Alamo vs. other car rental agencies

Hello, everyone. I'm new to this forum, and you all seem like a knowledgeable group that might be able to offer me some advice.

I will be on SXM on a Saturday next month as part of a Carnival cruise (in port 7am-5pm). I'm hoping to rent a car so that I can visit several areas of the island in that short time. I have found a great rate at Alamo by the airport ($19, including taxes), but I'm worried it's a little too good to be true. I found some pretty horrific reviews on Tripadvisor about customers being charged for scratches to cars that they definitely didn't cause (even when they took before and after pictures to prove it wasn't their fault). The Tripadvisor reviews are old, but Google reviews from as recent as a week ago tell similar stories. I've experienced dishonest car rental companies before, and I know how that can ruin a trip.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTop...mo_there_FRAUD-St_Martin_St_Maarten.html

Also, I find it odd that Google Maps shows two different locations for Alamo: one along the northern perimeter of the airport runway, and one southeast of the runway, on the way to McDonald's. Which one is right? I wish I could confirm with street view, but it doesn't look like that's available on the island.

Has anyone rented from this Alamo location recently? If so, how was your experience? If you had problems, do you have another reasonably priced company you would recommend?

Also, I'm wondering how long would it take to get from the cruise port to the airport area by bus on a Saturday morning? I don't mind walking 15 minutes to get to Front Street, or wherever the nearest bus stop is. Obviously I'm trying to be as frugal as possible while still being able to see a lot of the island. Otherwise I would just rent from Coastal right at the cruise port, for $69.

Thanks in advance!

$19???? Too good to be true, for sure.... Coming on a cruise and renting a car by the airport?? Why would you want to do that? The airport is probably a half hour from the cruise port. So, you would take a bus to the airport and then go back to the cruise port and pick up your party?? And then do the reverse at the end of the day?

Seattle,

A couple of thoughts - numero uno - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is and you need to know that ALAMO on Island is NOT the same as it is in the States.

Aside from needing to connect with buses and possibly taxis at the end of the day after returning the car to the Alamo location, there is also the traffic to contend with. Nothing wrong with the idea of renting a car but if it were me I’d bite the bullet and rent at the cruiseport or perhaps consider a private driver who knows the roads and traffic patterns. Saturday’s can be interesting.......but it sounds like lately, every day can be a traffic nightmare. Hopefully, that’s over by now.

I have a friend that rents at the Port.

Rent at the port. I know Hertz has an outlet at the cruise port and are very reputable. Used them every year for the last 18 times. Competitive rates too. Liability insurance, which is very important to have, is included in their quote.

I don't have experience renting from Alamo or arriving via cruise, but $19 seems way too low. That fact and the bad reviews would have me thinking twice for sure. Kennys gets awesome reviews on this board and I've used them before--not exclusively though. If Leslie at Kennys has can recommend a friend, I wouldn't hesitate for second. Don't make the mistake of ruining a day on the island in an effort to save a few bucks. It could really taint the rest of a wonderful cruise. Oh, I agree with Carol and Scuba--rent at the port. The time and hassle getting to the airport is not worth the relatively minor savings.

Thank you, everyone, for your advice. The inconvenience of going to and from the airport doesn't actually bother me. I'm traveling solo, so I wouldn't be going back and forth to the cruise port to pick up anyone. The extra time is worth it to me to save $50, which is more than just a few bucks. That's a 72% price drop compared to the cruise port.

I was hoping to find someone who has actually rented from Alamo. I know that people are more likely to leave a review when they have a bad experience, so I'm wondering if there are people out there who actually didn't get taken advantage of by this Alamo location.

I'll consider renting at the port. Thanks for the advice on Hertz (I just made a reservation with them, also $69 but with no deposit like Coastal wants). I'll send Kennys a message to see how much their friend would charge, too. Still undecided on what I will end up doing, but thanks again for your help!

Just answered you.

Make sure all your quotes are a bottom line quote with all charges included like liability insurance which many companies don't include until you get there for the rental and then add it on. Your credit card should cover your collision but not liability which is highly recommended.

I would double check the credit card coverage as some cards are dropping this benefit along with other benefits. Discover Card comes to mind.

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Correct. Always best to check the coverage on your CC to make sure you have it.