We get many calls from distraught people who have either arrived on island, or are getting near their arrival date, only to discover they have no place to stay. Many times people like the idea of booking a specific unit with a private owner, or a non-professional management company…they see the pictures of the unit online, they fall in love with the unit, and decide that they must stay in that particular unit…even if the cost is higher. Sometimes it works out, but you don’t want to be in the group of people that it doesn’t work out for!
Many things can happen when you book with private owner. Sometimes it’s a complete scam and there was never a rental to begin with…and you’ve already paid for something that isn’t even available. In one such incident, a couple arrived at the condo that they had prepaid for and were told they had no reservation, it was a scam. They were left scrambling for a place to stay, and it didn’t get their long anticipated dream vacation off to a very good start!
Here are a few of the risks that come along with booking a private owner or non-professional management company:
- The owner double books their unit by mistake
- The owner decides they want that week
- A family member wants your week
- The condo gets sold
- Something breaks right before you arrive
- Something breaks while you are there and you are trying to track down the owner off island to get it resolved
- When you arrive the condo is nothing like you had imagined…pictures can make just about anything look good 🙂
With private rentals you also don’t get many of the perks that come with most professionally managed units, like front desk check-in, maid service, quality control, onsite maintenance/management, etc. There is always someone there to help you if an issue should arise, including moving you to a different unit or property if need be. With private owner, or non-professional managed units, you are on your own… if you have any trouble with the unit there won’t be anyone to help you resolve issues, relocate you, etc. They have zero accountability.
However, no need to stress! When you book with us you’ll know that you’ll have a place to stay when you arrive. You book a room category, advise us of any special requests, and your room will be assigned at check-in. You’ll check in at the front desk, and if you have any problems, we’ll be here to assist you in solving them. We’re a full service agency from the beginning to the end of your trip…and you don’t pay anything extra for this service, it’s FREE!! Remember, you’re not buying the condo…so don’t be lured by pretty pictures that may or may not be accurate! Book with us and we’ll ensure your vacation gets off to a good start…you deserve it!! 🙂
test