Has anyone rented at Bahama Bay from Jason Moores ?? HELP !

[MommyHolly]

Hi, I was planning to stay at Bahama bay for the week of 2/3-10, but now, I am not so sure. I booked a week through this gentleman, and we exchanged several pleasant emails. The website and his emails asked for 10% down. i was paying $795 for a 3-bedroom condo for the week, and he asked for a $80 deposit, the rest being paid upon arrival. I sent it to him via paypal, then he said that the deposit should be $95, instead of the 10% that was originally stated. So, I sent him $15 more via paypal.
Today, I get an email from him stating that Bahama Bay has made a change in the way that they pay him, and he would like me to send him the remaining $700 now. I am not comfortable with this, and I dont think it's a good way to do buisness. I emailed him back stating that this is not what we agreed upon, and I would like him to either honor what was agreed upon up front, or send me back my $95. Has this happened to anybody else ??? It just doesn't feel right.....Is there anything else that I can do ??

Holly

 

[JANNYANS]

Have you googleds his name by any chance ? It comes up with a site where it appears that he is trying tp sell his condos -if it is the same guy of course.What I find odd is that if he is the owner why would BB be paying him?

 

[mbb]

.....What I find odd is that if he is the owner why would BB be paying him?

Exactly

And if you sent the paypal payment to him, why would BB have anything to do with it??

I think you did the right thing for the $95 back, or for him to honour your agreement.

Having the 10% deposit is normal, we've always paid the remaining balance a little further out though, ie, 6-10 weeks before. But if your agreement was upon check in, that's what it should be...the deal shouldn't be changing at the last minute.

...I think I would be having a quick look for another place to stay, just to be on the safe side.

Let us know what happens.

 

[MommyHolly]

Well, I haven't been back to post an update, and I thought that everything was going to be OK, but now it's turning into a problem. After I emailed him back asking for him to honor our agreement, or refund my money, he mailed me back, and agreed that I could pay the balance at the resort. I thought that everything would be OK.
Friday, I got another email from him stating that the shower was leaking in the unit that I had reserved, and it would not be able to be fixed in the weeks time before my arival, he was wanting to move me into a 2-bedroom unit. I emailed him back saying the if 8 days was too short a time to fix a leaky shower, then send me back my money and I will make other arangements. After that, suddenly, he had a 3-bedroom available. I emailed him back telling him that this was all making me uncomfortable, and since my trip was now less than a week away, I was going to just make other arangements.
Today I have recieved two emails from him. He will not let this go. he wants my phone number so that he can "reassure" me. He has also said that he will be ariving in Orlando later in the week, and he wants to apologize to me in person. That, to me, is just plain creepy. I am getting ready to email him, yet again, and tell him no thanks !! After all of thisk, am I wrong to expect my money back ?? What would you do ??

 

[5mins2disney]

Well, I haven't been back to post an update, and I thought that everything was going to be OK, but now it's turning into a problem. After I emailed him back asking for him to honor our agreement, or refund my money, he mailed me back, and agreed that I could pay the balance at the resort. I thought that everything would be OK.
Friday, I got another email from him stating that the shower was leaking in the unit that I had reserved, and it would not be able to be fixed in the weeks time before my arival, he was wanting to move me into a 2-bedroom unit. I emailed him back saying the if 8 days was too short a time to fix a leaky shower, then send me back my money and I will make other arangements. After that, suddenly, he had a 3-bedroom available. I emailed him back telling him that this was all making me uncomfortable, and since my trip was now less than a week away, I was going to just make other arangements.
Today I have recieved two emails from him. He will not let this go. he wants my phone number so that he can "reassure" me. He has also said that he will be ariving in Orlando later in the week, and he wants to apologize to me in person. That, to me, is just plain creepy. I am getting ready to email him, yet again, and tell him no thanks !! After all of thisk, am I wrong to expect my money back ?? What would you do ??

