Curacao Car Rental - best deals at airport?

[RJP]

For our upcoming trip to Curacao we're going to rent a car the whole time. (Previous trips we've rented 3-4 days during an 8-day stay.) Any suggestions for best deals renting from an on-airport company? Probably looking at mid-sized SUV, since we'll need to be able to get 3-4 suitcases plus 3-4 carry-on bags in the car. No averse to a 4-door pickup if that works out to be cheaper. Won't be hauling tanks anywhere during stay, but will be dragging other gear around.

Appreciate any thoughts - Ray

 

[Damselfish]

We had about that much luggage or maybe a touch more for 4 people recently and found that the extended cab pickups were the only thing available there that worked, everything else was too small. (Our travel agent told us this and we'd came to the same conclusion ourselves.) Not everyone had them or they get sold out, but it seemed the best price & availability was Budget.

The available SUVs weren't big enough for 4 peopele. If you only have 2 or maybe 3 people so can put stuff in the backseat they might work though.

 

[--tom--]

I have done a bit of shopping, you might check the prices at Alamo...

 

[Wah]

Alamo and National are the same rental counter and staff (its National-Alamo). I would very strongly suggest that you stay away from them. I just got back from a trip, and I rented a car from National and they pulled some BS when I returned the car. In a nutshell, I filled up at the closest gas station and when I returned the car, they drove it away then told me that the fuel gauge wasn't on the full line and charged me for 1/8th of a tank. When I filled it, I overfilled it and the gas station was only about 2 miles away. I saw other reviews online where they did the same thing to other people. Its just a sketchy operation they're running, and I know I'll never do business with them again. You've been warned.

 

[keesmon]

I used an Alamo king cab pick up and had no problems whatsoever. As a matter of fact, the Westpunt operators that saw our truck commented on the shape of ours compared to the local rental fleet more than once. Not sure what the problem with the fuel refill issue was with others. I filled it up, got inspected and signed off on, and was on my way. To call a major multi national operation a scam is a bit strong IMO. I would rent from them again in a heartbeat.

 

[catskill diver]

RJP - just retured from Curacao we used thrifty - was a little hesitant with the lack of comunication from them but it went w / o a hitch. Got a susuki mpv. We packed 6 people and all gear - it was TIGHT to our accomodations out on Lagon - west end Once settled we were good until time to go back to the airport. base price was $350 for the week after all bs, taxes, insurance, fee's etc $550 for the 7 days. They told me a M.C. gold card would have covered $ 100 in insurance
have a great trip

 

[VARugger]

RJP,
When are you arriving in Curacao? We will be there July 24th- 31st. Staying at Kura Hulanda Lodge.

 

[morecowbells]

We rented a six person mini van from Avis at the airport. Check in and return was smooth and uneventful. Just remember the interpretation of what size a six person vehicle is all relative....