Aruba: Avis? Alamo?

Any problems with either of these rental companies in Aruba?

I had rented from Dollar last time and promised myself I would not rent from them under any circumstances. Their car was a mess and their service gave new meaning to the word S L O W.

I'm wondering if I might get better service with Avis or Alamo. Experiences with these would be appreciated.

Last year we rented with Alamo and this year rented with Avis. Both had slow service. And, the compact cars we rented were not very clean when we got them and they had small dents and scratches on all sides of the cars. On the up side we figured since we noted there were already dents and scratches on all sides they couldn't accuse us of any minor damage. So much for us trying Dollar next time…

Won't ever use Avis there again! They gave us a car with the AC not working and then tried to tell us it WAS working but the sun made it difficult for us to feel it. Now I live in So. FL so we knew that was BS. Anyway, we use Thrifty. We get a good deal with them and they are located at our timeshare as well so if a problem DOES develop we don't have to go to an outside location. This year they gave us a brand new car (plastic still on gear shift lol!!!). Linda

Oh yes, meant to say that we pick the car up at the airport but go down to their office in timeshare if a problem develops (flat tire one time which they fixed immediately).

What will the various car sizes fit?

Sounds like my options are dwindling! Checked Thrifty and rates are very high.

When we were there last time we rented full size - it was so small our kids had luggage in their laps and now that they are adult size I'm certain we cannot squeeze 5 + 3 bags in a car that size. So I ordered SUV/Van from Avis/Alamo.

Any experience on sizes of cars there? If I order the full size or luxury from Thrifty will it be big enough to put more than 4 small suitcases in the trunk?

We typically travel with 5 carryon size plus 3 backpacks/bags. I'll try to get away with 4 plus the backpacks this time; not sure I can do it.

No they won't all fit in the trunk. Why don't you check how much a taxi would cost and put the luggage in the trunk AND back seat. If it works out financially you might want to go that route. You could, of course, just get a taxi (van size) from the airport and pick up your car at the timeshare (assuming they have a desk). We travel with 2 suitcases and 2 golf bags and 2 carry-ons and they didn't all fit in the trunk. Linda