Why You Need a Rental Car!
A rental car is very helpful to get the most out of a vacation on St Maarten – St Martin. Even though the island is small in size – only 37 square miles – the mountainous terrain allows room for several towns and villages, with an amazing variation of landscapes. The infrastructure is acceptable by Caribbean standards, but doesn't compare to the quality of American or European road systems. Roads are build for slow to medium speeds, and 'sleeping policemen' (speed bumps) are widely used in residential areas.
Assuming that you would like to find the most economical way to rent a car, while getting reasonable comfort and good safety, you don't need to look for expensive, full sized vehicles. There are very few roads where an SUV could be helpful: a few of exclusive estates are high up in the hills and during rainy weather, a four-wheel-drive might have an advantage there. But otherwise an Economy cars will do: they all offer four doors, automatic transmission and air conditioning. No: you won't turn heads while cruising the Boulevard, but you wouldn't achieve this in a Ford Explorer at four times the rental rate either. To be noticed on St Maarten, think Hummer or Porsche Cheyenne.
The cute Japanese or Korean compact cars offered by many rental car companies on the island are not known in the US, but very popular in Europe. These are agile little vehicles, which might surprise you with their fun factor. Parking is very easy, the narrow roads are not intimidating anymore and you can't beat the rates on St Maarten - they are amongst the lowest anywhere in the world. And if you get your car through Free St Maarten, it could be free! Check it out!
Great cars are the Hyundai Atos and the newest model, the Hyundai Getz. These little compacts can accommodate 4 adults and will give you perfectly adequate transportation during your stay. If your group consists of four plus sized adults, you might want to go for an intermediate car, such as the Hyundai Elantra – about 20% more expensive than the smaller class.
The rugged look of the Jeep Wrangler might fit the island image, but they are not the best choice to explore St Maarten/St Martin. The Wrangler is an off-road car – not because it handles the wilderness with great competence, but because even a regular, decent road 'feels' like you are off-road. The smallest bump – and the big ones we have here even more – cause great discomfort for the Jeep passengers and you might regret your choice of a rental car.
There are a few companies offering buggy style fun cars. These are tiny two-seaters with enough horsepower to be sporty – but there are not meant to cover the transportation needs during your complete stay. Lack of tops (and in one case even any body work) define them more as an 'activity', something you do like driving a jet-ski.
Scooters are available to rent as well, but they don't offer any price advantage over cars and are a safety concern. True motorcycle fans can rent the latest models of Harleys!
