Spring Break rental nightmare--need your help!

[Ellajoan]

Hi everyone,
We decided to rent a townhome at WH for a spring break trip to Florida, our first ever this time of year. I found one at a reasonable price, contacted the owner, and put down our down payment. All was good. A few days later he called me and told me that they had "double booked" and he assured me that he could find me a place comparable to theirs for the same price or even less. I was skeptical, but he was kind and gave me his word over the phone. I'm a sucker for the "give you my word" thing.

Well, 1 month has elapsed. He emailed me every few days to update me on what he was finding. We are about 7 weeks from our trip and the only thing he found us was at 50% over his quote, and he could not send me more than 2 pictures. I can not find anything at this point that meets our budget requirements or even anything that is available. (we live in MI--employed in auto industry--so the budget is crucial to the trip happening).

I am in tears, my kids are in tears. We have planned this trip and been looking forward to it. I am not sure how to tell my kids (one of them is special needs) that the trip is likely off. What can I do? HELP!

 

[Brian Noble]

It sounds as though he has at least tried to help you out. But, if there isn't anything there, there isn't anything there. You could suggest that he cover the difference between his quoted price and the price on the house he found, but I would expect that he won't do it.

If you have a signed contract, that might give you a little more leverage, but really, trying to enforce it is going to cost you more than it is worth if you have to go the legal route.

Which week, specifically, are you looking at? What's a rough figure for the lodging budget? How many people? If it is Easter Weeks (the week before or after) you're going to have a really hard time finding a great deal, and might have to sacrifice a little in price, quality, or location.

One thought: send a quick query to www.windsorhillsrent.com You might get lucky and find an owner with a recent cancellation.

 

[conniehar90]

Wow, that is a travel nightmare. Only advice I have is a WH/WP property contact. We always rent through www.disneyneighbor.com. Great owners and great prices, but I don't know about their availability or how they would fit into your budget.

Best of luck to you. I hope you get your dream vacation.

 

[KLUCA]

I sent you a PM with some links that my family used last year. I think they have great prices. We stayed at WH and had a fantastic experience, so maybe one of these will work out for you. Good Luck!

 

[Tissa]

I decided to do a spring break trip just a few weeks ago and I had a very hard time finding someplace to stay. No one at WH had a townhome for our dates. You might want to consider an offsite hotel.

 

[sympatico]

There's a lot of other places in the area like Emerald Island, Windsor Palms, Reunion Resort, Lighthouse Key , Encantada, Paradise Cay, Crestwynd Bay which is beside WH, also Oakwater Resort (across fromWH)

 

[Lisa P.]

What are your dates? We have reservations available for Eastertime at Wyndham Bonnet Creek, next door to Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort.

 

[CarolA]

Personally I would post his "rental" details. This guy is one to stay away from.

Do you have a contract? What does it say? Read it carefully. Then tell the jerk that unless there's an "out" for him that you expect HIM to pay the 50% more. (Doubt it will work) If it were me, I would threaten to contact a lawyer for breach of contract.

Then request your deposit WITH INTEREST back. (I assume he kept it even after he decided to screw you over?)

Quit being a sucker for his "Mr Nice Guy" he's the jerk who made the error and he should PAY.

Now, give folks on here you budget and I bet they can steer you in some good directions. There are MORE villas then renters right now in the Orlando area!

 

[spiceycat]

need more information - when are you going? how many in your party?

 

[spiceycat]

try this one

http://www.lastminutevillas.net/

 

[HeatherC]

I know everyone here can help you find a great place in your budget!!!! Like spiceycat said....when are your dates? What's your budget?

Never give up hope my friend!!!

 

[Fabinva]

Originally posted by CarolA
Personally I would post his "rental" details. This guy is one to stay away from.

Well said
Unless he comes up with a suitable place or pays the difference for his screwed up I would post his information to warn others.
I do not have any suggestions but do wish you the best finding a new rental.

 

[Ellajoan]

No, actually it was an honest mistake, I think. I don't think he intentionally tried to screw us, but in making us wait for him to find us a new place we lost time to book the others we were considering. Then he did claim that his original quote was higher than what it was when we questioned the 50% increase. I am fairly certain he will give us our deposit back---I don't think there was any ill intention on his part, but it was very frustrating.

We did find another place which fits within our budget,though!!! VRBO worked great. It's a condo, not a townhome, but that's ok. It will work and we can still go and not be out 400-500 over our budget.

 

[twinsplusone]

I think he should have issued the refund immediately when he said he doubled book. I don't get why you have to wait for your money on something you won't even be able to use. I'm glad that you found something that will work for your family. Have a great time.

 

[CarolA]

No, actually it was an honest mistake, I think. I don't think he intentionally tried to screw us, but in making us wait for him to find us a new place we lost time to book the others we were considering. Then he did claim that his original quote was higher than what it was when we questioned the 50% increase. I am fairly certain he will give us our deposit back---I don't think there was any ill intention on his part, but it was very frustrating.

We did find another place which fits within our budget,though!!! VRBO worked great. It's a condo, not a townhome, but that's ok. It will work and we can still go and not be out 400-500 over our budget.

He's a businessman. Honest mistake or not he screwed you and then basaically lead you on. And double booking is just a sign of disorganization which means most of US don't want to use him.

You not only want you deposit you want compensation. Being nice is uncalled for here. Why should you be nice? He tried to screw up your vacation!