3 people stuck with giant villa? any ideas/advice?

[kat777]

I don't know what I can do?

 

[Brian Noble]

The sad fact is that there's not much you can do beyond inovking shame on the wafflers. But, no, you're not being awful. One lesson from all this, though, is to get the deposit money up front (and possibly make it more than just the deposit to hold the house.) That keeps the tire-kickers on the sidelines.

The only thing you can do is to try to find folks to share it with you, but that's a tricky proposition if flights are involved, 'cause it's getting to be last minute.

It's worth contacting the owner, in case they get any last-minute interest, but you're on the hook until that happens (and the owner may well be unwilling to spend the necessary time rebooking.)

 

[cigarboo]

That stinks! Those are the kinds of things that made me stop planning group things. Before money is required, everyone is all in... after the nice guy(fool) which was usually me pays/put it on my credit card, is when people's plans seem to change. Trying to be nice and making it convenient for others just causes problems, rift friendships and such. These days I make plans for a group and pay, only if I'm willing to eat the cost of the entire activity. I've been burned too many times before with lodging, parties, concert and airline tickets. I think the people who originally planned to go should pay their share. Like pp said, collecting money upfront would work better and it separates the people who actually are serious about going and have the means to go, from the one's who just would like to go. It's unfair to just bail out and leave one person with the bill. Knowing the people you're planning for VERY well helps too. Some friends/family are more reliable than others. It would be nice if the ones who are going, help pay for the higher cost/share of the unit. Chances of renting out such a large place with late notice is small. Maybe you can talk to the owner of the property and see if you can cancel with just a 1 night penalty. Not sure how much you're paying, but it might save you some money if you move to a smaller villa. Sorry about this situation. I can see why your head wants to explode. I'll take cover.

 

[PilotWife]

Yep! Always have the money up front BEFORE the credit card is charged!
That's my advice!

Sorry this is happening to you though!

Jennifer

 

[StephSalyer]

One of the houses we rented before had a "lock out" option if there were too many bedrooms for your party. You would only be charged for the rooms you used and it saves the owner money because the cleaning crew did not have to touch the rooms that have been locked. Maybe the owner of this villa has a similar deal. It can't hurt to ask.

Steph

 

[kat777]

One of the houses we rented before had a "lock out" option if there were too many bedrooms for your party. You would only be charged for the rooms you used and it saves the owner money because the cleaning crew did not have to touch the rooms that have been locked. Maybe the owner of this villa has a similar deal. It can't hurt to ask.

Oh...I've never heard of that, thank you, I'll definitely ask.

 

[Belle1962]

Did you pruchase any type of insurance--for illness or whatnot? What does your contract say about cancellations?

 

[kilee]

Well hopefully it will all still work out. I have to agree with everyone, always get the money upfront. We are looking to rent a villa for next fall w/ my parents and my sister and her family. We did this a few years ago. I'm kind of covered though. If my parents back out for some reason they'd still pay. If my sister backed out due to finances my parents would pick up her portion. So, I'm really not at risk of having my portion cost more.

 

[FayeW]

Did you book through a private owner or a management company? If the owner or management company has other smaller/less expensive properties available they might let you switch to one of those. The management company we rented from has lots of properties and if we had to change our dates or cancel, we could rebook at another property for $50.