staying at Oyster Bay resort , Heard I should get car. any ideas? heard about Mickey's but no other to compare. would like convertable or Jeep type if not too $$$ would appreciate websites or recommendations, thanks

I think the best thing is to stick with Hertz or Budget and pick them up just outside the airport. <BR><BR>You want a nice reliable car..which is pretty much guaranteed from one of these places. <BR><BR>Oyster Pond is quite a way from Juliana Airport, so you want something reliable and safe.<BR><BR>However if you choose to try something else, check out Avis (800-228-0668 or local number 5995-52316-42316)or Roy Rogers Car Rental (at Juliana Airport (800-235-RRCR or 516-878-3166 or local number at phone 52701 Juliana Airport). <BR><BR>This is just my two cents worth, and I am one of the lovers of St. Martin...been there 8 times now. <BR><BR>Enjoy!

Hi Jack:<BR><BR>Yes...staying in Oyster Pond, you will want to have a car.<BR><BR>I go over to SXM monthly and can highly recommend Best Deal Car Rental as being very affordable and reliable. They are less expensive than Budget or Hertz (the good old US standby's), although I can understand why most tourist would go with those two companies since they are familiar.<BR><BR>Best Deal has a website that you can reserve with (St-Maarten-St.-Martin.com), or you can call them at 1-800-621-2865. Their email address is [email protected]. I always just call locally, so I got this info off their business card. Hope it's correct. If not, let me know.<BR><BR>They have convertible Toyota RAV 4's and other similar automobiles, along with standard four door cars. Their service is excellent, and their cars are some of the few on SXM that will actually have a full tank of gas when you get them.<BR><BR>I'd be happy to give you any other info you might need. Just let me know.<BR><BR>Happy Travels to SXM!

There's an American guy who calls himself "Mr. St. Martin", who looks like the Caribbean version of Don Rickles. (Maybe he's French from the waist up and Dutch below the belt.) He has a website (www.mrstm.com) which includes, among other things, a link to rent cars on the island. He's currently running a special through Dollar rent a car. I've never used this guy but I know of people who have, and they all seem pleased. He seems to go the extra mile when an extra mile is needed.<BR><BR>

ttt

<BR><BR>Be sure to ask about damage insurance because crime on the island (cars getting broken in to) is a MAJOR problem. There's a good chance your rental car will be robbed, so be sure you won't be responsible for damage (and certainly don't leave anything valuable in the car when unattended). I've been a rental car break-in victim not once but twice!<BR><BR>Also, be careful if driving late at night. Do NOT pull over for any reason, such as somebody on the side of the road waving you down or another car next to you trying to say your tires are low or something. These people may not have good intentions, if you know what I mean. Terrible things have happened to tourist motorists in the past, so be vigilant and careful!<BR>

I rented from dollar. One week , a new compact for $130. A rep. was at the airport waiting, took us to the office and were on our way in 10 min. When I scratched the bumper to the bone they only charged me $65 which I'll get back from my insurance. No hassles.