Trip booked! Jeep question

stjohnnewbie · Post by **stjohnnewbie** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 6:18 pm

We have booked our second trip to St. John. Last July was our first trip and we stayed at the Westin. This time we will stay in a villa over on the Coral Bay side. I'm so excited!!!! I just about went crazy picking out a villa... I'm surprised I didn't break the "search" function here on the forum doing all my research.

Speaking of which, I'm about all "searched" out, but the last thing I need to get booked is the jeeps. Last year we rented from L & L Jeep Rental. The jeep was in good condition and everything went smoothly, BUT I was thinking it would be nice to pick one of the companies that lets you use their parking in Cruz Bay. We won't be spending a lot of time there, but it would still be nice to have the option.

What I am wondering is if it is worth switching to another company for just the parking. From what I saw last year, the parking at rental companies often seemed full or like the spots were extremely awkward/stressful to park in. What do you guys think? One reason I am hesitant is that I have read some people saying their jeeps were old or broken down or in bad shape, and our jeep from L&L was really nice!

Thanks, St. John vets!!

traveler22 · Post by **traveler22** » Sat Jan 29, 2011 9:33 pm

I like to rent from agencies that have parking in town especially if the trip is in high season. I have used Courtesy and Conrad Sutton with Jeeps in various
condition. Keep in mind that most of these places that offer parking want you to leave the keys in the vehicle so they can move them around since their lots are small and don't want you to leave personal items in the vehicle. Good Luck

Gigi · Post by **Gigi** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 9:08 am

We always rent from St. John Car rental. They have a pretty large lot to park in after hours but there are times when it is full.

Rick&Leah · Post by **Rick&Leah** » Sun Jan 30, 2011 4:01 pm

Its a bit of a walk since they're down the hill from the new circle, but although their lot is small, we've never had a problem in several years of parking. Gregg and Josephine are very good to their customers--us!

rpplano · Post by **rpplano** » Mon Jan 31, 2011 9:41 pm

Although Courtesy isn't as close anymore, I've stayed with them because of their fairness and courtesy to us. They are professional and reliable so I've stayed loyal.

mkb · Post by **mkb** » Mon Jan 31, 2011 11:23 pm

I rented from St John Car Rental last March. I was able to park in their lot one time when I came to Cruz Bay, the rest of the time it was full. I had a good experience with them, though, and will rent with them again this year. Having the option of parking in their lot (when there is space) is a plus.

toes in the sand · Post by **toes in the sand** » Tue Feb 01, 2011 6:55 am

We use L&L but out trips are almost always in the off season. We really don't have a big problem with parking. We used a different rental company last trip and regretted it. I really like working with Levi. He never fails to live up to my expectations. We only used someone elese last time because I waited too long to make a reserveation and they were out of vehicles.

LauraD · Post by **LauraD** » Tue Feb 01, 2011 11:37 am

Will parking be an issue with the new parking lot currently under construction or am I on the wrong side of town? Laura

piscesgirl0314 · Post by **piscesgirl0314** » Tue Feb 01, 2011 3:29 pm

We've been going to St John since 2003 and have always rented through Bougainvillea. They are fabulous to work with great customer service. I've attached their link. Good Luck!

http://stjohnjeeps.com/

luvstjohn · Post by **luvstjohn** » Wed Feb 02, 2011 11:39 am

I am thinking of using Bouganvilla becuase they seem to be cheaper than anyone else. It will just be my son and I so we think we just need the Jeep Wrangler X. Right now its 390.00 for off season. I have not ever rented from Bouganvilla and in reading some of the other posts, car rental on St John can potentially be a mini-nightmare. Should I be nervous???

Thx
bre

Lovermont · Post by **Lovermont** » Wed Feb 02, 2011 12:41 pm

luvstjohn wrote:I am thinking of using Bouganvilla. Should I be nervous???

We've rented from them twice. They were fine. The worst thing I can say is that the guy they have working in the office is not the most gregarious personable person. I think he's their nephew. He's not rude, he just isn't "warm & fuzzy." But I believe they have a good reputation, and I would definitely rent from them again.

stjohnnewbie · Post by **stjohnnewbie** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 12:33 am

I read some other threads and now I'm thinking about renting on St. Thomas....1) being allowed to take the top off, 2) all the stories about driving onto the ferry and then going up top to drink just sound like such a great way to start the vacation. Decisions, decisions!!

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