It doesn't sound creepy to me to be honest...it sounds like he's trying to make every effort to make you happy! He fixed the problem, he's offered to even try and apologize, yet you want to back out of your arrangement? After he agreed to it? This is an owner's worst nitemare too you know, you go out of your way to do everything you can to make a guest happy, and they want to cancel out on you. At this late date, you would be "sticking" him for the rent, he's not going to be able to rent it out to someone at this late date. Most VRBO rentals have a fairly severe cancellation policy for this reason... after 4,6,8 WEEKS prior to arrival the fees become non-refundable, because the owner won't be able to get another rental at the last minute.

The important thing to remember, it's not the problems that come up, everyone and every home has occasional problems, it's what you DO about it that counts! It sounds like he was making an effort to find you another home, and when you didn't like that option, he probably scrambled to get it fixed.

I don't think it's unreasonable to ask for your phone # either, I don't blame you for not wanting to move to a smaller unit than what you agreed to rent, but I would be upset if a guest decided to cancel a reservation a week before arrival and I was trying my hardest to do everything we could to fix our place! If it came down to our place being uninhabitable, I would probably try and upgrade them to a larger / bigger place or something (which would cost me $$ out of my own pocket!), but like I said, problems do occur, it's what people do about it that counts! I'm surprised he doesn't have your phone # already to be honest, usually it's on the rental agreements you sign, and he's also being pretty "cool" by letting you pay upon checkin, most VRBO units are paid anywhere from 4-10 weeks prior to arrival (in FULL!). He's really the one that's out on a limb risking that you won't show up and pay, and after agreeing to these terms (I never would as an owner), now you're doing exactly what he fears most, trying to cancel the reservation!

So...if the problem is fixed, and you're in the place you wanted to be in originally....and he's agreed to your payment upon arrival terms...where's the problem and why exactly do you want to cancel?

I'd be trying to call you and put things right too if I were in his shoes, I can tell you that! It sounds like he's trying to do "right" by you and you're not living up to your end of the agreement!!

Personally, my opinion is you should honor your end of the agreement and show up, it sounds like he's worked out the issues you had, and done everything he can to try and make you happy. That's exactly the kind of owner you want to be staying with!!

 

[Ksquared]

Well, I think because the person she's renting from kept changing his story, it's making her nervous. I understand that most owners go out of their way to try and accommodate their renters, but if I were her, I'd be very "leary" to rent from this guy. Perhaps this should be a lesson to him to make arrangements and stick to them. I'm the type of person who sees the good in everybody but something about this seems "fishy" to me.

 

[5mins2disney]

Well, I think because the person she's renting from kept changing his story, it's making her nervous. I understand that most owners go out of their way to try and accommodate their renters, but if I were her, I'd be very "leary" to rent from this guy. Perhaps this should be a lesson to him to make arrangements and stick to them. I'm the type of person who sees the good in everybody but something about this seems "fishy" to me.

I agree that it might make her nervous, but I don't see anything "fishy" here. It sounds like he DID learn his lesson, that if you don't fix issues guests won't come! LOL I don't blame the guy for wanting to call his guest and do everything he can to put her mind at ease...now apologizing in person might be going a bit too far...but it sounds like he's trying, that's all I'm saying!

Try and see his side too, you might have messed up, but you fixed the problem, and if your guest doesn't show up, you're going to lose...what... $600-1000 for the week you can't recover? (I don't know the price).... but...that's a pretty harsh "lesson" to send to someone after you agreed to come, and he agreed to just about everything she asked for! (Including not paying until she arrives on site!) If she arrives and doesn't like the place she can still back out then even, this is fairly unhead of in the VRBO business. Sounds like the resort or his MC advised him that this is a BAD idea and he tried to correct his own mistake...then backed off since it wasnt' what he agreed to.

Maybe there's more to the story, I don't know... but.. there's also 2 sides to every story, and I know I'd be upset if someone backed out on me at the last minute in a similar situation. We bend over backwards to make our guests happy...you can't make everyone happy all the time but you can try!

