Villa Rental concerns

[shaunaluvsdisney]

In an effort to save some money we decided to rent a villa for the week. The villa is located in the Crescent Lakes community in Kissimmee. We have several concerns and was hoping that someone could answer the questions for me.

1. We are hearing mixed reviews about the Crescent Lakes Development. It is by Poinciana High School and the area is reported to have gangs. Does anyone know anything about the area of Crescent Lakes? Is it nice or run down and do I need to be worried about crime with young children?

2. The literature we have says that Disney is only a 15 min drive away. I really dont see how that is possible. Anyone know for sure?

3. The person I am renting from has been sent an e-mails expressing concerns that I had. I started e-mailing on Thanksgiving, have sent 4 e-mails with no response. I am starting to get very angry and thinking I have made a serious mistake. She won't even return an e-mail. My final payment is due in a week. If I cancel now I forfeit a lot of money-wondering if that is what she is hoping for

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Shaunaluvsdisney

 

[7165red]

My first villa rental was at Crescent Lakes and found it to be a very nice community. We rented a 3 br villa and it was lovely. I never had any idea of crime. I would be concern about the owner. I have rented 4 times and have always been in touch with the owner. I suggest you post your message on www.orlando-guide.info/forums you will find info about all communities and owners of villas read it all the time. I would not worry about the area as far as getting to disney is seemed like a short ride. Good Luck and let me know how you make out rewner

 

[7165red]

When you go to orlando villas forums click on to villa communities and you will find some very good reviews for CL. I hope it helps you.Your owner may be on vacation you never know.

 

[trihaphyp]

I accept with information:
1. The literature we have says that Disney is only a 15 min drive away. I really dont see how that is possible. Anyone know for sure?

2. The person I am renting from has been sent an e-mails expressing concerns that I had. I started e-mailing on Thanksgiving, have sent 4 e-mails with no response. I am starting to get very angry and thinking I have made a serious mistake. She won't even return an e-mail. My final payment is due in a week. If I cancel now I forfeit a lot of money-wondering if that is what she is hoping for

 

[mareed]

While I don't know that community, we've stayed offsite in the Formosa Gardens area (Windsor Palms, Windsor Hills, etc.) many times... I felt bad that you're not getting much response with your concerns, so I'll comment.

As far as claiming 15 minute drive to Disney - keep in mind that they could be saying it's a 15 minute drive in perfect, no traffic conditions to get to Disney property line. It could then take another 5 - 15 minutes to a parking lot depending on which park. So, I suspect that while the statement could be misleading, it's probably not a blatant lie.

While you certainly should have heard back from the owner if you've sent 4 emails, I do wonder what your concern are that you wrote about. I don't see anything in your email that would really be a valid concern to be writing an owner about after you've chosen their house and paid your deposit. The location is something you can research and validate yourself. The concern about gangs in the area is not something that I really see a home-owner addressing. The area is what it is, and I'm afraid that I see it as the renter's responsibility to be wise about where they're renting. Honestly, could you really see the owner writing back and saying "Yes, there's a serious gang problem in the neighborhood and we don't spend the night there ourselves"?

It sounds to me like this may be a case of buyer's remorse... If that's the case, it may be better to just forfeit the deposit and find another place to stay where you'll be more comfortable.

I really don't mean to be harsh, and maybe I'm off-track in my thinking, but perhaps my comments will prompt someone else to respond with something more helpful to you.

Good luck with your vacation!

 

[LindaBabe]

I read a couple bad reviews of the place I stayed - but I went anyway, and it was lovely. In Hindsight, one bad review writer had obviously received a 'reprimand' for breaking one of the community rules (which they tell you when you move in) - I inadvertantly received one myself which is how I know.

It's easy to get cold feet after signing the deal - I did myself after reading the two reviews - but I went anyway, with normal vigilance, and was glad I did.