amideislas

Cricketman obviously doesn't travel much. Please, it's absolutely normal to pay something at booking time.

9flats, for example, ensures both the guest and the owner. The guest pays at time of booking, and 9Flats holds it until the guest checks in, and only when the guest agrees that everything is OK (by simply responding to an sms), then the payment is released to the owner.

If the guest claims it's not OK, then it goes into immediate arbitration before the guest receives the money back, or the owner receives it, depending on the result of the arbitration. If the guest simply no-shows then the owner's cancellation policy goes into effect (say, 50% retained by the owner, if that's their stated policy).

I think it's a very good system because it's brain-dead simple, and ensures the owners can't get their money unless the accomodation is what they claim, and the guest gets their money back in full if not.

Casa Santo Estevo

I was merely stating what I know. I have worked in this game for many years and I belong to a local association of similar businesses.


Running a vacation rental business takes time to establish. Maybe you just need a few more years before you find your market.
So I do not have any answer for you, except take long term rentals.

savannah_boy

I wasn't being sarcastic. No offence intended.
I just have an apartment and a villa. I have had long term tenants in both but the apartment is vacant now and long term lets are slim pickings. I was just dipping my toe in the holiday rental market. More money can be made in the short term but it comes with it's hassle. Just looking for solid advice from people like your good self.

Chiclanagir

Why on earth wouldn´t you expect to pay a deposit to secure a booking? Otherwise anyone can just change their mind and not bother turning up. Two weeks in August would mean big losses.

savannah_boy

My apartment is in Pinar del Atlantico, La Barrosa and the market is mostly Spanish.

Fredbargate

Why would I want to put a deposit on a holiday let when I can book a hotel without a deposit, or at least free cancelation up until the last 2 days

snikpoh

Don't most hotels take credit card details up-front? They always seem to with me!

Some of the better sites now take credit cards.

For holiday lets, take a look at Villa Renters, Holiday Rentals, Villaspeople, Rentalsystems or Independent Owners to name but a few of the larger ones.

I would never accept a booking (nor do these sites, in the main) without a deposit unless the client had rented from me before.

SpanishAngel

Why do people insist on comparing hotels with private holiday rentals. The two are miles apart!

cricketman

A beautiful area!

Went there for a long weekend last July. Will definitely be returning. Hopefully year after year. If I ever need somewhere to stay...

PM me the details just in case

Fredbargate

Yes but they do not necessarily take any money and the card will only be charged at the time of the stay or a charge of one nights accommodation in the event of a no show. Free cancellations are often allowed up to two days before the booking.

Fredbargate

They both supply holiday accommodation

Yes but which is at what end of the miles is a personal thing

SpanishAngel

And are both completely different. Each to their own but I know where I'd rather stay

Fredbargate

Glad you enjoy housework

SpanishAngel

Glad you enjoy fighting for space by the pool and spending time in your one room

cricketman

They are completely different experiences

Playa Barrosa is full of 5* GL hotels. Great for a few nights but gets a bit pricey after that so a short term let is better. Anyway the best thing about the area is the beach which is the same for everyone, wont be spending any time in the room