Sorry to add another message about car rental, but I have a different sort of question. DH and I will be there in May. We have been going to SXM for over 15 years and always rent a car. We'll be staying at Club O, and most likely will only need transportation from and to the airport (arriving at SXM but departing from Grand Case), and out to dinner 5 or 6 nights. Would it be economically feasible to have a driver to just take us out as needed (airport transfers and dinner)? If so, any recommendations? We're looking into this because the car rental company that we have used for our last four visits have provided us with vehicles that are not mechanically sound (2 visits, 3 different vehicles), and one time we waited at the airport for over an hour for our pick up. Needless to say, we have not been impressed.

It sounds as though you have had the wrong rental agency. We have dealt with Michael Unity of Unity car rental and he has been on time picking us up and the cars are worry free. Unity rental is not the cheapest but they are reliable and dependable. We also rented a car from Maryse Gachot when we rented a unit from her at Blue Beach near Captain Olivers...Oyster Bay.. and it was an almost new car and was only $20 a day. We found having our own car meant we could come and go as we pleased and not have to sit around and wait and watch for a taxi. The disadvantage of driving yourself is if you go out at night and have too many drinks as well as navigating dark unfamiliar roads to get back home. For us that was the only disadvantage and the advantages far out weighed the disadvantages. On our recent trip we were able to pick up my brother and his wife off a cruise ship and spend the day showing them around "our" island and they were thrilled. We stopped when we wanted to, we went where we wanted to when we wanted to and as the Ozzies say" no worry".If you need info about Unity or Maryse send me a private message.

I agree that you had the wrong rental company....although one I had for many years turned into a nightmare and I stopped using them. That being said, for every dud there are 20 good ones. I've used Lesley Bruce of Kenny's and he's a peach....also Winston Blythe who doesn't have a website but is as honest as the day is long (can sent email addy if wanted). But, the choice realy is yours. We rent a car because we like to explore and drive everywhere....plus, my husband doesn't drink so we're designated drivers for many. If you plan on drinking heavily then I'd say forego the rental and take a car. You can hire someone and use them for the entire trip and perhaps negotiate for a price.
Hopefully, that helps!
Contessa

How can we get a hold of Winston Blythe? We used him before, but can't find an email. Thanks