I just don't see the big "problem" here....it sounds like a nice rental unit...he's fixed the problem and agreed to the original terms and conditions...and is trying to make amends. Yes, he might have messed up (sound like inexperience or a new owner to me), but that doesn't seem like it's enough to cancel the reservation, it doesn't seem like there's much of a good reason to me, I guess I'm just trying to be reasonable here.

 

[MommyHolly]

First of all.....the pay upon arival was his policy per his website, not something that I asked for. The original ressie was only made less than two weeks ago, and his website asked for 10% down.
After paying him the $80, which was the 10% that he had asked for, and he stated $80 in his emails, he says that he needs, not the $80, but $95. Without hesitation, I paypal'd him an additional $15.
The very next day, he emails me stating that the resort has made changes in the way that he is paid, and he would rather that I paypal him the balance of $700 now. I told him no, and he agreed to stick to the terms on his website, which states 10% down, and balance upon arival.
A couple of days later, I get and email, 8 days before my arival next Saturday that the shower is leaky, so I cannot stay in the unit that I had been promised, would a 2 bedroom be OK ?? I told him no, it would not be OK, I booked a 3 bedroom because that is what I need.
The next day (yesterday) I get an email from him that he would put me in a 3 bedroom unit. When I emailed him to tell him that I was just done with him, he mailed me asking for my phone number, and wanting to apologize in person as he will be ariving there later in the week I will be there.
I am uncomfortable for several reasons.....first of all what's next. My trip is 5 days away. Second, this is not a traditional timeshare where you own a week. This man owns the unit all of the time, I am assuming that he would have a key, and I am a widow, traveling alone with 5 small children. I do not want to meet him while I am there, it just feels weird. I do not see how I am an owners nightmare, all that I wanted was to book a resort, and go to Orlando. All of this back and forth with him is taking all of the fun out of planning my vacation, and I want to be done with it.

 

[calgarygary]

When I did a search this is the information that I came up with:

Terms & Conditions
Booking Terms & Conditions

1) General

1.2 All bookings accepted by Bahama Bay Rentals are subject to these terms and conditions.

1.3 All prices stated are in UK Pounds Sterling or American US Dollars.

2) Booking procedure and payment terms

2.1 Once your booking has been confirmed, a non-refundable deposit of £100 or $150 per week will be required to secure your dates.

2.2 The rental balance will be due 12 weeks before your departure. If your departure date is less than 3 months away, the full rental balance will be due as soon as your booking has been confirmed.

2.3 Prior to departure, we require a cheque for the sum of £200 or $300. This represents a security deposit and will be refunded after your vacation pending a satisfactory inspection.

3) Cancellations

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU TAKE OUT HOLIDAY INSURANCE TO COVER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH MAY NECESSITATE CANCELLATION OF YOUR HOLIDAY

3.1 The client may cancel the holiday booked at any time after it has been confirmed. Cancellations will only be accepted in writing. Verbal or telephone cancellations will not be accepted.

3.2 We reserve the right to cancel the holiday if payment has not been received in accordance with clauses 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 above.

3.3 The following cancellation charges will apply to all rentals cancelled in accordance with clauses 3.1 and 3.2 above.

Any cancellations - loss of rental deposit

30 to 60 days - 50% of total rental

Within 30 days - 100% of total rental

BAHAMA BAY RENTALS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE ANY REFUNDS OTHER THAN THOSE CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED ABOVE!

WE WILL HOWEVER BE HAPPY TO PROVIDE PROOF OF PAYMENT FOR YOUR HOLIDAY INSURANCE CLAIMS.

4) Accommodations

4.1 The accommodation provided is only for the use of persons named by the client on the booking form, subletting, sharing or assigning is prohibited.

4.2 The property will be available to clients after 16.00 hrs. Florida time on the day of arrival unless otherwise agreed. All accommodation must be vacated by 10.00 a.m. Florida time on the day of departure.

4.3 An adult must accompany persons under the age of 18.

4.4 We will not be liable for any loss or injury resulting from the use of the property or incurred at Bahama Bay Resort including car parking at your own risk..

