LadyCroft

We are looking at a short term furnished rental from one of these websites rather than the more expensive serviced apartments route. The issue is are these sites kind of like ebay vs gumtree where you are not covered if say you book a rental before leaving the UK and then arrive and it does not exist or something like that?

Sorry - I am waffling. Has anyone used these sites, if so which is better and what should I be wary of?

Thanks

old.sparkles

I've used Stayz and Homeaway without any problems, and airbnb is also often recommended - not heard any horror stories that would suggest any should be avoided

The A Team

I've used both airbnb and stayz. No issues at all and would happily use both sites again

spouse of scouse

Same here, have used both and am happy with them. I suppose you really get to know what a company's like when you have a problem with the service/product, this hasn't happened with Stayz but did once with airbnb. The apartment owner in New York cancelled our long-held booking shortly before we arrived. Airbnb sent me an email of apology, acknowledged how stressful it was to get such a late cancellation and offered various alternative accommodation. The one we chose was more expensive, but airbnb picked up the difference, didn't charge a new booking fee and refunded the original fee as well. Top class service and that's why I lean towards them now.
Not sure about Stayz and some other providers, but airbnb also hold your rental money until the day after you arrive at the property, giving you a chance to alert them if you're not happy with it.

LadyCroft

Great! Thanks for all the replies.

Wow - that is good service. I like that they hold your rental money until you have arrived. I am leaning towards airbnb now where I was previously pro Stayz! It is just scary moving away from using the tried n tested UK sites and getting into the ways of Oz holiday bookings.

Thanks - appreciate the help very much.

quoll

Happily used Stayz for years and never been disappointed. Also use Wotif but that is more for a few days away rather than a holiday let.

Alfresco

That is pretty awesome.

JoeBloggs80

airbnb is great. You often get to meet the owner of the place too, who can give you good local tips on where to eat, transport, etc.

Buzzy--Bee

We get a lot of our guests through airBnB, their system seems to work very well.

BB

Alfresco

How much comm do they charge?

Buzzy--Bee

I don't think they charge us anything - I think the guest pays them a service charge. Will have to ask Mrs Buzzy - she manages the short-term rental, I do more with the long-term ones!

BB

Alfresco

Ah, ok, thanks.