Anyone know if this operation is still up and running and, assuming that it is, a working email for them.

I reserved a car awhile back via the National corporate site, received confirmation number etc. I've emailed the local company @ national@surfbvi.com because I want to confirm that the reservation was received locally and figure out pick up/drop off procedure. I haven't heard back and am starting to get concerned.

I went with National primarily because their website offers pick up service anywhere on the island and we will need them to pick the car up from the Moorings base when we take the boat out. I used Dede last time for the same purpose, and while they were great they don't do one day rentals anymore.

Best to call. 284-494-3197

We have rented with National on Tortola several times and will do so again on our December trip. We have found them great to work with. I called the EIS office the other day to make my reservation and the lady who answered the phone recognized me when I gave her my name. (at least she said she did, either way we've always had great service and it really does feel like working with a small family type shop)

Anyway, they've been great for us and the fact that they have four offices spread about the island can come in handy.

I'd also recommend calling vs. emailing if you'd like to confirm or make changes to your reservation. The email address is still good though. They emailed me a confirmation of the reservation right after I got off the phone with them. I will call again a couple of weeks before our arrival just to confirm all of my reservations.

Also, for future bookings, I recommend calling the local office directly. I've found you get better rates that way. And with National, don't forget to join the frequent renter program. We get Southwest miles whenever we rent, but you have a couple of choices on how to get your points applied.

http://www.nationalcarbvi.com/

Jumping in on this thread ... it looks like they have an office in Road Town?
We're staying on Tortola another 4 days after our boat charter next month. Would love to walk from TMM to pick up a rental car (or short cab ride). We're staying at Sebastians and will be taking the ferry from West End back to STT for our flight home. Do they have a drop off at West End near the ferry?

Yes, to drop off near the West End Ferry not within walking distance (imo) but close.

Once, they had us stop and pick them up on the way to the ferry departure and took us the rest of the way and once they had us leave the car at the West End Ferry dock and they picked it up for us. On our last trip, we left the car at the Road Town Ferry parking since our departure time was so early.

Thanks all. I'll give them a call. I tried booking through the local website, but that function didn't work and, as is probably apparent, I don't like using the phone for stuff like this unless I have to. I'm already an Emerald Club member, which is part of the reason why I went with National.

In any event, I appreciate the responses and the positive experiences cited ease my mind greatly. With 15 days and a wake up to go things are getting real! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

Have a great trip! The Road Town office is at Maria's by the Sea, right next to the ferry dock. Not really walking distance to TMM, but it's definitely a short ride. Call them on your way in and they'll meet you at TMM, no need for a cab.

Great info - thanks!

UPDATE here: I called the local National car rental agency at the number above. I was told it's best to go on-line to either National or Alamo and make our reservations. BIG difference in prices.
National was $199/day for the smallest automatic car
Alamo was $43/day for the SAME car

Any idea why such a big difference?

$199 a day??????That had to be a typo!!

I would also add...

There are two National car places. one in road town and one between sea cow and WE. you may find that you are told to go to one, only to be told "we have to drive to the other one"

In our case we reserved at the one towards WE, only to be given a 1/2 hour drive in "rush hours" to pick up in RT. yes on certain days they have a "traffic jam". and then had to drive the really nice lady back to WE.

When we dropped off at ~WE, we were told we had to be driven back to RT because thats were "the car was needed". but our ferry left from WE.

tie down the details.

IE ..rent from Denzil Clyne or Jerry and make your life much easier..

We got a great car from Denzil & I don't remember the rate but it was cheap!!

Yeah, my husband said someone has cleared screwed up the pricing on the website. Interesting that they wouldn't take a reservation over the phone either. In any event, we're happy with the $43/day. The pick up is Maria's by the Sea and from what I understand that's close to TMM where we drop off the boat.

$199/day was definitely NOT correct.

Service does vary depending who answers when you call. Can be a touch variable I suppose.

The problem with Jerry and Denzil is that it's my understanding that they don't do short term rentals anymore.

I made my reservations over the phone direct with the local office. I also call the day before and labor the point a bit about exactly what my plans are, what time I want to be picked up and where, etc. It's seemed to work out fairly well, by island standards. That's my recommendation in any case, and that applies to just about any arrangements. Call ahead and communicate to confirm your plans and remind them you're coming and things tend to work out more smoothly.