If you don't read this whole review, there is really only one thing you need to know: You should definitely rent one of these buses, knowing that you are doing business with professionals and getting a clean, safe, reliable, fun, and extremely well appointed bus.
The long version:
We rented Jasmine for a weekend trip in November 2013. We picked our 5yr old up from school in her (he thought this was the coolest thing) and then headed over the Skyway Bridge down to Sun-n-Fun RV resort in Sarasota for a great weekend that included visiting Sarasota Jungle Gardens, the classic car museum, and plenty of time in the hot tub at the campground. (Seriously- every campground should have a hot tub!)
First off, renting a "Westy" from Dixie and Mike is less like renting a car and more like renting a condo on wheels. We've stayed at expensive condos that are less equipped than their buses. They have thought of everything- I expect that you would be fine with "off-grid" camping. Smaller details are not overlooked either.... e.g. the color matched sheets, cookware, etc. (yes, I noticed- and my suspicion in that this is Dixie's handiwork... lol!) Even touches customized per renter, e.g. in our case camping chairs for us and a smaller chair for our son.
The bus and all the appointments including the linens were very clean. The ice box is well insulated and kept our stuff cold throughout the weekend with the the same batch of ice. (This was doubly helpful since we were able to stop at Trader Joe's in Sarasota on the way back to St. Pete and buy some frozen goods.) The bus also sleeps well- better than you might think.
It is clear that these vehicles are professionally and lovingly maintained. Jasmine ran great the whole weekend. She started instantly every time and drives nice and straight. This is relatively unusual, especially for "daily drivers." Almost any other air cooled VW you will find in this good of condition will be more of a show vehicle & driven rarely. You are also very mobile with one of these buses. They fit in a normal parking spot so it is very easy to head out for dinner, pick up something at the store, etc.
Please keep in mind that you should a allow a little extra space for braking than you would in your modern car. As they say, you don't want to be in a hurry. This is a time to roll down the windows and enjoy the ride. Had I been driving 50mph over the Skyway Bridge in my late model GTI, I would have likely been yelled at, honked at, given the finger, cut off, etc. Something special happens when you're in a classic VW bus though. People don't do those obnoxious things and you might even get the occasional thumbs up or shaka.
If you're trying to decide whether you want to rent or not- you totally should. Rest assured, you're renting from professionals and you're virtually guaranteed a safe, fun, and memorable holiday. read more
