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Hi!
My family and I, 16 of us (9 adults and 6 children), will be in STT end of March/beginning of April for a reunion. We are flying in at Charlotte Amaile and staying in the West End because we want our privacy. Need to know the following:
If we should rent a car from the national brand companies (Hertz, Avis, Etc.) or local companies such as Dependable, Amaile Car or Discount Car? If local, why and which one? What type of vehicle works best...regular car, SUV or minivan?
How are the bugs? I am a bug magnet.
Where can we find CostULess?
Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks.
Wow! Bbchin, you go! 16 in total. If you're interested, I wrote a Trip Report based on my family reunion https://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,101839,101839#msg-101839
Family reunions are wonderful.....stressful......a lot of work.....but, in my opinion, well worth the time and money and the memories! Ah, the memories! I'm sure folks on the board will give you lots of advice / recommendations regarding which rental car company to go with. You will have to rent two or maybe three minivans to accomodate all those people. That means that 2 or 3 people will need to commit to driving.....on the left side of the road.....sober. Driving on the left side of the road isn't difficult.....but, some folks are intimidated by the thought of it and just plain won't do it. So, in your trip planning meetings, this may be one thing you should discuss and get commitment. End of March/beginning of April shouldn't be too bad bug-wise though it all depends on the rain. Deep Woods Off is my friend - which I always buy in the States and bring with me because a) it's convenient and b) I can ensure I get the most DEET content as possible. CostULess is on the way to the "country".......opposite end of the island from where you'll be staying. I can get there but will be unable to tell anyone else how to get there. HA! But, I'm sure there will be someone on the board that can provide road names and precise directions.
The rental car companies are pretty competitive and par where cost is concerned but Hertz doesn't allow their vehicles to be taken over to Sr John on the car barge and since this is obviously going to be one of your adventures (well, now it is!) ...
2WD is fine on STT unless you're contemplating going WAY off the beaten path. 4WD is generally recommended for those renting on STT but staying on STJ as many of the villas are located on driveways/small roads better suited for 4WD vehicles. But a 2WD is fine for a day trip to STJ.
CostULess is on Route 38, Weymouth Rhymer Highway, and you'll have no problem finding it. Further up the same road is the Tutu Park Mall where the big KMart and the Plaza Extra supermarket are located. Have fun and enjoy your visit!
We've used Dependable for many years and have never had any issues.
Do make sure that the villa you are staying in on the West End of STT is accessible easily with loaded 2 WD mini vans - there are a few that are well west that I would guess suggest 4WD as a rental vehicle.
That you for the advice. I will share it with the entire family. Please feel free to give me more advice, as this is our first trip to STT. Again, thanks.
