Villa Rental Sites
Discussion
Just looking for recommendations for best sites to look at for villa rentals please folks. Last time we rented anywhere was 8yrs ago via Vintage Travel, and have previously done so via James Villas.
Done a search and a lot of the results are getting on a bit now, and I'm conscious things have probably moved on a bit.
Would prefer to be able to pay by c/c and not have to put a daft deposit down. In particular interested in Andalucia.
Done a search and a lot of the results are getting on a bit now, and I'm conscious things have probably moved on a bit.
Would prefer to be able to pay by c/c and not have to put a daft deposit down. In particular interested in Andalucia.
In my opinion, the single most important point about villa rental is the payment method. If it is by bank transfer, avoid. If it is by Paypal or credit card, OK.
Last year I applied this golden rule which was fine. I used Holiday Lettings which is, I think, part of or associated with Trip Advisor, and when it came to payment by credit card it was a sequential transaction through Holiday Lettings, then Trip Advisor then Paypal which was fine. The cost for a week was about £2500 and I did not want to be exposed to one of the often reported scams associated with villa rental.
Interestingly, a few weeks later I found at least two websites advertising the same villa for the week I had booked, all wanting payment by bank transfer. I doubted their validity. Later on, both sites disappeared.
R.
Last year I applied this golden rule which was fine. I used Holiday Lettings which is, I think, part of or associated with Trip Advisor, and when it came to payment by credit card it was a sequential transaction through Holiday Lettings, then Trip Advisor then Paypal which was fine. The cost for a week was about £2500 and I did not want to be exposed to one of the often reported scams associated with villa rental.
Interestingly, a few weeks later I found at least two websites advertising the same villa for the week I had booked, all wanting payment by bank transfer. I doubted their validity. Later on, both sites disappeared.
R.
Just one point to add as an owner: the listing sites do all add service fees. So while you do get payment protection going through them, you will be paying for that. I do get lots of customers asking to pay me directly to avoid the service fees, and I'm happy to do so.
Example: I list for £1k on Tripadvisor. The customer pays £1,150 and I receive £970.
Example: I list for £1k on Tripadvisor. The customer pays £1,150 and I receive £970.
Best to view any site like airbnb, owners direct etc like you would Autotrader. They are just advertising platforms. If you read their term they actually offer very little protection.
Having said that we have booked a quite a few times via homeaway and the only time we had a problem the owner was no problem to deal with. It could have been a very different story if he had been awkward however.
I always go for places with lots of reviews, try to check the authenticity of the reviews and speak to the owners, preferably by phone. Always get a full name and google! Sounds a bit stalkerish but I want to do all I can to avoid a disaster of a holiday.
I have paid by bank transfer a couple of times, but only once I have done my research! We have a flat booked for later on in the year who want paying in cash when we arrive... seems odd but it has 50 good reviews some of which mention the same arrangement, also gives the option to walk if its crap. Its right in a resort so loads of hotels for a last minute booking if necessary!
Having said that we have booked a quite a few times via homeaway and the only time we had a problem the owner was no problem to deal with. It could have been a very different story if he had been awkward however.
I always go for places with lots of reviews, try to check the authenticity of the reviews and speak to the owners, preferably by phone. Always get a full name and google! Sounds a bit stalkerish but I want to do all I can to avoid a disaster of a holiday.
I have paid by bank transfer a couple of times, but only once I have done my research! We have a flat booked for later on in the year who want paying in cash when we arrive... seems odd but it has 50 good reviews some of which mention the same arrangement, also gives the option to walk if its crap. Its right in a resort so loads of hotels for a last minute booking if necessary!
I use a variety of sites and most take credit cards.
Worth looking at Housetrip as they don't release your money to the owner until the day after you arrive and they are often cheaper.
I'm a tightwad so don't pay the inflated prices most villa specialists charge. I have used Villaspain and can't recall any issues but then after 30 or more times, I can honestly say I've never had a single problem with any of them.
Clickstay, Owners Direct, Holidaylettings, Homeaway, all pretty similar although my pet peev is owners who don't update and don't answer your e-mails if only to say its booked, especially when you're juggling flights.
Not used AirBnB, they never look trustworthy or overcharge on fees like cleaning.
Also had a good experience with Vine Ridge Retreats who manage a few local villas in Andalucia.
Worth looking at Housetrip as they don't release your money to the owner until the day after you arrive and they are often cheaper.
I'm a tightwad so don't pay the inflated prices most villa specialists charge. I have used Villaspain and can't recall any issues but then after 30 or more times, I can honestly say I've never had a single problem with any of them.
Clickstay, Owners Direct, Holidaylettings, Homeaway, all pretty similar although my pet peev is owners who don't update and don't answer your e-mails if only to say its booked, especially when you're juggling flights.
Not used AirBnB, they never look trustworthy or overcharge on fees like cleaning.
Also had a good experience with Vine Ridge Retreats who manage a few local villas in Andalucia.
Amateurish said:
Just one point to add as an owner: the listing sites do all add service fees. So while you do get payment protection going through them, you will be paying for that. I do get lots of customers asking to pay me directly to avoid the service fees, and I'm happy to do so.
Example: I list for £1k on Tripadvisor. The customer pays £1,150 and I receive £970.
As another owner, I would also add that if going to say Orlando, then check owner details against tax records, property tax records, and license number. That should give you confidence they are who they purport to be. Example: I list for £1k on Tripadvisor. The customer pays £1,150 and I receive £970.
popeyewhite said:
Ownersdirect has always served well.
Hi allI’m looking at booking a villa in Florida for the summer
Found a nice one on OwnersDirect but the reviews on trustpilot of O.D are shocking.
I normally take such review websites with a hefty pinch of salt but literally every review speaks of problems.
Has anyone else had issues with O.D or HomeAway?
Any other sites to look at?
TIA
Swervin_Mervin said:
Just looking for recommendations for best sites to look at for villa rentals please folks.
In particular interested in Andalucia.
Whereabouts in Andalucia ?In particular interested in Andalucia.
We've used Mijas Villas almost every one of the past 10 years - not once let us down and nice people to deal with.
Lisa is the main contact in Spain / Zena and Tara in the UK.
Muzzer79 said:
popeyewhite said:
Ownersdirect has always served well.
Hi allI’m looking at booking a villa in Florida for the summer
Found a nice one on OwnersDirect but the reviews on trustpilot of O.D are shocking.
I normally take such review websites with a hefty pinch of salt but literally every review speaks of problems.
Has anyone else had issues with O.D or HomeAway?
Any other sites to look at?
TIA
We also list with Debbie’s villas, TA, booking.com, FB, directly with Google, Dibb, and more.
If booking direct with an owner, follow my advice above ref taxes and licence.
What exactly are you looking for, as I am out there, and have a couple of friends who rent also
K
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