Rachel?

[northerngal]

OK, so we are getting closer and I keep hearing about "Rachel" We always just grab a taxi outside of the airport and head to Red Hook. Why would I want to reserve Rachel?

[PA Girl]

We use a different private van person but the benefits are the same - same cost (or close enough), less people, more comfortable, will stop for beverages.

[northerngal]

Do you stop for beverages to go?

[mindydaile]

I always see that argument (that it costs less) but I've never found anyone remotely in the same range as just taking the taxi vans. Am I just looking in the wrong places/at the wrong people?

[Xislandgirl]

I use Rachel because she is my friend but...

For some people the travel day is hectic and it is a relief to walk out of the airport to have someone waiting for you. You get in and take off and only go to your destination and you are not sharing the ride with strangers that may or may not be going to your destination.

That being said, it is not a necessity to hire a private driver, it is, for many, a small luxury that just makes the entry to island time easier and more relaxed.

If you are veteran travelers or folks that enjoy chatting with new people in a taxi then grabbing a public taxi is the way to go. If you are unsure about your arrival and/or enjoy your own quiet island time assimilation, hire a private driver.

[northerngal]

Thanks guys! We are usually good just grabbing a taxi. We don't mind others as it's about the only time we interact with them when we are on a trip. Usually we are alone in the villa or beaches or snorkeling.
CAN'T Wait! we had 6" of snow this morning!!!

[PointPeeps]

Has anyone ever asked Rachael to stop at store to pick up some supplies? Any recommendations as to where to stop for beverages, fresh fruit & yogurt in STT? Does she charge extra for a quick stop? Is it worth it to do a quick stop in STT and take an extra bag on the Red Hook ferry (as we don't rent the jeep till a few days into our trip)?
Thanks!

[jimg20]

I realize that the numbers may have changed, but here is my cost comparison.

Public Taxi

Fare $15 x 2 = $30
Bags $3 x 4 = $12
Tip $ 5

Total $47

Rachel's Taxi

Fare $20 x 2 = $40
Bags $ 0
Tip $10

Total $50

Yes, it costs us $3 more to ride with Rachel. So what do I get for that?

1. An immediate departure from STT.
2. A non-stop ride to RH instead of stopping at 3 to 5 hotels on the way and the chance to catch an earlier ferry to STJ.
3. A comfortable, clean ride with a working air conditioner.
4. Pleasant conversation with the driver.

Everyone has to make their own choice and do what makes them feel good. That's why STJ is great.

JIM

[mindydaile]

I realize that the numbers may have changed, but here is my cost comparison.

Public Taxi

Fare $15 x 2 = $30
Bags $3 x 4 = $12
Tip $ 5

Total $47

Have the public taxi prices gone up? When we were there last January this was the breakdown (yes I'm enough of a nerd to keep this all in a spreadsheet!)

Fare $11 x 2 = $22
Bags $2.50 x 2 = $5
Tip = $5

Total = $32


We also had fewer bags then you did so that made a difference as well. For $32 instead of $50 I'll still with the public taxi - that extra $18 gets us a start on our first night of drinks!

[MN_Bhoy]

The one time we used Rachel, I believe she charged us at least $60 without a tip. When I questioned her about the rate, she broke out a sheet that said should could have charged us much more.

She was very nice, but we found the regular van taxi to be significantly cheaper.

[jimg20]

Have the public taxi prices gone up? When we were there last January this was the breakdown (yes I'm enough of a nerd to keep this all in a spreadsheet!)

Fare $11 x 2 = $22
Bags $2.50 x 2 = $5
Tip = $5

Total = $32


We also had fewer bags then you did so that made a difference as well. For $32 instead of $50 I'll still with the public taxi - that extra $18 gets us a start on our first night of drinks!

Those were the rates we were charged the last time we rode the public taxis and Rachel.

JIM

[ArkieLovesSTJ]

We typically give Rachel $60 each way for the two of us. I think the fare is actually $25 per person. We view Rachel as more tour guide than taxi service. On our first we had lots of time to kill before our flight home so she drove us around to see several of the sites on STT. Our next trip we caught the ferry back to STT early and she kept our luggage while us and our friends shopped for a couple hours and then took us to the airport.

To us it is worth it a few dollars more to have private service, and to have someone that treats you as an individual and not simply as another fare.

[Coconuts]

PointPeeps: "Has anyone ever asked Rachael to stop at store to pick up some supplies?" Rachael has been totally cool when we have needed to stop at a store on the way to the ferry. We only had a quick pick up that time at Silk Greenery (where, by the way, she knew everyone), but I can't see why a stop at Cost-U-Less or such would pose anything more than a small additional fee depending on how long you took. The savings on STT vs. STJ food for a week will overwhelm any adder for the stop. One complication might be if she was going to provide private taxi service on the way back from Red Hook, and your flight arrival and stop along the way might make her late for that pick up.

All the best,

Kevin

[lorijo068]

Rachel is the BEST!! We leave immediately with a non-stop drive to Red Hook. Usually arrive later in the day and I don't like riding the ferry after dark. She tells you all about the islands and St Thomas. The vehicle is clean and air-conditioned. One time I left one of my bags in her car and she actually brought it over to me on St John on the ferry (even though she hates the ferry). Couldn't believe it! She is awesome!

[PointPeeps]

Kevin,
Thanks for your reply. We booked her months ago at at others recommendation. We will play it by ear on the stop. Good to know that she is flexible.