For those who rent their cars on St. Thomas

lovest.john · Post by **lovest.john** » Sat May 05, 2012 2:08 pm

I know many bring their rental cars over on the car barge for various reasons (convenience and groceries to name a few). I had the impression that it also was cheaper to rent on St. Thomas. I just got a quote via email (for August) from Amalie and it's more expensive to rent from them than on St. John. Is this the norm?

Pia · Post by **Pia** » Sat May 05, 2012 2:30 pm

I believe from all I have heard/read the prices are the same or even slightly higher. The convenience is that you don't have the taxi fees, baggage fees, ferry fees that really add up especially if you have a family.

Pia

Midas · Post by **Midas** » Sat May 05, 2012 2:30 pm

I think Amalie is a little more than some on St John, but they are well worth the extra cost for the convenience alone, in my opinion. We always use Amalie for our trips and do not hesitate to recommend them to our Guests. The owners Magdalena and Constantin are simply fantastic - super nice, friendly, professional and efficient in their processing upon your arrival (less than 5 minutes and you are on your way). They also turn over the entire fleet each year so you are guarateed to have a new vehicle, which limits any potential breakdown issues. We recently had a Guest choose another car rental company to save a little and the vehicle ended up breaking down on their first day and they didn't have one to replace it! Not a good way to start a relaxing vacation - I hope that helps!

augie · Post by **augie** » Sat May 05, 2012 2:46 pm

We used Dependable on STT for several trips, and they were slightly cheaper than when we rented from St. John Car Rental. We loved the people at Dependable - they were very laid back, so we never worried about picking up a slight scratch or dent, but they also appear to be very laid back as far as fleet maintenance goes, and about picking you up and dropping you off at the airport - very island time. We had a couple of flat tires one trip, and the interior wasn't always in the best condition, or the top...

The last two trips we've used Amalie and love their attitude, professionalism, and convenience - not to mention the condition of their cars.

We actually find it more convenient to be able to only transfer the bags once, and to provision on STT before barging over.

lovest.john · Post by **lovest.john** » Sat May 05, 2012 3:49 pm

I spoke to Discount and was quoted just under $420 (taxes incl.) for 6 days. Dependable quoted me $440.xx and volunteered that it was a 2007 with no windows in the back. Amalie is higher than both of those. For those who usually rent with Amalie, are their vehicles consistently low mileage and in good shape? We are not looking for luxury, but we don't want to break down during our trip. We are trying to keep the costs down, however and those lower quotes look tempting.

FinsUp · Post by **FinsUp** » Sat May 05, 2012 4:00 pm

Yes, Amalie's vehicles are in top shape, always!! We have never had an issue with any of them breaking down. The superior customer service by far outweighs the money saved by another company. My husband timed us this past trip...exactly 18 minutes from getting off the plane to driving out of the airport!! That's travelling with 3 kids and having 3 pieces of checked luggage!!! The car is parked right there, the paperwork just needs a signature and the welcome you receive cannot be beat!! It is definitely the way to start your vacation!!!

Midas · Post by **Midas** » Sat May 05, 2012 4:25 pm

The vehicles we have rented from Amalie typically have between 1k and 3k miles so they are in excellent condition. I would be very leery about a rental vehicle that has been driven on the island for 5 years!

mindehankins · Post by **mindehankins** » Sat May 05, 2012 4:57 pm

I'm a sucker for good, friendly service, and Amalie Car Rental has us as customers for life. Their cars are brand new. Their service is unsurpassed, from first contact to hugs goodbye. Cannot recommend them enough!

Dome526 · Post by **Dome526** » Sat May 05, 2012 5:01 pm

lovest.john wrote:I know many bring their rental cars over on the car barge for various reasons (convenience and groceries to name a few). I had the impression that it also was cheaper to rent on St. Thomas. I just got a quote via email (for August) from Amalie and it's more expensive to rent from them than on St. John. Is this the norm?

I just rented from Discount Car Rental in St. Thomas, and including taxes and fees, for 15 days it is $53.75/day. That was a savings of almost $200 from renting in St. John. Plus, I can pick up wine and beer in St. Thomas, and some food, as well as small supplies.
Tom

philbetm · Post by **philbetm** » Sat May 05, 2012 11:36 pm

I'm feeling a little nervous since reading a few of the comments. I have always handled our car rental on our trips and have been highly satisfied. However, this time we let our Villa owner take care of it for us. Getting 2 vehicles ( lots of $$ ) for our party of 8. He got them with Dependable ... highly recommended by him. We are going to have our 2 young
grandchildren with us and I want GOOD,WELL MAINTAINED,CLEAN CARS. Please if there are any of you out there that has rented with them recently and was satisfied completely...send me your comments.
Thanks so very much for your help.

Can't find anything on their website about cancelation policy. We are coming up on 30 days out.

Sherry
in
SC

ruffmom · Post by **ruffmom** » Sun May 06, 2012 8:55 am

I have rented from both Dependable and Amalie. Amalie is wonderful and they do have newer cars. But Dependable is also very nice. The cars are older but they have always been clean and we have never had a problem with one of the cars. There have been minor issues like an armrest that slides or a sticky door but not any issues with how the car runs. Just check the car over before you leave...especially the tires and I doubt you will have any trouble.

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