Has anyone rented a condo from Island Immo - St. Martin Rentals before? If so, during the booking process did they request for you to submit a Credit Card Authorization from and a copy of your Drivers License?

Thanks!

We rented from them last year and have rented an apartment in Orient Village again for this fall. They do require a copy of your credit card and license. Everything was as promised, only issue we had is they are slow to respond.
I can't remember the name, but rented from a similar company two years ago that required the same. Charges will be Euros.

We are heading there the 24th of July and have rented from Lydia . This is our first experience with her but being 30 days out they have communicated couple times confirming our flights for pick up and such. I paid via PayPal with her and all went well.. As others have said lil slow to respond but accurate information so far. Jennie from shop and drop was helpful as well as she talks to Lydia a lot. Going to be using Jennie and Lydia for our trip. Report to follow. Thanks. Jpasinc

Thank you for responding and confirming that information. That relieves some of my anxieties. Did you rent a car during your stay or did you not find a car rent necessary for that area?

Honestly, this is our first time actually staying on the island. We have been there four or five times on Cruises threw the years, but have finally made the plunge with another couple we always vacation with. We were told we could rent a car right out of Orient Village, so we will go that route if we want to go out and about rather than rent a car for the whole week that may get used once or twice.

It depends to some extent what you will be doing in the evening. There really isn't much to do at Orient in the evening, other than eat. And, while Orient is a great beach, you will need a car to get around to a lot of other places. And you will have to get to your hotel and back to the airport. By the time you do that, you are probably half way to the cost of a weekly rental.

Obviously Carol would be the subject matter expert here. The only interjection I can provide is that Lydia does have someone who will pick you up and return you to the airport personally. (There is a fee involved) Again, our first time renting there on the island, but she seems to have her bases covered when it comes to taking care of her guests.

If you do not rent a car what is the grocery store situation like in Orient Village?

Best,

Eric

Best deal around..JEANNIE! Pick what you want from her site..when you check in..she has done the shopping for you...you grab your suit, a beer and head to the beach...! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

In addition to Jeannie, check out Petit Casino, a nice new grocery store right in Orient Village.

Bruno's new store is very very nice and well stocked. We have stopped each day for ice and took a tour of the store on our arrival. We also used Jeannie and highly recommend her service.

We rented from Lydia in February. She was a bit slow in responding, and I sent her a message that she was getting slammed on TTOL for not responding. She said she knew that, but didn't seem to matter. We rented Natica - 3/2 with pool, it was great. Never saw Lydia but called on a couple of things and she always answered.
We always rent a car, usually through Lesley.
As for vittles, Petit Casino in the Village is great. If you do rent a car, Simply is only about 5 minutes away.

How is Jennie contacted? Is there an online store?

Jeannie, of ShopnDrop Groceries is a sponsor on this forum. Go to the sponsors list at the top of the page and click on SXM sponsors and then scroll down until you find her. I believe ALL the info regarding accessing her is there. It truly is a great service for those who HATE to shop, and that would definitely include me.....!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

We have stayed in the Orient Village area for over 10 years now. Wouldn't be without a car. We also rent from Leslie who will meet you at the airport with the car. Love the chance to explore when we want without having to wait on a taxi. There are so many interesting things to do on both sides of the island and if you have a day or two of bad weather, you may wish you had a car. As for Carol and myself, we enjoy our trip to the grocery store to see all the offerings and variety of fruits and vegetables that can be found on the island that we don't have at home. We too liked Petit Casino, but found the prices much higher than when we travel to Grande Marche in Cole Bay which is only about a 25 minute ride from Orient Village.

Agreed, prices for groceries in general on the french side are going to be higher, yes. But there is something to be said for convenience of walking to the Village for groceries.

Thanks to all for such great feedback and sharing of info!

Does anyone have any thoughts on grocery stores...is the Simply Grocery a good stop vs. driving over to the Grand Marche?

Although this original post was last year - we are leaving Bluefish today, been here for a week, and the week prior, Natica, both from IMMO -Felicia is great to work with.
Simply is well stocked, but with French products. Casino in the Village also has a good selection, again French products.

We have rented from St. Martin Rentals (Lydia and Felicia). Yes, they are initially slow to respond, but when you arrive and are on the island they are very, very responsive. After renting from several agencies both on and off the island, their on island care is superb.
Also, Jeannie from Shop and Drop works very well with Lydia and our food/drink order was easy to coordinate.
We always rent a car, and some nights we just walked to the restaurants in Orient Village.
Good luck and have a great time on your trip.

Thanks for following up! Did you guys rent a car or do you arrange for transport with the rental agency and just shop local? We are trying to determine whether the rental car is really needed.

Thanks.