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Varlack VenturesJeep rental
Posted: Sat Jan 01, 2011 6:51 pm
by traveler22
Anyone rented Jeeps from Varlack recently? We usually go with C. Sutton or Courtesy but they were booked. They seemed very nice when I spoke to them but just checking since we have 2 Wrangler reserved for our trip. They also said they have in-town parking. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Posted: Sat Jan 01, 2011 9:14 pm
by Xislandgirl
We rented from them a few years ago. They were super nice and very easy to work with.
The vehicle we rented was pretty bad. The passenger window would not roll up on it's own and needed 2 people to get it all the way up.
The interior was trashed. Not dirty but so beat up...seats ripped, etc.
The in town parking is tricky. We always found a spot but you have to parallel park up a sidwalk up against a building.
I really like dealing with them and the price was certainly right, but we won't rent from them again.
Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 7:52 am
by Roberto
Try C & C.We used them one time and were very satisfied. I've also read good reviews on them on this board.
http://www.cccarrental.com/
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Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 10:22 am
by traveler22
I emailed every rental agency listed for 2 Jeeps, most had no availablity (Feb ,High season) and some had one and we didnt want to go with 2 different agencies, it's easier as a group to rent and park together in town. I've been going to St. John since the late 80's when everything was dented and my first two Jeeps were sticks, so as long as they run and have decent tires and brakes, I'm happy. Cool Breeze had 2 but I faxed my CC form and never received a confirmation, after a week of phone calls and emails about this I cancelled and went with Varlack. Cool Breeze then said they had my reservation but forgot the confirmation and cancelled without a problem, said they were too busy handling Dec. and Jan. reservations (island time). I just didn't want to show up in high season without a confirmation, especially for 2 vehicles

Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 1:08 pm
by Xislandgirl
I had no issue with the vehicle, I had island cars that were 100X worse, but my husband was not every happy that we had spent hundreds of dollars for a beater.
If you are OK with it, then you should have a good experience, they were very nice to work with.
Varlack
Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 2:32 pm
by HughA
We've used them several times and always been happy with them.
Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 3:56 pm
by Barb Y
I have used Varlack on a few occassions. I believe we had the same vehicle on each trip but that may be because we needed a 7 passenger vehicle. It wasn't in the best shape but it got us from beach to beach no problem. I guess not having a top of the line vehicle works when you are throwing sandy bags, chairs and snorkel equipment into them. The women that work there have been nothing but incredibly kind and helpful. The parking is on the sidewalk against the building but I am originally from down near NYC and you need to be able to parallel park with an inch in front and behind you so that worked fine.
Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 4:37 pm
by Kentuckygirl
Well, I'm glad I just read this! I've been trying to deal with Cool Breeze the last few days too. I just called them, and they sound like everything is fine, but I'll keep bothering them until I get a confirmation. If I don't get it soon, I may be contacting Varlack as well. Like you, I don't mind the condition of the vehicle, as long as it gets me around!
Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2011 10:13 pm
by traveler22
kygirl
I think they're just running on island time. I was alot more concerned then they seemed. I emailed them atleast 4 xs and called another 3xs. When I sent the email asking them ""to please cancel my reservation, if I even have one" they then returned that one right away saying they had my Jeeps reserved but would cancel. I would just try to keep contacting them

Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 9:04 am
by crasherino
I've rented from O'Connor every time I've gone down - first because we used to stay at the Westin, and now out of habit. From what I've read on this Forum, it appears I'm the only one who rents from them. Their cars have always been in good condition and their attitude ranged from extremely friendly to a bit surly - but nothing that would ruin your day or cause you not to go back.
You can make a rez online and they will get back to you with 24 hours with a confirmation. I also mention this because we cancelled 3 Jeeps about 3 weeks ago for Prez week as our trip was unavoidably delayed. So, they may have 3 Patriots if you are looking for that time.
While I haven't named my first born O'Connor (as some have appeared to have done with Conrad Sutton

) they are a reliable and quality car rental place that'd I recommend.
Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 9:06 am
by Barb Y
One suggestion if renting with Varlack, be sure to call and not email. I have tried on a few different trips to book via email and did not have good luck as their site was in and out. When I have called they have been very reliable. good luck!
Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 9:59 am
by Kentuckygirl
traveler22 wrote:kygirl
I think they're just running on island time. I was alot more concerned then they seemed. I emailed them atleast 4 xs and called another 3xs. When I sent the email asking them ""to please cancel my reservation, if I even have one" they then returned that one right away saying they had my Jeeps reserved but would cancel. I would just try to keep contacting them

Thanks traveler! I will. We rented from them last time and didn't have any major problem. The vehicle we had reserved wasn't there when we arrived, but they sent us on with another one, then came up to our villa and swapped it out the next day. No big deal, and they were very nice. Hopefully we'll get a confirmation eventually

Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 2:36 pm
by AquaGirl
If Varlack doesn't work out, you can try Bougainvillea Jeeps.
www.stjohnjeeps.com
We have rented from them on 3 trips and always very happy. They are responsive to emails and calls, and Jeeps were in good condition. Its run by the Schnells and you have parking in front of their store in Cruz Bay.
Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 9:52 pm
by traveler22
Thanks all,
Going with Varlack for this trip and we'll see what happens.
B&J in VA-Bougainvilla Jeeps were booked for my week.
Barb Y- I did call Varlack and they answered, were very friendly and also gave a confirmation # then. I grew up in Philly so parallel parking is not a problem but that was also before I met Cruzan Black Cherry!
Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2011 5:05 pm
by Barb Y
Good luck! I hope you are happy with them. Don't worry I am sure you will have the Cruzan after you park on the curb, falling off the curb to leave is the easy part.
