usvi-on-line
Car Rental Thread
Car Rental Thread
I searched before I posted this, but if anyone knows where the link to the old thread is, just point me in that direction. But, a good discussion on Car Rental companies never hurt anyone.
As you'll remember, last year I was not in charge of car rental, but this year I am. I have been looking around, but it's hard to get a feel on companies just based on their web sites and their rates.
So, I need everyone's input. Who's your favorite car rental company and why? Some factors to consider:
1. Where are they located and can you park there?
2. Are they good about after-hours pick-up (just in case)?
3. Did you have any problems with your car, and were they helpful in fixing them?
We are just looking at a Liberty, so any car rental company can handle that, I'm sure. Any other feedback you have would be appreciated. I know there are a few companies that people love that aren't online, and that's cool too. Just let me know how to get in touch with them if that's the case!
As you'll remember, last year I was not in charge of car rental, but this year I am. I have been looking around, but it's hard to get a feel on companies just based on their web sites and their rates.
So, I need everyone's input. Who's your favorite car rental company and why? Some factors to consider:
1. Where are they located and can you park there?
2. Are they good about after-hours pick-up (just in case)?
3. Did you have any problems with your car, and were they helpful in fixing them?
We are just looking at a Liberty, so any car rental company can handle that, I'm sure. Any other feedback you have would be appreciated. I know there are a few companies that people love that aren't online, and that's cool too. Just let me know how to get in touch with them if that's the case!
We have used St. John Car Rental for the past three trips. We always let the villa rental people had the reservation and received a 10% discount.
We could always find a parking space in their lot during high season.
Vehicles ranged from well used (fine by me, less to worry about) to nearly brand new.
The one time we arrived after hours, they just left the keys in the car and my husband went down the next day to do the paper work.
This year, they left us keep the car (on a Sunday) into the afternoon.
We had a annoying issue with gas that got resolved, nothing that would prevent us from using them again.
We used Penn's at least twice, good experience. Also used Conrad once with no problems. Both were several years ago.
We could always find a parking space in their lot during high season.
Vehicles ranged from well used (fine by me, less to worry about) to nearly brand new.
The one time we arrived after hours, they just left the keys in the car and my husband went down the next day to do the paper work.
This year, they left us keep the car (on a Sunday) into the afternoon.
We had a annoying issue with gas that got resolved, nothing that would prevent us from using them again.
We used Penn's at least twice, good experience. Also used Conrad once with no problems. Both were several years ago.
We have used Bougainvillea and Conrad Sutton. Bougainvillea has fantastic customer service and our jeep commander was nearly new. They only have a couple of parking spaces, and its up the hill from the dock which was a minus. Conrad's customer service was fine, but not as friendly. Our jeep compass was nearly new. They have more parking and its downtown close to the dock. They do not want you to use their lot on Saturdays, as they have lot's of turnover that day. Saturday eveing is OK though.
I would use either one again, but prefer the close-to-the-dock location.
I would use either one again, but prefer the close-to-the-dock location.
Who's your favorite car rental company and why?
Conrad Sutton - we have rented from them 3 times & have confirmation for trip rental 4/August 08 & 5/June 09 confirmed already.
My reasons:
-On St. John/Supporting a Local business
-I love Carmen
-They accept AmEx
-No fee for insurance or an extra driver
-Cars are kept in good condition with great tires (not the case with another co. we rented with once)
-Online reservations works flawlessly & quickly - you'll have an online confirmation w/in 24 hours usually much faster
-Jeep Liberty can be guaranteed if you book early enough
-I trust them to have what I reserved ready and waiting and to fix any problem that may arise.
Some factors to consider:
1. Where are they located and can you park there?
Located near the dock - maybe a 5 minute walk tops (sort of across from the Lime Inn)
2. Are they good about after-hours pick-up (just in case)?
Yep, we have gotten in late 2 x and Carmen waited for us each time.
3. Did you have any problems with your car, and were they helpful in fixing them?
Yep, we had a battery corrosion issue (on a LIberty that had less than 7k miles - island life is hard on cars too) and Conrad fixed it ASAP for us.
The first time I rented from them I found out about some "horror" stories with Conrad after I had already booked. I was freaked out but decided to give it a shot. I am so glad I did. I have always had a GREAT experience, even when I had to call the infamous Mrs. Sutton at almost 10 pm at night. If you are polite and respectful, they return the favor. I have witnessed some pretty disrespectful behavior toward them not met kindly...nuff said.
