I'm worried about booking an apartment/villa direct

miamoo

As I said in a previous post, I have flights booked to algarve, I'm looking for an apartment so I've looked in the usual places owners direct etc.
I cant find anyone willing to let me pay a deposit before I travel, and the balance when I arrive.
If I pay for an apartment and then the owners drops dead (which I know is unlikely, but completely possible) where does that leave me and my money?

Are there any sites where your not dealing directly with the apartment owner?

cherydee

We've just booked our villa in the Algarve with Villa Plus, paid deposit with balance due 12 weeks before we travel.

miamoo

Thanks, do you pay villaplus direct?
Thats what I am looking for, either that or to pay say 30% deposit and the remainder when I arrive.
Has anyone ever stayed in an apartment in the algarve that has paid cash on arrival?
I might just book an apartment through travel republic or similar as I would be worried sick that something would go wrong!

Its such a shame though as I have seen some gorgeous apartments, and you seem to get better quality apartments for your money.

poet123

As long as you have travel insurance your money would be covered in the event of a scenario such as the one you outline. Many owners accept credit cards too which gives you extra protection. We have been booking villas for years via owner (much cheaper) and never had an issue. However, I believe that Holiday Rentals has an insurance policy specifically for this type of rental, so their site may be worth looking at.

http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/info/travel-tips/trip-insurance

Hastobe_Katt

Look at this from the rental property owners perspective....you want to pay a notional deposit and then have the option to turn up, look around, and decide - actually you prefer villa B down the road?!!

Get real!

cherydee

Yes I paid them deposit giving my details over the phone...thought I would pay the deposit credit card and the rest debit card. I hope I am right in thinking I will be covered for the whole cost of villa if the worse happens. First time we have had a villa holiday......but I've got a feeling I could get used to it. So many villas to choose from, it gets confusing !

As for travel insurance.....would this have to be a yearly insurance for to cover the holiday/flights ? incase anything happened before we travelled.

miamoo

I'm not going to pay a £200-£300 non refunable deposit and then decide I fancy a different villa after all! I'm not made of money!
I understand that the villa owner wants the money as security for themselves, but there doesn't seem alot of security on my side of things, I have had a look on villaplus, not much on there in the area I like.
Are there any other sites like Villa plus?

cherydee

What about James Villa Holidays ?

miamoo

I will have to look into the travel insurance side of things abit more, I'm not sure it would cover these circumstances?
Thanks for the replies

miamoo

Thanks I will look on there x

poet123

I think once you have done it once it you will be fine. An anuual policy should cover you for all elements of the trip and extra security will be achieved by paying anything over £100 by credit card.