Holiday rental villa on several sites

ilikebubbly

I’ve found a villa in Mallorca but it’s on Airbnb 5 times with different agencies and I’ve found it listed with at least another 5 agencies online. I thought Airbnb dealt directly with the owner. I don’t know which agency to trust. There are no reviews on any site. I know the property exists and has holiday guests staying. But my gut is telling me somethings not right. How do I choose? Any advice?

StuieUK34

doubt = u should just walk away anyway.....

TELLIT01

The fact that the villa exists doesn't mean the adverts for it are genuine.  There have been many reported cases of people turning up at villas to discover they are already occupied by others who have booked with the genuine letting agent.  How do you know which is genuine?  No idea.

J_B

As a villa owner, we only advertise ours on Holiday Lettings, but it's also part of the Tripadvisor network which encompasses Flipkey amongst other agencies.

We have reviews going back to 2010 which I hope gives the customers some confidence.

(We also have apartments in N Wales on the STS website but then that also seems to be on other N Wales sites)

Presumably, if you use a decent agent (?) you will get some protection .... especially if you pay with a credit card?

Not every villa owner's a crook you know! 

twopenny

You could try doing a photo match on Google.
There have been cases where the photo has been used on multiple sites not by the owner but by scammers. 
Also they lift a photo from estate agents or anywhere.
You've done good research. Too many red flags to risk your money.

ilikebubbly

Thanks I agree with everyone , I am not booking yet as I still have doubts. I have booked villas abroad before but there are so many advertising this villa I don’t know who to use. And there are 5 different agencies on Airbnb alone. When I’ve booked through Airbnb in the past I get a message from the owner. Not this time. It’s all agencies.  I want to book with one who actually has agents on the ground to help if needed. I have contacted a local agency in Mallorca  and i’ll take it from there. Thanks for all your replies. It’s much appreciated. 

ilikebubbly

Thanks J B for the comment about holiday lettings. I will look at them again. There are no reviews on any website. I think reviews would have reassured me especially on Airbnb where everyone’s status is validated and reviews are expected.