Rodael Car Rental — Family-Owned Fleet Near the Cruise Port
A 20-year-old family-run car rental with cars, jeeps, vans, and SUVs, a 10-minute walk from the Philipsburg cruise terminal.
Why Go
Rodael Car Rental has been putting visitors behind the wheel on St. Maarten for over 20 years. The family-owned operation at Goldfinch Road in Point Blanche offers a fleet that ranges from compact cars to full-size buses, with the kind of repeat-customer loyalty that only comes from treating people right and keeping the vehicles spotless.
The Experience
The Point Blanche location is strategic for two audiences: cruise passengers who want to explore beyond Philipsburg (the cruise terminal is a 10-minute walk away), and visitors staying on the eastern Dutch side who need a car without the Airport Road drive. Rodael's fleet covers the full spectrum — small cars for couples, jeeps for beach adventurers, vans for families, SUVs for comfort, and buses for groups — all regularly serviced and maintained to a standard that the family takes personally. Twenty years of operation on a 37-square-mile island means Rodael has seen every type of rental scenario and built systems to handle them smoothly. Reservations work online or by phone, with pickup options at both the cruise terminal and the airport. The competitive pricing reflects the family-business model: lower overhead than the international chains, with personal service that the chains cannot match. When the owner tells you which roads to avoid after a rain or which beach has the best parking, that advice comes from two decades of local knowledge, not a corporate FAQ.
What to Try
Rent a jeep for a full-day exploration of both sides of the island — the open-air driving experience through the French hills is memorable. Pick up a compact car at the cruise terminal for a self-guided day of beach hopping and shopping. Ask the Rodael team for their recommended driving route for first-time visitors — 20 years of customer feedback has refined their suggestions.
Insider Tip
Cruise passengers: if you reserve online before your arrival, Rodael can have an agent meet you near the cruise terminal with the vehicle ready. This saves the walk to the Goldfinch Road office and maximizes your limited port time.
The Practical Stuff
Located at Goldfinch Road #17, Point Blanche, Dutch side. Hours: Mon-Sat 9 AM - 6 PM. Fleet: cars, jeeps, vans, SUVs, buses. Pickup at cruise terminal or airport available. Online and phone reservations. 20+ years in operation. Price range: moderate ($$).
Pair It With
- Caribbean Brewing Company — Nearby brewery to visit before returning the car (driver stays sober)
- ATV island Guide — Point Blanche ATV rental for off-road adventures after returning the car