What would you do?

[Freyja]

As I wrote last week I was starting to get second thoughts about our possible condo rental in Regal Palms. The main reason being that the owner seemed kind of desperate, the fact that there were only 2 photos of the condo (I asked the owner to send more and he sent the same ones again), I kind find any reviews anywhere, etc.

Now he sent me an email asking me NOT to pay with Paypal as I had requested and he had said he could do, and saying he had bought a new mattress and that the bed was now much better (was it bad to begin with???). He also added that some small things had been taken from the unit and that they APPEARED to have been taken by housekeeping?

This whole thing is really starting to creep me out. I kind of feel bad for him if I back out since I had requested a crib and highchair and he said he just purchased them now (he´s at the unit).

So, what would you do?

 

[sandym718]

I would DEFINITELY back out! That sounds awfully fishy, especially telling you not to pay through PayPal.

 

[4Seasons]

I'm not sure I would feel comfortable with what has transpired either. Follow your instinct and look elsewhere.

 

[isla bonita]

I think if your gut says no then you will be a wreck from now until you arrive and that is not going to be an enjoyable vacation for you. You have to much on your plate to need added stress.

 

[Freaky]

You do not need any extra stress coming up to your vacation - worrying about the condo is really not what you need as it should be something to look forward to. Strange an owner doesn't want you to pay via PayPal - this is normally the best way to take a payment (more secure for the owner as Paypal do their checks aswell). Go with your gut feeling and if you are not happy look for something else.

 

[PrincessBelle39]

I can understand why he might not want you to pay by paypal. The fees can be pretty hefty. When we stayed at Windsor Hills we elected to pay by cheque because the owner we were renting from would have charged an additional fee to pay by paypal to cover the fees he would be hit with. It would have certainly eaten into his profit otherwise.

 

[Freyja]

Thanks everyone for your input!

I emailed him with my concerns and he replied very promptly. He sent me 2 attachments with photos. Obviously I only recieved one of the documents last time he tried sending them. The photos looked fine. He also said he would honor the original deal and go through Paypal if I wasn´t comfortable with a money order or check. He also stated that the reason for him preferring something else than Paypal were the hefty fees (around 4%), considering that he´s already given me a very good deal on the condo. This I understand and I will look into other payment options.

I´m feeling a lot better about this whole thing now, and think I will go ahead and pay. After all, it´s just the first week of our 3 week vacation and after the stay at this condo we´ll be heading to Disney property

 

[sympatico]

The fee thing is true if you pay by Pay Pal but we were charged 3% extra to do it that way and not the owner.

 

[kilee]

I think it's an iffy situation. I can understand your uneasy feeling. I get that way everytime we rent direct, no matter what.

It sounds as though after expressing your concerns to the owner though, that he's helped to ease those doubts.

I'm sure you'll have a great time!