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I inquired to VRBO about a week ago for info regarding another beautiful villa for our party of four this fall, and haven't heard back yet. I've never tried to book with them, and am wondering if this delay in a response is 'par for the course'.I've emailed them twice, and called 2 times as well. Am I being impatient? I've been putting our vacations together for a number of years now, and the couple we're coming down with has never been to STJ, so we're all pretty eager to 'get the ball rolling', iron out the wrinkles, and nail down our trip plans. We have a back-up villa plan with a different company, but are in love with our first choice. Airfare isn't getting any cheaper, either.
Any suggestions?
Smiles-
MJ
we used www.cateredto.com and their responses were quick, accurate, helpful, and polite
Thanks, Tom. I've used them a number of times in the past, too, and they were great. That's where my concern falls about the slow response as compared to what I'm used to, with VRBO.
Serenity Now!
Smiles-
MJ
It all depends on the owner. I always have my laptop so I can check even when I'm on the road. Did you check the availability calendar? I know some owners don't bother if they are booked anyway.
That's the thing, Sapphire-
The availability calendar shows that it's booked up until half way through May, then it shows %100 availability. Maybe it hasn't been updated, but a response would be nice, no? It's Island Horizons villa, and we all love it. Any suggestions?
Smiles-
MJ
SUCCESS!!!
I just got a call from VRBO, and it's all systems GO!!!
Sorry for whining-166 days to go-:D
Smiles-
MJ
Private Homes for Private Vacations seems to be the managing agent, I would have called them.
How do there rates compare? Are they the same?
MLS,
I did, and they told me that they emailed me twice, but if I don't recognize the address, I usually delete mail before I open it. It clearly could've been my mistake. The rates are the same for the villa we chose, and I could't be more excited.
Smiles-
MJ
Maho, glad that this has worked out for you.
We have rented off of vrbo.com at least 4 times now. Three times in STT and once in the Disneyworld area, and we've been very happy every time.
This May we're renting a beautiful Villa in Mahogany run http://oceancliffvilla.com.
It's also soooo fun to look at all of the properties :o)
VRBO - BE VERY CAREFUL !
There are many honest people that advertise on VRBO & you can save a lot of money on monthly rentals.
(1) Most of the adds on their site are placed by property owners & investors.
(2) Be patient some people move faster then others. If you deal with islanders they will be slower to respond.
(3) Do your homework before sending any money. When you are ready to book try to get them to do the deposit on a credit card.
Anyone that want all money up front -walk a-way from it regardless how good the deal maybe.
For the record - we had one very positive experience on ST. Thomas last year & one very disappointing experience in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico two years ago. The owners used very mis-leading info. about the location of their condo.
Thanks, Connie.
Traveling man-
Thanks for the tip.
Smiles-
MJ
I've used VRBO several times and I had never had a bad experience.
We rented last year 2 condos in Maui and Kauai and this year we are renting a condo in st. Thomas.
Ask questions, talk to the owners or property managers. Do a search on tripadvisor.
Many of the properties are privately owned so its a matter of them checking their email. So sometimes it takes time to get a response.
Good Luck!
cheers!
I have used VRBO many times over the last few years and have researched villas thru their site and many others. They tend to have the best pricing. I have only had 1 mediocre experience in getting my deposit back but the owner lived in the UK and was traveling all the time(no wonder he owns several villas in Florida). Anyway I rented thru them for my villa next month in STT and the owners I am dealing with have been very up front. Each situation is different just use your best judgment-if it doesn't feel right then go with your instincts.
Traveling Man states "Anyone that want all money up front -walk a-way from it regardless how good the deal maybe."
The above confuses me. I've used VRBO many times throughout the past several years--for villas and condos in St. John, the Cotswolds, Montepulciano, Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, Anguilla, Ireland, Portugal, Florida, etc--and have always been very, very happy. I've also used booking agencies, for St. John and other locations, and have always, always had to pay "all the money up front." That's true of Catered To, Destination St. John, Carefree Getaways, Viva, Where-to-Stay, Caribbean Villas & Resorts, etc. I've NEVER heard of anyone paying the rental cost for a vacation villa AFTER the fact!