4.5 Swimming pools are dangerous and ours is not to be used by children without adult supervision.

4.6 While in normal circumstances you will be accommodated in the accomodation of your choice, we reserve the right to substitute accommodation of a similar or higher standard should this be operationally necessary.

4.7 Late check-out will be charged at $75 per hour until 16.00 hrs after 16.00hrs a full night will be charged. (subject to availability).

5) Complaints

5.1 In the unlikely event that the client has any reason for complaint or dissatisfaction, they must contact Resort Quest immediately so that remedial action may be taken. Details of how to contact the Resort Quest will be found in the accommodation.

6) Smoking

6.1 For the comfort and safety of clients and guests, smoking is not permitted in the apartment, but there are two balconys.

7) Animals and Pets

7.1 Animals and pets are not permitted in the apartment. This condition is strictly enforced.

8) General

8.1 Once a booking has been made, the Customer agrees to abide by the rules and legislation in reference to our apartments for lease.

8.2 The customer agrees to hold harmless Bahama Bay Rentals, from suits or claims of any guest in reference to damaged, lost, stolen or destroyed personal belongings.

8.3 The customer agrees to hold harmless Bahama Bay Rentals, from any and all injuries to occupants, family members, or guests occurring on or about the premises.

8.4 The customer agrees to hold harmless Bahama Bay Rentals, from any disruption to their vacation through 'acts-of-god' (inclimate weather etc.) or any other matter.

8.5 The customer agrees to hold harmless Bahama Bay Rentals - Jason and Marlena Moores, from suites or claims in reference to any matter relating to Bahama Bay Resort, booking, payments, or cancellations arising.

It would appear that there might be 2 sides to this story.

 

[JANNYANS]

If it takes 8 days to fix a shower he needs new management -that is not acceptable in my book .
I am with the OP on this and would not go ahead and work to get my money back -if she feels uncomfortable with things then she must go with her instinct .If she does not want to go or goes and not meets him then that is what she must do . I would be worried that if I turned up ready to pay on arrival as he offered -that there would be no unit for me to use as he has considered the booking cancelled -so what do you do then with 5 children ?
I do not think this owner is being fair and I for one do not blame her in wanting to cancel .

 

[Mainebound]

I hope it turns out ok. It may just be that the owner is not a good communicator, and a poor businessman. In my book, anyone who can't wait 8 days for $15 is not someone I want to do business with.

For comparison, I forgot to send the 3% paypal fee when I booked and paid for our villa in March. Rather than making me send the $$, the owner said, "don't worry about it. If it's ok with you, I can just deduct it from your security deposit when you check out." That's the kind of accommodating owner you want, IMHO. good luck!!!

 

[5mins2disney]

First of all.....the pay upon arival was his policy per his website, not something that I asked for. The original ressie was only made less than two weeks ago, and his website asked for 10% down.
After paying him the $80, which was the 10% that he had asked for, and he stated $80 in his emails, he says that he needs, not the $80, but $95. Without hesitation, I paypal'd him an additional $15.
The very next day, he emails me stating that the resort has made changes in the way that he is paid, and he would rather that I paypal him the balance of $700 now. I told him no, and he agreed to stick to the terms on his website, which states 10% down, and balance upon arival.
A couple of days later, I get and email, 8 days before my arival next Saturday that the shower is leaky, so I cannot stay in the unit that I had been promised, would a 2 bedroom be OK ?? I told him no, it would not be OK, I booked a 3 bedroom because that is what I need.
The next day (yesterday) I get an email from him that he would put me in a 3 bedroom unit. When I emailed him to tell him that I was just done with him, he mailed me asking for my phone number, and wanting to apologize in person as he will be ariving there later in the week I will be there.
I am uncomfortable for several reasons.....first of all what's next. My trip is 5 days away. Second, this is not a traditional timeshare where you own a week. This man owns the unit all of the time, I am assuming that he would have a key, and I am a widow, traveling alone with 5 small children. I do not want to meet him while I am there, it just feels weird. I do not see how I am an owners nightmare, all that I wanted was to book a resort, and go to Orlando. All of this back and forth with him is taking all of the fun out of planning my vacation, and I want to be done with it.

