can anyone tell me how far the thrifty car rental is from the airport and do they have a shuttle

Yes, they have a shuttle and it's two minutes from apt.

We use Thrifty every year. Shuttle picks up renters every 10 minutes or so just across the driveway outside the baggage area. Maybe a 1 mle drive from the airport to the office. We rent an ATOS every year for around $125 a week (week 49...usually the first week in December). The ATOS is the perfect small and skinny car to park in spots few others can maneuver into !!!! Cars are always clean and well maintained...usually under 1000 miles...thus reliable...which is key to us as we are out most every night. The folks are quite friendly and willing to get you on your way...out the door...on arrival day. AFter a long travel day...I HATE lines !!! There never has been one with Thrifty. You will not get "personally" picked up at the airport which many enjoy...a service you get with many of the local companies. I personally don't mind loading in a van with other vacationers to save a few bucks on a week's rental. I use orbitz.com to make the reservation...always works perfectly. n Good luck.....and no, I'm not a sales rep. for Thrifty...just a satisfied customer.

thanks for the info were headed down next month / have rented cars there from other companies (not so impressed) / time to give thrifty a try !!

Have you tried any of the local companies?
I have recieved fantastic service. You will be met with a sign with your name and taken to the off site location to get your car. Most of the companies will already have the paper work done - just sign and drive. We also were fed up with Avis & Budget on the island and were pleasantly surprised when we tried Michael at Unity for our rental car. But ty this site for a wide selection.

[www.sxm-cars.com]


~~ Once you've slept on an island, you'll never be the same ~~
2008 St Maarten Pics

A to Z Guy, ooops I just put this on the wrong post so I'll do it again here.
There was a big hoopdedoo on another talk board about this company -sxmcars. Why not rent direct and save yourself the problems. I use bruce@sintmaarten.net but hes just one of a lot of good local guys and he'll bring your car to the apt so you drive away to your hotel in it. That would be Leslie Bruce of Kennys Car Rentals. Cant beat the service or usually the price. You might want to go to a bunch of the guys on that other sight but just get quotes from there e-mails and make the choice.

I second using Lesley Bruce of Kennys. He meets you at the airport with the car...do the paper work in the parking lot and then you on your way. We have used him for years and will be doing so again in April.

Annie

ANON,
You are exactly correct.
I would not book through this web site. Use it to reference the local companies and then book direct.

~~ Once you've slept on an island, you'll never be the same ~~
2008 St Maarten Pics

Book your rental through Thrifty's main site and it will be cheaper than dealing directly with Thrifty in St Maarten.

Used them for last 5 years everything perfect...price ...service and cars...joined their "Blue Chip Membership" and as a result now use in the US as well...They have really expanded in SXM last few years....You will LOVE SXM this our 12th year!

Dose Thrifty's "Blue Chip" apply in SXM? I.e., is the paperwork all made out when you arrive, and you just have to sign?

How about 10% discount rate codes like "WMRT", coupons, coupon upgrades, etc.?

Do they credit FF miles for the rental?

With a Thrifty reservation for SXM, can you check the Thrifty website, and rebook if the rates fluctuated down?


I always assumed that the U.S. car rental agency programs, and discounts didn't apply to SXM franchises, maybe not.

Ed

Nevermind, I just called Thrifty. They operate independently in SXM, as I thought they did. None of the above apply.

Ed

For info. and prices access www.thriftystmaarten.com or e-mail thrifty@uts-caribbean.com. Again...orbitz.com works wonderfully well for me.

Ed...FYI...for using Thrifty on SXM they gave me a "discount card" which we've used now and then...here and there on the island. Some of the deals on the card are a $50 match play...10% off at Tri-Sport...various discounts at Trident Jewelers...10% discount at Hot Tomatos...25% discount at the Towers bar and pool side grill...massage @ "Health and Well Being" (???) at 15% off...and a few others. Haven't taken adantage of many of these "comps" but there's a bit more to Thrifty than just their low prices, good and reliable cars and friendly service. Again...I have no stock in Thrifty...just a satisfied customer. Spike.

Thanks for the info, Spike. It's good to hear a recommendation other than the same three "local" agencies.

Ed

I would also like to suggest Kenny's Car Rental. We've used him for the past two years and will again this year and most likely forever. He literally meets you at the airport with YOUR car, not a shuttle bus, and you will be on your way within 5 minutes. If you don't like lines then he is definately the way to go. Not to mention that his prices are VERY cheap and the cars are always reliable. If you have any problems with your rental he'll meet you anywhere on the island to fix it. It's vacation why risk putting up with any potential headaches. Oh and when you drop it off drive right up to the baggage check in area and he'll meet you there and take it from there.