Recent Experience with Windsor Hills / Story Time Site?

[kermiebudge]

Hi,

We have gradually (and begrudgingly) moved more toward offsite visits during the past several stays due to both cost and needing more space as our kids become tweens / teens. We have stayed at Windsor Palms the last couple of times and are now interested in giving Windsor Hills a go. So, we found what appears to be a good option via Homeaway; a 3 bedroom / 3 bath townhouse with splash pool. There is great theming and décor based on pictures, looks clean and well-kept.

I contacted the owner and he directed me to their private site: storytimeorlandorental.com. I was hesitant at first, but read some pretty good reviews on several different rental sites. They are also on BBB and Facebook, so seem to be pretty legit. He has so far been great with timely responses to our questions too.

That said, I'm still a little uneasy and hoping for reassurance from someone out here ...haven't seen many recent reviews on these properties or their site posted in these forums within the last 12 months.

Does anyone have recent experience with rental process and / or properties owned by storytimeorlandorental.com in Windsor Hills?

Thanks!

 

[kermiebudge]

Oh boy...this is not comforting!

Anyone?

 

[100AcreWood]

I don't have any experience but we have been offsite for many years and I have also heard positive reviews on Story Time. We used vacationcentralflordia during our last two trips. I get a little nervous too about renting.

 

[kermiebudge]

I don't have any experience but we have been offsite for many years and I have also heard positive reviews on Story Time. We used vacationcentralflordia during our last two trips. I get a little nervous too about renting.

Thanks!

 

[webcreatrix]

We stayed there in 2012. Everything was great. Booked again for June with no qualms whatsoever.

 

[kermiebudge]

We stayed there in 2012. Everything was great. Booked again for June with no qualms whatsoever.

Thank you so much for your reply... When we've booked through Homeaway previously, we've always used the payment option through Homeaway, so this threw me off a bit going to a private site.

The site, reviews etc. look great and the owner responsive and courteous, but you just never know. This puts me at ease

 

[webcreatrix]

We did everything through PayPal last time, and have so far paid through PayPal for our deposit.

 

[kermiebudge]

We did everything through PayPal last time, and have so far paid through PayPal for our deposit.

Us as well...

 

[kermiebudge]

And we are booked for this June, so we may be neighbors

 

[PrincessBelle39]

I haven't rented any of these particular properties but have rented direct from the owner at Windsor Hills 3 times. It will also be the way we go for our next trip. I have seen Story Time Vacation Homes around for a long time and have been following them myself on Facebook for several years. Their homes look really nice.

 

[SoonerSarah]

We stayed there in 2011 and loved it. I'm looking at another trip and their calendar is having issues, but I'm glad to hear others have made reservations.

 

[brehede1]

Sorry that this isn't recent but we stayed there for a week on our last trip to Orlando in 2009(!). We had no problems at all, everything went smoothly. We are finally planning another trip in 2016.

 

[Ametista]

Owners do this because Homeaway takes 2-3% if you use their booking/billing system. That can up to a few thousand dollars a year for owners who may just barely be getting by renting their home out. I know it SEEMS really lucrative but it really isn't. I am sure anybody who actually made their own website, pays Homeaway $500/year, has a Facebook page is legit. Just my opinion based on a lot of experience,

 

[sarahrdh]

I went through VRBO, and the owner also uses a separate company for payment. So I think it's a pretty common thing. I forget what it was called, but it's a property management company, as the actual owner lives in Michigan, so it makes sense. I was immediately emailed an info packet with key pick up info & all that, which is exactly how our rental in myrtle beach was too, so I think you are safe, this is just how it's done. but yeah, use PayPal or something secure, a credit card with fraud protection, whatever, like anything else, common sense pays off enjoy your trip!!!