Bad Experiences with Rental Cars in Aruba

Here’s a recap of a recent trip’s experiences, ranging from smooth sailing to a bit of a bumpy ride, especially concerning car rentals.

Smooth Travels with Yess Rental Car

Our journey began with an absolutely fantastic experience with Yess Rental Car. I had discovered them through online reviews, and every positive comment was spot on. I reached out via email from their website when I initially booked the trip. The communication was wonderfully informal yet incredibly effective. Upon our arrival at the airport, despite a slight delay in customs, they were there, actively looking for us. They even proactive called us to ensure everything was alright when we weren’t at the pick-up point as expected. It was a thoughtful touch that immediately put us at ease after a long travel day.

Given the size of our group, we needed two vehicles. To our pleasant surprise, Yess Rental Car brought both cars directly to the airport for us. From there, they drove us to their nearby location to complete the paperwork. The efficiency was remarkable; we were in and out in about ten minutes, ready to start our adventure. Beyond their exceptional service, their rates were also incredibly competitive, making the entire experience even more appealing. The return process was just as effortless. We simply parked the vehicles in the public parking area at the airport and left the keys discreetly under the mat. It was an incredibly simple and trust-based system that we greatly appreciated. We will undoubtedly be using their services again for future trips.

A Bumpy Ride with Jean’s Rentals Aruba

Our experience with Jean’s Rentals Aruba, however, presented quite a contrast. We decided to rent a UTV and a Jeep for a day to explore the island’s rugged, less-traveled side. From the outset, there were minor issues. The UTV I was driving had a front right tire that was completely bald, which made navigating turns an interesting, if not slightly nerve-wracking, experience. Meanwhile, my companion, who was driving the Jeep with our elderly mothers, was remarkably cautious, driving at an incredibly slow and careful pace, especially given the rough terrain.

The real trouble began on our return journey from the Natural Bridge. Without warning, the back window of the Jeep suddenly exploded, showering the interior with glass. Upon closer inspection, it appeared that one of the window’s hinges had simply broken off, causing the window to fall and shatter. This was a concerning development, especially since we were in an area with no cell reception. We promptly headed out of that remote area and back to Jean’s Rentals to report the incident.

The gentleman who assisted us at Jean’s Rentals was very kind and understanding, though visibly concerned. I pointed out the worn-down hinge, clearly a result of prolonged use and the challenging conditions of that side of the island. The other hinge, though still intact, also showed significant wear. I stressed that the incident was not due to any action on our part, but rather the cumulative effect of miles of driving on rough ground. He agreed that it seemed like a case of normal wear and tear, but he had to involve a manager.

When the manager arrived, a tense conversation unfolded in Spanish. While we couldn’t understand all the specifics, the gist conveyed by the gentleman was that she believed we were responsible for the damages. She refused to speak with us directly. I immediately protested, reiterating my explanation that the damage was due to wear and tear. The gentleman again agreed with our assessment and relayed it to the manager, leading to a heated argument between them. They would pause, and he would look at me with a helpless expression, as if to ask, ‘What do you want me to do?’ I consistently maintained that we would not pay for the damage. Eventually, the manager gave up and left, and the gentleman informed us that “she’s taking your security deposit.” By this point, we had been standing in the hot sun for about an hour. I thanked him for his efforts on our behalf and told him we would dispute the charge with the credit card company. It was a truly disappointing turn of events, especially since we had rented from them many times before without incident. While we understood the inherent risks with rentals, this felt excessive for something clearly resulting from vehicle aging and usage in demanding environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the most positive experience during the trip?

The rental experience with Yess Rental Car was overwhelmingly positive. Their personalized service, efficiency, and competitive pricing stood out. They were attentive from the moment of arrival, handled paperwork swiftly, and made the drop-off incredibly convenient.

What was the main issue encountered with Jean’s Rentals Aruba?

The primary issue with Jean’s Rentals Aruba was a mechanical failure in the Jeep rented – specifically, a back window exploding due to a broken hinge. This was compounded by their subsequent attempt to charge us for the damage, despite clear evidence of wear and tear.

How did Yess Rental Car handle the airport pickup?

Yess Rental Car was at the airport looking for us despite our customs delay. They even called to check on us when we weren’t immediately visible, demonstrating excellent proactive customer service.

What was the condition of the UTV rented from Jean’s Rentals Aruba?

The UTV from Jean’s Rentals Aruba had a completely bald front right tire, which made handling difficult and raised concerns about safety and maintenance.

How did Jean’s Rentals Aruba’s management respond to the damaged Jeep?

The manager at Jean’s Rentals Aruba was uncooperative. She spoke in Spanish, refusing to address us directly, and initially insisted on charging us for the damage, despite her employee’s acknowledgment that it was likely due to wear and tear. Ultimately, they kept the security deposit.

What steps were taken after the window incident with Jean’s Rentals?

After the window exploded, we drove out of the area where there was no cell reception and immediately returned to Jean’s Rentals to report the incident. We then disputed the charge with the credit card company.

References List

  • Yess Rental Car
  • Jean’s Rentals Aruba

Considering your next travel plans? Don’t leave your ground transportation to chance. Ensure your adventure starts and ends smoothly by choosing a rental service known for its reliability and customer-first approach. For a truly worry-free experience, similar to our positive encounters, prioritize companies with a strong track record of excellent service, clear communication, and fair policies. Do your research, read reviews, and don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions about vehicle maintenance and insurance coverage before you book. A little preparation can save you a lot of hassle and ensure your trip remains a collection of happy memories, not stressful incidents.

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Emily Carter

I’m Emily Carter, a passionate traveler, writer, and adventure seeker who loves uncovering hidden gems around the world. Whether I’m snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, exploring vibrant local markets, or hiking scenic trails, I find joy in discovering new places and sharing them with others. Photography, storytelling, and trying new cuisines fuel my wanderlust, and I’m always on the lookout for my next adventure. Through my writing, I strive to bring destinations to life, offering vivid descriptions and practical tips to inspire fellow explorers. If there’s a new place to discover, you can bet I’m already planning my next trip!
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