I'm heading to anguilla in a couple weeks (can't wait) and staying at cuisinart. I have read so many reviews of different restaurants and am looking forward to trying them all. Is it easy and inexpensive to get around via cab? Or is it worth renting a car for the six nights i am there? How much is a one way cab to say Maliouhana? Has anyone rented a car and know how much it is to do this? Don't know how much use the car would get during the day since i'll probably be sitting on the beach...but then again, i might want to see some of the other beaches. Any way, any insight would be helpful...thanks.
Oh, and one last question....the service charge of approx 15% added to dinner bills, is this instead of adding a tip? And is this usually added to dinner groups of 2?

thanks for the insight.....

33 beaches & 80 restaurants -- get a car! We rented from Avis last year, $215/week. They bring it to your hotel when you're ready for it & we left it at the ferry when finally had to leave (a temporary license is $20 -- you get it from your rental company). Cabs can add up quickly as the rates are set by the Gov't -- probably around $10-12 from Cuisi to Malli, one way, without tip. The 15% is added to all checks; if the service is good, we usually add cash to take it to 20%.

Definitely a car. We started out with taxis and realized that the $$$ was adding up quickly.

It is easy driving and you get out and see so much more.

thanks for the info. Do you need to reserve the car in advance or can you wait until you get there? Is there all the different insurance options like there is in the U.S.? and if so do you recommend them or not?

Just to add my vote - you are wise to get a rental car. It will give you the ability to come and go as you please, you'll see more of the island and it will be much more economical than taking taxis everywhere (unless, of course, you are the type of person who never leaves the resort).

As far as insurance is concerned, you are traveling in a foreign country and while your personal auto policy or the credit card you use may provide added coverages you should consider purchasing the extra insurance from the rental car company. If you are involved in an accident causing damage to the car you are driving, the car driven by another individual, third party property damage or bodily injury and you are relying on your own insurance you may be required to pay for the damages "on the spot" out of your own pocket and then file a claim for reimbursement from your insurance company. Only you can decide what is right for you but if you don't want to bother with fronting money for damages or injury and then filing a claim when you get back home you should seriously consider purchasing the extra insurance (don't know exact cost but it will probably be between $7 and $12US per day). If, on the other hand, you feel lucky you can forego the insurance and take the risk.