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Does anyone know if Budget will allow their rentaks on the car barge to St John
Yes they do. I just spoke with the lady we're going to be renting from down there and asked her the same question last week. Bummer they don't take any corporate discounts, guess they know they can charge whatever they want since they're on the island.
And most likely, if you have rented a smaller car, they will tell you when they get there that they don't have any and then they want you to upgrade to a jeep at a higher price. Has happened both times to us. They have terrible customer service and I'm so glad that we get better customer service at Dependable. Dependables prices were cheaper too.
I just got back from STT/STJ a week ago. I rented from Budget. I used the car barge with no problem. Of all my times down there, this was actually the first time I used it, instead of just the passenger ferry. It went surprisingly flawless.
I think it helped they use the newer commercial dock near Starfish in STJ, along with the new dock situation in Red Hook.
I highly recommend, and cost-effective if traveling with a car load of people.
We've used Budget for the past three years renting a minivan. No problems taking it to STJ. Will be using them again this April and in August if need be.
We always use Budget as they have a desk right at Sapphire. We just rent the car for the days we need it. You need to finesse them a bit. Say, "Good morning, how are you?" Now you are ready to ask a huge favor of them--renting a car. Trust me, it works. Understand that islanders move slower and business is always secondary to conversation.
"Understand that islanders move slower and business is always secondary to conversation."
While I disagree with the islanders move slower, what's your rush?, I like your "business is secondary to conversation."
So often when I am at the airport, people just walk up to me and start blabbing away as to what they want without even a hello. We were taught differently around here I guess. It's good manners to say, at least, hello. It's a nice icebreaker.
As far as Budget, go for it. Don't let them force you to take a bigger car for more if you reserved a smaller one. That's absurd.
Ron, believe me, for us it was extremely frustrating. Sherri was around when this was happening so she could pretty much vouch for me. If you're at the airport, you probably even know who I'm talking about at Budget. One poster on another forum posted that she actually said "She the President of the Airpot". I'm sorry....there's alot of great people in the islands and I'm starting to know more and more of them, but this gal has just got to go. There's no excuse for it whatsoever.
You need to tell Mario about her then.
I totally agree with Connie!!!
The Budget located inside the Airport has terrible customer service (VERY UNPLEASANT) and they do try to trick you into spending more money!
I would recommend using another car rental service. I have also tried Hertz in the airport and had a great experience with them!
Good luck!
Justin
Ron, Is Mario the president of the airport???
Mario and his mom Inger own the franchise. Mario runs it.
Yes, I can vouch for Connie as she was having trouble! The girl you didn't like is no longer with Budget so not to worry!
There are pros and cons to ALL car rental agency's at one point or another, right?
My most favorite company is Amalie as they are AT the airport upon your arrival and you will HAVE your car before your luggage even comes out! Clean cars, great service!
Hertz does not allow vehicles to STJ.
Dependable closes at 5 pm sharp! If your plane arrives late for some reason, you will NOT get your car until the next day!
McLaughlin Anderson has been working with Budget and they have been doing well for us. At busy times, you can wait for a long period of time, so that is something to expect for almost all car companies, expect Amalie!
Hopes this helps!
Hey Sherri, do you have a website or contact info for Amalie? We'll be there for a week in June and plan on renting a jeep.
All I have is phone numbers. 1-888-568-3535 or 340-774-0688
I will try to get thier websight info.
They will work with you, it can be helpful to do some price cking first! Also tell them how you found them and mention my name!
Thanks for the info guys. Dependable wants $461 for a four door jeep for the week which was about what everyone wanted, I'll see what amalie can do.
Don't rent from them. I got there and they had NO CARS AT ALL. Left us high and dry - no cab payment, no help finding other cars no nothing. It was a horrible experience as you need a car on these islands. Use anyone but them.
Who had no cars? Budget? or Dependable?
Sherri, thanks for the tip on Amalie. I added them to my list. Our last two trips things went great with Dependable. We'll be renting on STT for STJ trips from now on.
Cheers, RickG