car rental

[liamsaunt]

Yikes! That's quite a story. I can imagine you must have been upset.

I've used Penns, St. John Car Rental, and L+L with no problems. Penns costs a little more, but their lot is large and easy to park in. We stopped renting from them when they switched to Jeep Cherokees (I think that's what they have). We tried one once, but in John's opinion they don't drive as well as the Vitaras they used to have.

We are using St. John Car Rental again for our upcoming vacation, and we arranged for our villa agent to pick up our keys for us, in case we are delayed.

[crasherino]

We have used O'Connor each time we've been on island and we've had a few problems, but nothing too major. They have the "Sand" policy, and last time we were pretty nervous, but they didn't say anything about it.

Has anyone ever actually been charged for excess sand in their jeep?

[Wanda Creech]

We have never had any problems with St.
John Car Rental and we always park in their
lot to go to the Beach Bar. Hopefully we can
still do that in June.

[toni]

Yikes on the Conrad story Minde-that would not have made me happy either. We've used them before (not in several years though) and didn't ever have to show insurance. And they never asked about me driving either (I don't drive on island). Wow, welcome to STJ right?

We used Courtesy this past time and I thought they were very pleasant to deal with. I think you can park there too.

[jmq]

We've used Paris before to take advantage of their extra discounted off season rate and will use them again. They are not in a particularly convenient location, but they’ll come pick you up and give you a ride back.

Some of their vehicles are a little beat up, but otherwise seem adequately maintained. Just give me good tires and a working CD player and I’m good to go. Following the usual customs, they are fine to deal with.

Loved using Penns back when, but their prices got really out of hand last time I checked ($90/day).

Also, I must admit (swimming against the tide here) but I really don’t get the whole “need a place to park” thing in Cruz Bay. Guess I’m used to cruising for a spot or parking at distance and walking because we live between 2 college towns and have to take the car into NYC on occasion and looking for parking in CB is like a walk in the park in comparison to those places.

[Marcia (Mrs. Pete)]

mindehankins,

Yipes, in 9 years and 11 trips to STJ, we've never had any kind of experience like that with Conrad Sutton! As Flipflop explained, the keys being left in the vehicle are so that he can fit/jockey the cars around to accommodate his renters who would like to park there. He will never turn anyone who rents from him away from parking in his lot. When we would come into town, we would park and let him know approximately how long we intended to be there. That way if he needed the space, he could adjust parking his cars accordingly. I think he appreciates this courtesy.

And, maybe he was kidding a bit about the "you're irresponsible" thing, with your learner's permit. Sometimes, with the local accent, what sounds like a mean comment is really meant to be taken lightly. I know that I have mistaken various tones/comments in the islands and have learned later, it was all in fun.

Mr. Sutton, Carmen and Gladys (didn't see her this last time) have been nothing but wonderful to us over the years. Indeed, they are very particular about their vehicles but, they are so for a reason. They want to be sure that their cars are safe for all of their customers. I always know we will get a quality Jeep when we rent through them. And, we'll have parking.

I do not recall ever having to show proof of insurance. Maybe the first year we rented though them but I do not remember that? Is that standard?

I'm sorry you had a bad experience with the Suttons. I'm sure they would be upset to know that they disappointed a customer.

[Pete (Mr. Marcia)]

I'll admit that it does take Mr. Sutton a little time to warm up to you. Once you get to know him a bit, he's a nice guy.

This last trip I backed our jeep into a spot in his lot just the way he likes it. When I got out he said, "that was hot man." I was so darn proud of myself.

Renting from the Suttons is a big part of our yearly return to the island.

[pipanale]

why am I drawing a total blank non where Sutton's is? I want them to be where Slimman's is, but I know they're not. where are they?

[Pete (Mr. Marcia)]

If you are standing at the Lime Inn, facing the street, Sutton's is about 50 yards to your left, across the street. It is directly across from where Sosa's used to be and right next door to where Sogo's still is.

[piscesgirl0314]

WOW...what a horrible experience...We're using Bougainvillea Leasing Ltd. I actually can't remember who we used in the past...I normally go through the villa agency I deal with and they set everything up for me. Honestly, even if hes having a bad day, there is NO excuse for him to speak to anyone like that...HORRIBLE....

[mindehankins]

WOW...what a horrible experience...We're using Bougainvillea Leasing Ltd. I actually can't remember who we used in the past...I normally go through the villa agency I deal with and they set everything up for me. Honestly, even if hes having a bad day, there is NO excuse for him to speak to anyone like that...HORRIBLE....

I agree. Thanks, everybody. I hated having anything negative to say about St. John! I had heard angry rants about Conrad but discounted them completely because we are such cheerful and friendly people. It was really unfortunate.

[dhanc1]

We've used Cool Breeze several times and had a lot of luck. They're close to the Ferry Dock too if you need to pick up from there.--One year I thought someone had put a good sized dent in the bumper. I had not marked anything as having damage when I rented. Too excited about being on St J I guess. Anyway, when I brought it back I told them the bumper had been dented and that I would need to file insurance to fix it and they told me the dent was already there. They could have definitely taken advantage but were honest about it. Have rented from them ever since.

[Pete (Mr. Marcia)]

We've used Cool Breeze several times and had a lot of luck. They're close to the Ferry Dock too if you need to pick up from there.--One year I thought someone had put a good sized dent in the bumper. I had not marked anything as having damage when I rented. Too excited about being on St J I guess. Anyway, when I brought it back I told them the bumper had been dented and that I would need to file insurance to fix it and they told me the dent was already there. They could have definitely taken advantage but were honest about it. Have rented from them ever since.

I had a somewhat similar experience with Sutton's. I backed the jeep into chicken wire that I did not see (must have been near Ruth's house). When I returned the jeep I came clean and told him that I was the one who put all of the nasty scratches on his jeep. He thanked me for telling him and said, "no worries."

[RickG]

From hearing stories, the Suttons seem to run hot and cold. We've always gotten the good side. I'm sorry you get the tongue lashing!

When we see Mrs. Sutton, she always invites us to join them at Sunday service. Saturdays are Mr. Suttons busiest day and he seems a bit tense. During the week we occasionally catch him napping as we walk by with Carmen smiling from the window.

Cheers, RickG

[sinawitatanka]

We're renting from Conrad Sutton's in a few days. Can anyone give recommendations on what they'll want to see? Will our insurance card be adequate or am I supposed to bring something else? I don't rent cars very often and I don't want any problems.