Anyone ever rent a car from Avis in St. Martin

[robbercatcher]

I was wondering if anyone has ever rented from avis in st. martin. i have found they are cheaper but anyone have problems. And how far from the dock are they.

[The Big Booper]

I was wondering if anyone has ever rented from avis in st. martin. i have found they are cheaper but anyone have problems. And how far from the dock are they.

 

They are roughly 4 blocks away from the pier entrance. Turn left, start walking to town and there they are.

 

Remember, in renting a car on the island, you have to factor in the gas used, tax and insurance costs (US insurance not good here.)

 

I know Hertz gives you a full tank and you just fill it up when returning the car at the Shell/Texaco station located near the Avis office. Some of the local agencies at the pier give you the car empty and you have to guess how much to put in.

[gtaylor]

I have only rented from their Airport locations, but have had problems with three 'majors'. I gave up on them years ago.

 

Hertz - refused to honor my printed confirmed rate - had it in my hand. No.

 

Avis - my 'confirmed' type not available and nothing available unless I upgraded to a larger car. No.

 

Budget - Worst yet. Went through three cars in first four days. Car 1 misfired/backfired so couldn't drive it. Car 2 did not have enough power to get over a hill between Marigot and Grand Case, had to drive back through the Lowlands. Car 3 brakes failed on way to Orient - no way to drive home. Taxi and tow. No.

 

Have only considered locals since, and I have a favorite, but they don't do one day cruise rentals.

 

gary

[The Big Booper]

We have heard similar stories about the Budget operation in St. Martin.

 

We never reserve in advance, just stroll up to the rental booth at the pier. So I never know what they will charge for the day until I start talking to the nice woman at Hertz. The Hertz pier operation is an offshoot of the airport operation.

 

Renting at the pier is a totally different story then at the airport. When we used to stay for a week at a time on the island I had no hesitation about using local operators at the offices outside the airport.

 

At the pier I avoid Budget and the locals, and stick with Hertz.

[Cruisin_Vol_Fan]

We rented from Avis in 2000 and 2004 and did not have any problems either time. It was a short walk to the office from the pier, nice employees and the vehicles were fine (a small car once and a minivan the next time - comfortable for 6 adults).

That being said - we are going with Hertz this trip due to DH status with them and a better rate.