Did you sign the rental agreement? He is, after all, trying to do right by you. I can understand not wanting to "meet" him...why not just tell him that? If you signed the rental agreement though then it's a binding contract, I'm no lawyer, but you could find yourself on the receiving end of a lawsuit if you signed it, don't show, and refuse to pay.

If you like the place though, and he's done his part, I guess I don't understand why not just go? Do you have different accomodations lined up already at this late date? Just tell him you don't wish to meet / etc, and show up?

I didn't mean to make it sound like you're a "nitemare"... it's just there's 2 sides to every story, and although it sounds like he's inexperienced and not handling it as well as he could, it also sounds like he's trying or making every effort to set things right. Like other people mentioned, these are the kinds of owners you want to stay with!! It just sounds like he's inexperienced, but I wouldn't let it ruin my vacation, is the place nice?

 

[tiff211]

I don't think it's enough to make you back out at this late date, maybe not rent from him in the future. He does sound like he wants to make amends and I know a lot of posters state that the owners of the rentals were there to "greet" them and they liked that touch. I don't see anything that should make you leery or feel like he might do you harm.

 

[MommyHolly]

I just wanted to post and let everyone know that while I was on paypal filing a dispute, the $95 appeared back into my account. Now, I am off to ebay to bid on another condo.

Thanks for your input !!

 

[kilee]

I'm glad he made right. Maybe ebay isn't your best bet. Possibly compare those prices w/ those as a renter via vrbo.com direct. I think you're going to find similar prices. Good luck/.

 

[mbb]

That's good.

I agree with Kilee, you might want to take a look at some of the direct from owner sites, or even a property management company site.

www.vrbo.com
www.allstarvacations.com

And right here on the Dis;
www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com has a great buy on Buena Vista Suites or Sheraton Vistana..and there are condos available too. Just click on accomadations for the Dream Villas of Orlando.

HTH!!

 

[5mins2disney]

I would have to agree...on ebay you're not going to have any control over whom you're dealing with, and as you just experienced, a "good" owner is everything! You're better off going through www.vrbo.com or one of the management companies would be even a better choice I think in your case. I say a MC (and I don't usually recommend this) because if you show up and don't like the property or there's something wrong, they usually would have plenty of other properties they could move you to as an alternative, whereas a single owner would not.

 

[JANNYANS]

I am a single owner and have a management company that will be able to move any guest that is not happy for any reason -not that they have had to in 9 years mind.
As for E bay be aware that a couple of years ago there was someome listing homes for rent ,taking deposits and so on then disapearing as the homes actaully belonged to his boss and not him so it is not always the best way to go.
If you still want BB try this site

http://www.floridavillaresorts.com/

 

[Martymicro]

I recently rented a property (Bahama Bay Resort) on vrbo from Jason Moores. I paid the deposit to his Paypal account and then paid the remaining amount to the same account. I asked him a couple of questions using email and I have had no response from him at all. When I was originally looking and when it came to paying him, he was very quick at responding, but after that nothing. I will be going there in a week from now.

I contacted Bahama Bay Resorts and they did give me a confirmation number, so I assume that everything is okay. The price was great, so I'm not going to worry about it if the property is available when I arrive.

I do believe that a business man however, should have to courtesy to respond to emails. I was told that I would receive further information, but nothing so far. Guess that I will have to find my way there using Mapquest.

The reservation desk at Bahama Bay Resort was very helpful though and said that they would be able to give me any information that I needed. I had a couple of employees there tell me that they were quite familiar with Jason Moores and that he was reliable, but definitely exagerated on the type of property that I would be staying at and that in general he exagerates on many things. As I said before, it was very inexpensive for the week, plus the property gets great reviews on various sites that I have checked out such as Tripadvisor. I'm just hoping that there won't be any problems. I think that perhaps Jason may need to take a couple of courses in customer service though.

Marty

 

[5mins2disney]

Send him here, there's a few of us around that will "School" him! hehe

Hate hearing things like this though, hope it turns out well, come back and let us know!