. Spoke with June who was very pleasant to deal with.
Should have remembered the order given to us when I worked in a steel mill; "verbal orders don't go".
One big mistake avoided.

Tim

[Larry]

KRISTEN
MY FAMILY JUST RENTED A JEEP 4 DOOR FROM AMALIE CAR
RENTAL ON ST. THOMAS. THEY WERE WAITING AT THE AIRPORT WHEN WE LANDED.AND WHEN WE RETURNED THEY WERE THERE AGAIN. VERY EASY TO DO BUSINESS WITH. JEEP WAS NEW AND VERY CLEAN.WE RENTED FOR TEN DAYS.ALSO WE STAYED IN GRANDE BAY AND LOVED IT.

Stop shouting.