Holiday lettings, ok to use??

knithappens

Hi, I am after some advice, I have never booked my own flights and accommodation separately before. I have found am affordable apartment in cascais Portugal for July through holiday lettings by trip advisor but before I book I wanted to know if this is an ok site to book through, and if not if anyone had any recommendations of sites I can find accommodation through. Any advice welcome and greatly appreciated.

Sharon

mcc100

I always use HomeAway, which may actually be linked to Holiday Lettings, as it has independent reviews from previous holidaymakers and it is possible to list properties available during given dates in order of numbers of reviews ...... if that makes sense.

hotpink

Hi. I booked through Holiday Lettings some years ago to go to Portugal and everything worked well. I would have no qualms about doing so again. Enjoy your holiday!:)

knithappens

Thank you so much. There were so many sites etc last night that I got so confused, have found reasonable flights too so hopefully I will book today.

knithappens

Just have to sort out transfers and then I should be done

rustyboy21

I have used holiday lettings a few times to go abroad ( mainly Majorca and costa blanca) Have never had any issues.

Just remember if you have any issues, it is not HL fault, it is just a website that house owners can use to advertise their property, they don't own the accomodation or take your money for your booking.

Just like trawling through the local classifieds really.

KonkyWonky

Holiday Lettings is purely a website to allow owners to advertise their property for rent, much in the same way Autotrader works with car owners. As such you have no come back with Holiday Lettings should the owner turn out to be a con man or crook.

My advice would be to check out reviews before booking.

Philippa36

Use your common sense when booking. I wouldn't send any money via Western Union, I email back and forth with the advertiser to make sure its exactly what I'm looking for and check out the reviews.

I've used them several times and got some good deals. I would recommend them.

lagoslife

Homeaway and Holidaylettings (owned by Tripadvisor) are separate companies.

Personally, I would book via Homeaway as they "guarantee your payment for free for up to a maximum of £700". Their site has information on how to protect payments.
http://www.homeaway.co.uk/info/travel-tips/security/traveller-protection-products

As mentioned, sites where you book direct with owners offer little protection if something does go wrong. They are classified sites, not agents.

Two good resources on booking holiday rentals are;
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-holiday-rentals
http://www.schofields.ltd.uk/blog/416/how-to-check-for-bogus-holiday-rentals/

Scams are few and far between compared to the amount of holidays that are booked each year, but do some research on the property before you send your payment.