VRBO assistance needed

[herdingdogmom]

I heard back from the owner I rented from. He says he never uses a contract, and neither does the other owners he knows. He also stated that in 12 yrs of renting, he has never had a problem with someone causing damages or having to charge for anything, but doesn't mean he wouldn't if that arose, and that's all he said. No mention of how that would be handled or how much.

Thinking it's time to just cancel and maybe even forget Maui. This has left a bad taste in my mouth about even going there now.

 

I traveled by myself two years ago and went to Waikiki for 5 days. Too much driving on Maui when you are solo I think. There is so much to see and do in Honolulu. In Waikiki I stayed at the Outrigger Luana in a unit with a kitchenette. It is nothing fancy and not right on the beach, but the price is right and books just like an Outrigger hotel. Get a unit on the park side with partial ocean views instead of the noisy city view. They also have one bedroom units and senior discounts starting at age 50 or AAA discounts. I'm heading back there in a couple of weeks.

[agabbymama]

You don't have to go through a third party to rent a condo. These are just a few of the ones I looked at on Maui. A lot of them are listed on VRBO too, but you can rent right from the facility too.

 

Depending on where you want to be, these two are on Kaanapali Beach

http://www.mauieldorado.ca/

 

http://www.whalerkaanapali.com/

 

This one is south

http://www.mauisunset.com/

 

And this one is near Lahaina

http://www.lahainashores.com/

 

Don't let one bad apple spoil your trip. Maui and all the outer Islands are so different from Oahu. You have to visit at least one of them. They all have their own uniqueness.

 

A lot of trust has to work both ways to rent from VRBO. I never had any owner ask me personal information, as long as the deposit was paid, and the balance before the visit, and the key was always where it was supposed to be. The home I rented on Hawaii was absolutely gorgeous and the owner lives in Oregon. The home I rented on Oahu, the owner was right there on the property. So everything went smoothly for me for both. But I've never heard of such a large cancellation fee so far out either.

 

Good luck and have a great time, whatever you decide to do.

[Susan-M]

Sunshine ... sorry to hear about your VRBO fiasco. I'm wondering though if you've panicked unnecessarily. VRBO has a rental guarantee (at a small additional fee) that offers protection in the event of a fraudulent listing.

 

We use VRBO frequently, and not all owners provide a contract, although I do make sure that they give me details of the cancellation policy in writing.

 

A security deposit isn't required by all owners.

 

A $200 cancellation fee isn't unheard of ... I prefer a lower one, but if I really want a particular condo and the cancellation fee is that high or higher, I will accept it because I know that I'm going, and if I'm not going, it will be because of illness, which I'm covered by my trip cancellation insurance.

 

Your credit card usually offers some protection too in the case of fraud.

 

Chase 'n Rainbows is a reputable agency on Maui ... if you still want to get a condo.

 

You might find TA's sister site, Tripadvisor, helpful for accommodations on Maui. Frequent travellers and the Destination Experts there will be glad to help you. http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowForum-g29220-i86-Maui_Hawaii.html