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After three years of racking up the AA and Marriott points with business travel - - we finally booked our "free vacation"!!! We (me, hubby and 8 and 10 yr old children) will be going on 6/27 - 7/4, staying at the Marriott Frenchman's Reef for 5 free nights and then 2 nights at the ole' BW Emerald Beach. It was an incredible feat of organization to use these points, let me tell you. AA and Marriott sure don't make it easy to coordinate!
Now a couple questions:
1) Anyone interested in sharing a powerboat charter on any of these dates. We plan to go to the Baths (for at least a couple hours) and then JVD (Soggy Dollar/White Bay). Sandy Spit and Sandy Cay for sure. Let me know. It should run about $500 total with the boat rental and gas/oil - - so $250 per family.
2) What rental car company do ya'll recommend. I'd like a Jeep Liberty or something like it.
I CAN'T WAIT!!! YIPPEE!
I don't know the answers to your questions, but awesome that you're getting a "free" trip with your miles/points!
You may find that the power boat charter has a limit of 6 paying passengers. The usual licence is a 'six-pack'. For groups larger than 6, you are into a much more complex and expensive process for the master of the vessel, based on tonnage etc. Check up on that.
Used thrifty car off the airport...you call they come in 5 minutes in my case...gave us a jeep upgrade from a compact no cost. You can take it to STJ on the car ferry. Hertz is the one who doesn't let you. Have fun, the marriott looked very nice....only had lunch there
If you're looking at a "self-help" deal, check out www.pocketyachts.com. They also have captains available for an extra charge if that's your druthers.
And check out www.captainnautica.com. Have a great trip and enjoy our beautiful islands!
Hey Land Locked,
We have used Thrifty off airport grounds and Thrifty at airport both good, but better cars at Thrifty. Blu has mentioned hot wire and I may try try them next time. they are much cheaper.
We could not get down this winter, and was not a happy camper, thank god for our early spring. Have great time!!!
Ellen in Chesterfield
Thanks all for the recommendations on the car. It sounds like Thrify is the way to go. What a score on a free Jeep upgrade!
I have heard this on another message board about the 6 people max. I will check into the option of a larger boat, but since we're on the cheap for this vacation - - I'm not too worried if we just go on our own with a boat rental.
Congrats on using your hard earned points. I've never dealt with Marriott but I'm a Hilton and Starwood fan. Last Jan. stayed at the Westin in STJ for 5 nights free. Beautiful! Easy to book if you have the points.
Just booked my daughter and future son in law a honeymoon in Hawaii using Hilton points. Also flying them first class. Free of course using AA miles. Can't beat it!
Have a great time. I'm sure you will since the price was right. Enjoy!
Sorry, meant Budget at airport, still think cars are nicer at Budget.
Ellen
we have had good success at Budget also they just changed out there fleet of jeeps to 2007 we rented a wrangler in february it had 300 miles on it.
