What's the best way to rent a car in Aruba?

We leave for Aruba in a week. We'll need a car for just one day. What's the best way (and price) for a small car to hold 3 adults and 3 bags? We'll be at the Ocean Club--are there car rental pick ups at the hotel that we can return at the airport?

Thanks,
Suzzanne

If you don't plan on booking ahead of time, there is a National car rental desk in the Surf Club, next door. It is down the hall from the lobby, past the concierge office. They can deliver the car to Surf Club/Ocean Club.

Try Alamo

We used Alamo since they are at the airport.We used a coupon code we got from Costco before leaving from home. This location is nothing like a stateside location but it has airconditioned cars. You will just have to wait in line for a long time to get a car but they will eventually bring one around. We were given a Toyota Yarus which was fine for two adults and two kids and minimal luggage. The people before us, four adult women, could fit into their midsize car but we had to be enlisted to haul some of their luggage for them. They didn't know us ,and we could have abscounded with their stuff, but luckily for them we were honest people. It just seemed a little crazy to hand over three big suitcases to absolute strangers.
I suggest you keep the car for your whole vacation. We used it to shop and sightsee and it saved us money in the long run. The roads are well marked and the island is small enough to make navigating very easy. Also we saw parts of the island that other tourists never got to see, like for instance where the goats play on the mountainside and where the common folk swim.

Thank you both for your replies.

Suzzanne

Rental car information - Aruba

I think that I found out about Tropic Car Rental on TUG. We are actually in Aruba now and got a car from them on Sunday upon our arrival. They meet you as you arrive with a sign with your name on it. The car will be parked in the lot and ready for you, you sign the contract and you're ready to go. No lines to wait in. The price is a bargain from what I've been told by others here at the Marriott. We paid $168 total for a small car - Toyota Yaris. Since its only the two of us, it is big enough and great on gas. I would think that they have larger cars available if you need it. The local telephone number is 585-0405. To make the reservation I think I contacted them by email at tropiccarrent@setarnet.aw.

Just curious...how many days was that $168.00 for?
Thanks,
Mike

Hans from Tropic has been touted by many as the best one to rent a car for. His weekly rental prices are great. Unfortunately (at least for me) he only rents Yaris cars and we need a bigger vehicle.

Oh- Mike- that was likely for a week.

Tropic Car Rental - follow up

We have the Yaris for six days - we decided to shorten our trip by one day because our daughter will be returning from her first semester at college and we didn't want her to be by herself for more than one day. Today, after I recommended Tropic, we went out to the car to take a ride to Eagle Beach and guess what - the car battery was dead. Fortunately we were at the Marriott, where we are staying and able to make a telephone call, rather than someplace else. Rather than a complaint, I do have to make this a testament to their customer service because we called and were told that they would have the battery replaced within a half hour. We told them the license plate number and where it was located in the Marriott Ocean Club lot. Sure enough, when we went out about two hours later, the car started up just fine - no problems driving to dinner or returning back to the hotel a few hours later. So if a Yaris is big enough, I would go with Tropic. I did not know that they don't have larger cars. There are many of these cars on the road and in the parking lots. Also, fyi - one person staying here at the Marriott told us that he paid $700 for a Camry for two weeks from Economy - with a discount coupon from Costco. That sounds like a lot to me - especially since I've seen other postings that say that the buses are cheap and convenient.

We are also in Aruba now, leaving this Saturday. We booked our rental through Avis for $168 including taxes for the week. We have a Suzuki Lanaki or something. It is a 4 door hatch. Avis is on airport property and it was easy. You can also use the Avis discounts, so it works great.

We rented from Royal when we were there last.

They also have excellent service. We rented a Wrangler 4x4 and took it the natural pool. Some of the wildest offroad I ever been to. The car was older so I was not worry about little scratches. Next day I took it to the national park and got stuck in the middle of nowhere. I think I might of shifted wrong got the shift gear stuck in neutral. They send out 2 Wrangler SUV and maintenance guy and switch out my SUV. Even if you rent for one day, it was a blast in a Wrangler 4x4 and driving on dirt road. You can reach part of Aruba that I would not dare with a car even if you don't go to the natural pool.

Triet

Should I rent a car at all in Aruba?

We will be going in Feb. for a week. 2 adults, 2 young children
Should I even rent a car at all? I know that we would at least like to go grocery shopping once and out to dinner a few times.
Does the Yaris fit most standard car seats?

ffxjack said:

We will be going in Feb. for a week. 2 adults, 2 young children
Should I even rent a car at all? I know that we would at least like to go grocery shopping once and out to dinner a few times.
Does the Yaris fit most standard car seats?

Click to expand...

We determined to get a rental based on the expected taxi rates to/from the places we wanted to go. Compared to the rental fee, it was a no brainer. However, I would suggest something larger than a Yaris for a family of 2/2. Luggage might not fit.

Also, we just flew home yesterday from Aruba . On the plane home, a couple in front of us told us that all 4 wheels and tires were stolen off their rented Yaris. The car was in the parking lot at their resort on the axles. The police came and told them that the Yaris is newer Toyota on the island and people can sell the parts easily. They got charged $400 to replace it. :annoyed:

For taxi fares: http://www.taxiaruba.com/farelist.html

Wow--I was really looking forward to driving a tiny car.
I wonder if my Amex covers that kind of damage/theft.
Thanks for the warning though!

Thank you for all the replies. We're here in Aruba now. Getting out of MI on Sunday was a real challenge with the snow storm. Missed our connection in Atlanta but we were officially on vacation and determined to enjoy every moment--no matter where we were.

We still haven't rented a car yet. I inquired at the National desk yesterday and found the same $36 daily rate from them (with the Owner's discount) that Optima was quoting on the internet.

Someone was at the Concierge desk talking to his credit card company about being overcharged for damages that he got on a 4X4 he took to the natural pool. $200+ for a ding to the bumper from a rock.

I'm going to start another thread to ask about the various ways to get to the Natural Pool.

Thanks again for all the responses.
Suzzanne