Discount vs. Dependable Part 2

[kristen1206]

I posted last month about which of these two companies people preferred. both get great reviews but Dependable was less expensive but also didn't offer assistance in the event of a breakdown on STJ. Everyone had great experiences so I just called back to book and the rate they quoted me this time was $65 more than their first quote! Since they did not respond to my emails and I only had a verbal quote I explained that this rate was much higher than the rate I was given not long ago and asked if they would honor the the other rate. The lady was almost rude and said it is what it is. I called Discount and the lady (Dorette I think her name was) was super nice, very helpful and their rate hadn't increased. And they have a mechanic on St. John in the event the car breaks down. So I am now booked with Discount and am very happy with my choice.

[kristen1206]

And they immediately sent an email confirmation.

[kristen1206]

Now I am seeing though that Conrad Sutton for example seems cheaper that renting on STT? I hadn't looked too closely at the STJ rates because it seemed less expensive and more convenient to rent on St. Thomas. Ugh. I guess I need to figure out if there is a significant savings one way of the other when you factor in taxi cabs and car vs people ferry rates.

Fot those of you when rent on STT, is it relatively simple to drive from the airpirt to the car barge? I am guessing with a map with shpuld be able to figure it out!

[kristen1206]

An update in defense of Dependable...I called back just because somethign didn't seem right. Another woman andwered the phone this time and said I couldn't ahve called earlier and gotten that rate (yes, I did) then she said the person who answered muct have accidentally given me the in season rate. So she backed it down to the original price which is $40 less that Discount but with no mechanical on St John. not that I think we'd need it but nice to have in case. So the rate issue seems to have just been a misunderstanding. And the second woman who answered was much nicer than the first.

[kristen1206]

you guys are a good sounding board for having an inner conversation Seems that renting on STT is the way to go regardless a sthe cab fares are very high, then add on the ferry. The convenience of loading luggage once is a big pro as well.

[gibber161]

Kristen, we just got back from renting with Dependable and when I was in the office I asked if they worked with anyone on St. John in case something went wrong with the vehicle and they gave me a sheet of paper with a mechanics name and number. We didn't have any problems, but it was nice to have a place to call if needed.

[mindehankins]

you guys are a good sounding board for having an inner conversation

I don't have any experience with renting on STT, to help you, Kristen, but you sure just made me giggle!

[Rhonda]

We have rented from Discount the last four years & are renting from them again next month. We have always been very pleased with them & it is great just to throw your luggage in the vehicle & take off. We have never had a problem driving to the ferry but have been doing it for many years - just remember to drive on the left side.

[kristen1206]

driving on the left we are used to. Just need to make sure we have good directions to reach Red Hook!

[samoka]

Driving to Red Hook is simple - there are signs - Starfish I think - that are posted along the route and you just follow them - you basically head east until you get to Red Hook - and remeber it is less than 10 miles so not a lot of room/time for error - we had no trouble at all - good luck!

[Pulley]

Kristen,

We've used Discount for all of our recent trips, 08/28 - 09/04 being the latest. They are very nice and easy to deal with. After landing at 3:30 we were on the 5:30 ferry. We missed the 5:00 ferry by minutes.

Anway it is very easy to get to Red Hook. There are small Starfish signs along the way to help you. You can take Route 30 which hugs the coast and then connect with Rte 32 or in Charlotte Amelia you can turn left and end up on Rte 38 which connects with Rte 32. Trip is length is the same but for a first timer I recommend staying on 30.

A round trip car ferry cost between $42 & $50 dollars per car - regardless of the number of bags and people in the car. The cost of a cab, plus baggage fees, plus ferry charges plus another baggage fee and then add tips can be around $30 PER PERSON each way. We had 6 in our group so it cost 6 of us $84 to get from STT to STJ (we rented 2 cars). Otherwise it would have cost us around $350 - $ 360. We spent the savings at the new Food Center near Red Hook.

Enjoy your trip!!!!!

[kristen1206]

Thanks for the feedback on Discount and the info about getting to Red Hook. Seems pretty striaghtforward. I think if we have time to kill before the ferry we will stop at the food store. is is right by the ferry dock?

[Pulley]

Kristen it's less than 5 minutes from the dock. Buy everything but booze. The booze was chaepest at Pine Peace on STT - at least that's been our experiences.