TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin TRIP REPORT week 3

Picked up a nail in one of the tires and had a slow leak. Stopped at the car rental agency and they had the tire changed and we were back on our way in five minutes. Didn't even have to get out of the car. Many on this board rely on mom and pop rental agencies that they have used for years, so have I but since Irma the rates are lower than they were 30 years ago at the nationally known agencies. Very nice cars for a little over $100/week. The mom and pops rely on their longstanding relationships with people who don't bother to shop to charge twice as much(or more) and can't give the service I just descibed. I didn't have to call anyone and wait for them to show up to change the tire.

Bigdaddy--sounds like nice service from the car rental folks, but that was literally the only thing of mention for a whole week??

What car rental agency did you use?

Sorry, but I completely disagree with your comment about the mom and pop agencies charging twice as much. We've been renting from Alain Arnell at Triple AAA for many years now, and are still paying the same rate that we paid the very first year that we rented from him. I don't advertise that rate because I know it's better than his usual rate, as he's thanking me for my continued business and for the number of folks that I've referred to him. We had a battery go dead once, and he came out immediately and replaced the battery with a new one. I'm glad you're happy with your "national" agency, but your comments about the local guys aren't necessarily accurate.

We had a flat tire the second day we were there outside of Market Garden. We did call Leslie Bruce about the flat tire and he arrived within 15 minutes. While waiting, my husband changed the tire because he is impatient. Anyway, Leslie brought us a new tire in case it happened again.

I felt our price was very reasonable, maybe not as low as yours Bigdaddy. But I would rather help the locals on the island. He has always been good to us!!

They are all owned by locals.

most of the "national" agencies are independently owned by "locals", and i've never seen an expat/foreign employee working at one, just locals

You and Scuba Dude are both correct and I agree 100% percent. I didn't say they were nationally owned, I said they were nationally known. The points I was trying to make was that they have a much more substantial operation and in the past have been more expensive.

I beg to differ. The "national " named one I use is considerably lower than a lot of some of the favorites mentioned here. Important thing to remember is rent from a company you've dealt with before you feel comfortable with.

You are right some of us do not check around for rates. But we're happy with the service we receive from Kenny's PLUS we like giving business to the locals. In the past using the 'Name Brands" have always been a problem for us, car not available even though we'd rsvp'd ahead, attempts at trying to stick us with damages already on the vehicle etc waiting for pick up, You were lucky your agent fixed the tire quickly for you.

Everyone has their own preferences. I have been using Michael at Unity since 2000. Always have a great price and very good car. Once had a flat in the parking lot behind Maho at night and they came and changed it. Never an issue with them attempting to charge me for incidental scratches. Going again this year. Got a great rate. Cant wait for March 27

I used Unity for a number of year...until I had a flat and no tire tool.

well, we always went with the cheapest kayak/priceline gave us with no issues.

ACE/SAFARI/Hertz have all been quick/convenient/efficient being on the main drag out of the airport.

Last time, Kayak pointed to one of the TTOL fan favorites and I was looking forward to that greatness I hear about of signing the papers in the parking lot of the airport and voila gone.

But, nobody at the airport to meet us and no desk inside the airport.

The ACE/SAFRARI guy saw us dazed/confused and asked if we needed a car and I said we had one with XYZ. He called them to pick me up. I was a little shocked at the office and remember a piece of paper on the wall about the mandatory liability that had just been a big discussion item on here and they told me I had to pay it.

i wanted to say "no,no......the ttolers said i didnt to have to pay it" but I didn't.