nervous about using VRBO, any info on Vista Cay?

[PAdislover]

Hi, We are in the early planning stages of a trip to SW/DC/aquatic for next easter break. We would arrive on Easter sunday and stay for 5 nights only doing these parks. We need 2 bedrooms and a kitchen. I have narrowed it down to the following:
1. Hilton grand vacations at SeaWorld:
pro's: it's a SW partner hotel so we get free quick queue which will be helpful over spring break and we will probably go to SW on 2 days. it's the closet to sea world.
cons: price. the current nightly rate is $299 per night plus tax, exact pricing for our dates isn't out yet. they do seem to offer a "stay 4 night, get 5th night free" for a lot of dates I looked at though. it would probably cost a minimum of $1350 even if we can get that pricing, for the 5 nights. if we can't get that pricing, then I think it would be out.

2. Marriott cypress- pricing is about $1300 for 5 nights as well. the 2nd bedroom here has a queen bed and sleeper sofa, not 2 beds. not a deal breaker since the 7 y/o would probably do fine on a sleeper sofa. no quick queue though.

3. vista cay - I found a 3 BR condo here that for 5 nights, the owner is giving me a grand total cost of $821, so a savings of almost $500 over the chain hotels. he has 3 condo's on the property and b/w the 3 units he has like over 70, 4 or 5 star reviews that are all awesome. his other 2 units are already rented out for next easter. it makes me nervous to rent off vrbo though b/c I have never done it before. he is located in Norway but seems totally legit and has been extremely prompt in answering emails. it would be a bit further from SW and obviously we would have to buy the quick queue. It is a big cost savings but I am nervous about the cancellation too (if you cancel inside of 30 days, there is no refund other than the cleaning cost, if canceled before 30 days, you get everything other than the $250 deposit back). booking through one of the hotel chains you can obviously cancel up to 3 days before so that is more flexible.
we will have a car since we are driving down so we don't need any shuttle service
any thoughts or opinions??

 

[soniam]

We have rented off VRBO/Home Away (same company) several times. Never in Orlando though. We usually do it outside of the country, which is even a little more risky. They often times have a bit of a guarantee, and those reviews are very useful. They are not going to allow someone to stay on long if they are ripping off people. It would be bad for their name. I wouldn't think twice about using them. Have a great trip.

 

[cats mom]

No experience in the Orlando area either, but we've also used VRBO several times, and we've always been pleased with our rentals. The houses/condos have been nicer than booking a good hotel for the same dates, and generally less expensive. Our only issue has been one owner who was ridiculously slow returning a security deposit, but that was eventually taken care of.

The cancellation policy wasn't a problem for us since we knew our trips were a sure thing. I would stick with a more lenient cancellation policy if there was any question about travel dates.

I'm not thrilled that VRBO has added a new service fee that's passed along to renters when owners are already paying for their services, but I suppose as long as you know the full cost up front you're making an informed decision.

 

[bearzabout]

Try to verify that the person you are dealing with really owns the property. I check tax records after I get the address. You can also find out what company they use to manage the property locally and contact them. We had one bad experience with someone who has been scamming people for years by listing someone else's property and stealing the deposits. Now I verify that the person I am in contact with is the true owner of the property.

 

[achang2001]

We have stayed at Vista Cay. It was several years ago but our stay there got us interested in buying timeshares. Now we own at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas, Old Key West Villas, Villas at Wilderness Lodge and thru Wyndham. It changed the way we vacationed, having a kitchen and living room. I thought the 3BR villa we had was very nice and the complex is in a quiet location. It's located adjacent to one of the nicest Publix grocery stores in town. In fact, we make it a point to do our grocery shopping at that particular store. It's very close to Seaworld and relatively close to Universal.

 

[alliecat523]

We've used VRBO many times too without issue. In fact, we've been very pleased.

 

[MermaidMom]

Used VRBO successfully and easily in both Florida & Colorado several times. I like their site & reviews so I don't mind if there is a booking fee.

 

[chicagoshannon]

We've stayed at Vista Cay a couple of times. The condos are nice and we enjoyed the pool. However, there is no slide or anything at the pool. It is pretty close to Universal which is nice. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there again.