By Renee (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #7) on Monday, March 13, 2006 - 10:55 pm: |
OK all you experienced travelers - in your opinions, which are the most reputable (and most honest) vehicle rental places on Bonaire? I don't mind spending a few extra bucks to rent at the most reputable place. This will be our first trip to Bonaire and I am using my American Express blue card with the rental insurance option so I have the highest comfort level possible for the rental. We are responsible drivers, etc. and we just want to do business with a reputable firm.
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By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #545) on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 7:51 am: |
AB Carrental.
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By Bev Delarue (BonaireTalker - Post #57) on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 9:26 am: |
AB Carrental was great to us. We rented two trucks in Feb with no problem.
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By Randy P (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #442) on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 10:40 am: |
I've used Netty's and had a wonderful experience.
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By chris keen (BonaireTalker - Post #17) on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 11:06 am: |
Telerin & Netty's are both honest & dependable!!
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By Debbie Babcock (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3080) on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 11:37 am: |
I know a friend of mine who is on Bonaire presently and they used Island Rentals. The reason I am telling you all this is that AA came in really late, midnight actually, don't know why, but the story is that Island Rentals was the one who opened and she got her vehicle. Now, that is customer service! I have never used them personally, but a nice story to report to all. A/B and Budget I have dealt with and would also recommend them. Good luck with your research and I am sure lots of folks will be happy to let you know their favorites as well.
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By Grasshopper (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #17413) on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 1:38 pm: |
I've rented from AB, Budget, and Netty's, all were outstanding. Netty does not accept AMEX. Most of the smaller companies don't accept AMEX either due to extra fees in processing and conversion So, I go with Netty's and use my MC She is a sweetheart
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By Ginny Stokes (BonaireTalker - Post #43) on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 3:26 pm: |
We used Island Rentals last November, and we were very happy with their service, rates, etc. He got up and opened early so we could return the truck prior to the early AA departure.
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By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4322) on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 3:47 pm: |
I have been using Everts Carrental since I've been going to Bonaire (and We have been there often), and we never had a problem. It was always a lot of service and good prices.
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By George Blanchard (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #175) on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 4:58 pm: |
We've used Nettys and Budget. We like them because both exchanged cars/vans that had problems without complaint. They are very easy to work with.
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By Rosanne Nandan (BonaireTalker - Post #33) on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 8:11 pm: |
Has anyone used Hertz lately? We booked a car through my husbands corporate acct. and the rate was half of what anyone else quoted. I'm just wondering if there is a reason no-one uses them and if I should book through another rental agency.
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By Renee (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #8) on Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 9:47 pm: |
Wow! Thanks for all of your responses. I will check these out on the web.
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By Michael Stanfield (BonaireTalker - Post #43) on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 - 10:47 pm: |
Renee,
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By Josie (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1179) on Thursday, March 16, 2006 - 7:44 pm: |
I ditto Martin's comments about Everts -- I've been using them for 6 years, with very positive experiences, prices, service each time. Ilka, the owner, is a local lady and is charming and very helpful.
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By Renee (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #9) on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 12:36 pm: |
Thanks Michael and Josie for the additional comments. I'm all signed up for the AMEX rental policy and I feel more comfortable about the rental. AB seems to have the best deal for us and they take AMEX. However, the AMEX rental policy says it will NOT cover theft or damages if the vehicle is left UNsecured. That policy condition presents me with a choice to leave the vehicle locked or unlocked. Most people are telling me to leave the windows down while we are shore-diving. Of course, the odds of any damage occurring if the windows are left down are pretty slim. So my only decision is to leave the vehicle unlocked and windows down while we are away from it (shore-diving and sight-seeing) OR lock it up to stay within the terms of the policy. I am thinking of leaving the vehicle UNLOCKED while we are shore-diving and LOCKED while we are sight-seeing. Any further suggestions from y'all??
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By DIVER DEBBI (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #465) on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 1:14 pm: |
Thats what we do..don't leave anything in the vehicle and lock on the steering wheel..we got thru this year wiht no mishaps...renting from Netty is always easy and right price..her office is right at the airport .
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By Ron Gould (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #462) on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 1:16 pm: |
Lock the doors and leave the windows down.......
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By Grasshopper (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #17456) on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 1:36 pm: |
Uh, Ron, I have to disagree, unlock the doors and leave the windows down.
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By Julia Graves (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #825) on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 1:52 pm: |
Netty actually crosses out the 'lock' on the rental agreement!
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By Renee (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #10) on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 7:25 pm: |
Maybe Ton will give us his feelings on the subject!
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By Grasshopper (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #17459) on Saturday, March 18, 2006 - 9:10 pm: |
I believe AB has stickers on the glovebox that say something to the effect of "leave the windows down, the doors unlocked, and nothing of value in the vehicle." Most of the vehicles you rent on Bonaire have a sticker like that.
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By Ron Gould (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #466) on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 10:26 am: |
Grasshopper, Hawaii is cool water diving, so don't forget to bring your 8mil suit... Ron
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By Brian (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1474) on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 10:49 am: |
Cynde
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By Grasshopper (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #17464) on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 11:24 am: |
We will be on Oahu for a week. We are spending the first 3 days in waikiki (and then heading for Turtle Bay for the rest of the week), as I guess the conditions on the east side are best for diving this time of year. I've hooked up with Oahu Scuba Divers for 2 days of boat diving. I've been vacilating between taking my 3mm, and my 7mm...I am now thinking I either need to get a 5mm or take my 7mm. I hate being cold! I wear my full 3mm on Bonarie, often with a skin. Water right now is high 70's, what do you guys think? Michael is actually going for a 3mm which he NEVER does! I know
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By Grasshopper (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #17466) on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 11:28 am: |
Oh, we do wear our 7mm here locally in conditions between 57F and 67F. I would hate to lug my 7mm...it does make a difference in weight and flexibility! LOL!
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By Brian (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1475) on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 1:16 pm: |
It was around 75 degrees in Feb 2006, our boat dives were around 45 mins and we were ok in 5mm (we had a 5mm shortie that went on top but never used it) I would go with the 7mm if you don't have a 5mm as being cold is not fun.
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By Grasshopper (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #17469) on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 1:30 pm: |
Thanks Brian
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By Ron Gould (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #468) on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 4:36 pm: |
The water temp on the reefcam has been frozen for about a year now.... Ron
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By Becky Hauser (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #289) on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 11:23 pm: |
My apologies in advance for the continued hijack of this thread, but...
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By Grasshopper (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #17476) on Sunday, March 19, 2006 - 11:47 pm: |
Becky, what island will you be going to? If I had a 5mm, I would take it. I'm now vacilating between my 3mm and 7mm..
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By Becky Hauser (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #292) on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 12:02 am: |
Hi Cyn... I'll be on Oahu, also. The conference is in Honolulu. I have a 5mm, I just didn't expect Hawaii to be considered "cold".
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By Grasshopper (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #17478) on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 11:16 am: |
Becky, I'll PM you who we are diving with and let you know how it goes with them. At this point, I think I am going to use my 3mm and skin and "grin and bear it" I hate the extra weight that goes with the 7mm (and the added neoprene as well)
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