Conrad Sutton - we have rented from them 3 times & have confirmation for trip rental 4/August 08 & 5/June 09 confirmed already.
My reasons:
-On St. John/Supporting a Local business
-I love Carmen
-They accept AmEx
-No fee for insurance or an extra driver
-Cars are kept in good condition with great tires (not the case with another co. we rented with once)
-Online reservations works flawlessly & quickly - you'll have an online confirmation w/in 24 hours usually much faster
-Jeep Liberty can be guaranteed if you book early enough
-I trust them to have what I reserved ready and waiting and to fix any problem that may arise.
Some factors to consider:
1. Where are they located and can you park there?
Located near the dock - maybe a 5 minute walk tops (sort of across from the Lime Inn)
2. Are they good about after-hours pick-up (just in case)?
Yep, we have gotten in late 2 x and Carmen waited for us each time.
3. Did you have any problems with your car, and were they helpful in fixing them?
Yep, we had a battery corrosion issue (on a LIberty that had less than 7k miles - island life is hard on cars too) and Conrad fixed it ASAP for us.
The first time I rented from them I found out about some "horror" stories with Conrad after I had already booked. I was freaked out but decided to give it a shot. I am so glad I did. I have always had a GREAT experience, even when I had to call the infamous Mrs. Sutton at almost 10 pm at night. If you are polite and respectful, they return the favor. I have witnessed some pretty disrespectful behavior toward them not met kindly...nuff said.
Last edited by flip-flop on Wed Jul 02, 2008 4:07 pm, edited 4 times in total.
Thanks for the feedback so far. I am leaning in one direction and waiting for someone to talk me out of it, but no one has so far. I need to go back and look at the letter from our villa owner to see whom he recommends as well. I'll be curious to see if others chime in on this, because I know people have to use the other companies on island. I liked STJ Car Rental, but I know last time that they would NOT give us our car after-hours (even though half of our party had already arrived) when our cab driver caused us to miss our ferry. I know my flight lands on STT at 2:30 p.m., but I have no intentions of driving, so I'm trying to have a contingency plan.
Flip-flop, I thought you weren't going this year! What changed while I've been off working my rear-end off in the real world and ignoring my favorite web site!
Flip-flop, I thought you weren't going this year! What changed while I've been off working my rear-end off in the real world and ignoring my favorite web site!
I learned that if you are persistent eventually sometimes your significant other will just give in to shut you up. We were going to the OBX (outer banks of NC) in August right before school restarts but it was getting complicated and expensive. I found frequent flier tickets for the same week and in a moment of weakness he said ok fine! I pounced and there you have it!Lulu76 wrote:
Flip-flop, I thought you weren't going this year! What changed while I've been off working my rear-end off in the real world and ignoring my favorite web site!
-
designbyroe
- Posts: 1348
- Joined: Tue Feb 27, 2007 1:27 pm
- Location: Chilaxin on White Bay at least in my mind
I love Albert and Lonnie at St. John Car Rental but I agree about Conrad. I bought my jeep on island from Conrad and my friends Val and Linc still drive it and that is 3 yrs ago..........
so you get a good jeep, he lets ya park, he fixes any problem.
so you get a good jeep, he lets ya park, he fixes any problem.
There's no $ sign on a peace of mind, this I've come to know
We had a positive experience with Courtesy last July, so we're using them again this year. They were courteous 
, helpful, within walking distance of the dock, and you can use their lot if space is available. The Grand Vitara was in excellent condition, and we had no problems with it. This year, the cost is $480/week, tax is $2.15/day, and liability insurance (optional) is $10/day.
Here's their contact information if you need it.
Courtesy Car/Jeep Rental, Inc
P.O Box 1316
St.John VI 00831
340-776-6650 (Office 8am-6pm )
http://www.courtesycarrental.com/
, helpful, within walking distance of the dock, and you can use their lot if space is available. The Grand Vitara was in excellent condition, and we had no problems with it. This year, the cost is $480/week, tax is $2.15/day, and liability insurance (optional) is $10/day.Here's their contact information if you need it.
Courtesy Car/Jeep Rental, Inc
P.O Box 1316
St.John VI 00831
340-776-6650 (Office 8am-6pm )
http://www.courtesycarrental.com/
When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Kentucky, because everything there happens 20 years after it happens anywhere else. – Mark Twain