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Original poster

Help! Where would you look for a villa in Spain online?

64 replies

WendyCope · 27/01/2019 21:27

I can no longer use owners direct, they have been taken over, charge the renters a fee and insist payment is through them and then don't pay us till people have left, the whole thing is a bloody nightmare.

It is my only income, so, I need a solution and it occurred to me it would be an idea to ask on here. I hope that's ok MNHQ.

To be clear, I am in no way advertising my property, it all has to be done officially etc, there are SO many hoops to jump through in Spain these days when renting a property. I am just doing a bit of research and thought people might help me.

What websites do you search when looking for a villa in Spain? If you look for a holiday in Spain!

Thanks so much for any replies.

OP posts:
QsGal · 27/01/2019 22:04

If you are in Andalusia we’ve used Rustic Blue a few times. Great service and fab villas.

Worriedmum99 · 27/01/2019 22:04

We booked with holidaylettings.co.uk, owned by Trip Advisor (I think). Have used owners direct many times in the past but even when booking a villa they have started adding a charge!

whiteworld · 27/01/2019 22:07

Interesting you say that, and good to hear an owner’s POV. We used Owners Direct for years and were happy with them. HomeAway? We had a problem last year, and they were useless. Just told me to sort things out with the villa owner. They’re clearly just there to collect money. I complained afterwards and they were again useless.

Both owners and holidaymakers want to be sure that, if they have a problem, the holiday company will help them.

HomeAway does not promise this.

Is that the same for you as an owner?

Reading this thread with interest! Where is your villa? We’re looking for one for this summer... pm me!

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Holidays
IamMummyhearmeROAR · 27/01/2019 22:08

Oh and tbh I’ve never stayed in a villa with James that I would say is luxurious despite the cost- in fact many of them could do with some tlc - that’s part of the reason we’ve shifted to Villa Plus

HairyMaclary · 27/01/2019 22:08

Air BnB isn't just for for rooms in your house though. It does what owners direct used to do, simple and with no in between person! I've booked substantial houses (in France) with pool for 14 on there as well as a whole pile of other places, almost always businesses, not a 'spare room'. I am noticing more truly holiday business places too, probably because owners direct is so bad!

HaroldsSocalledBluetits · 27/01/2019 22:10

I've used Spainholiday.com for trips several times. I like them because they have good communication and a verification process that certifies the owner is legit. Always had really nice places through them - our apartment last year was 1st in line to the beach, completely modernised, rooftop pool, great area etc. No idea what they're like from an owner's perspective but as a renter they're great.

HaroldsSocalledBluetits · 27/01/2019 22:16

TripAdvisor was good when it was holidaylettings. Now there seem to be a fair few dodgy operators on there. We had a horrendous experience with one and ended up claiming on the insurance because they were so crap at sorting it out. It's a shame because we liked the particular complex when we used to stay there but most of the lets there now seem to be managed by the same woman, through TripAdvisor, and I would never, ever stay in one of her places again.

Original poster
WendyCope · 27/01/2019 22:23

Gosh, thank you for all the replies, to all.

IamaMummy interesting! It just looks (and charges) so much, it seems. Thank you.

Whiteworld Thank you, I am near Valencia, any good? Grin
Yes, ownersdirect/homeaway make it much more difficult for all involved. They are terrible now. Hence we will not use them.

Harolds SO good to hear as we use them! Glad they are good for the renter.

Hairy, maybe I should look into Air b and b. Just heard very bad things about them. Don't know where or why! Just have.

Worried thank you.

OP posts:
EspressoButler · 27/01/2019 22:33

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

whiteworld · 27/01/2019 22:33

I would not consider booking a holiday villa with Airbnb. I just don’t trust them! But maybe i’m being an old fart??

Whatdoyouknowwhenyouknownowt · 27/01/2019 22:43

There are also some Facebook owners direct pages.

I look at airbnb for entire houses, I don't see it as downmarket.

Original poster
WendyCope · 27/01/2019 22:43

Yes, to me Air B&B is a cheap city break, and, as a PP mentioned, they hold all funds until guest has left.

It is a proper business, for example, it is booked now for 4 months over winter, I am not confident Air B&B is the answer. It is a 12 month a year booking issue!

To me that Air B&B is a bed and breakfast! I need a long term solution and it looks like Jamesvillas! So, thank you everyone.

OP posts:
HaroldsSocalledBluetits · 27/01/2019 22:44

Yes, there are professional providers on Airbnb. I've booked one of our places we're staying in through them this year and it's been straightforward so far - owner got in touch directly immediately, phone number and email provided so that can continue, plus the property address etc. Haven't been there yet so can't comment on how it will go after that but all seems fine so far. From the photos and blurb it seems to be a good quality place and it's definitely a holiday rental that the owner is providing as a business. I wouldn't want to stay in a room in someone's house!

Original poster
WendyCope · 27/01/2019 22:45

Whatdoyouknow Thank you.

I just don't know what to think!

OP posts:
IHeartKingThistle · 27/01/2019 22:46

We always use VillaPlus because their villas have pool tables

Original poster
WendyCope · 27/01/2019 22:51

Harolds maybe I need to get a bit more 'with it'. It just doesn't seem right somehow.

Really don't know why. I like to speak ro/email people before they stay in my villa, if they allow this, maybe it could be a possibility.

I always have to be mindful of who I let in, I refuse bookings sometimes, if someone trashes he place/accidently breaks the dishwasher etc. I have a three hour turnaround to have the place spotless and 'as new' for the next arrival.

OP posts:
Original poster
WendyCope · 27/01/2019 22:53

Iheart I don't have a pool table!

OP posts:
nancy75 · 27/01/2019 22:58

I’ve used Airbnb several times, there is always interaction with the host before booking & also the peace of mind that the place is actually real. We are fussy about the kind of place we rent & certainly never stay somewhere that’s like a cheap bed & breakfast! Last year we stayed in a newly refurbished 3 bedroom villa with private pool, full aircon & a better kitchen than I have at home.

Original poster
WendyCope · 27/01/2019 23:03

Nancy thanks, I think because it's CALLED B&B that's why I think it is like a B&B. Whereas I do back to back week holiday lettings, throughout the year.

Sorry, tried to do italics there and shouted at you!

OP posts:
nancy75 · 27/01/2019 23:06

You can set when people can book, most places stipulate 7 day minimum over the summer & many will be Saturday to Saturday only ( or whatever day you pick!) you have the choice for your house to be instant book or you can set it so people have to request to book ( you then get to email before accepting their booking)
Both owners & guests get reviewed after their stay so you can also check people out before you allow them to book

Original poster
WendyCope · 27/01/2019 23:11

Nancy, thanks. I will look into it.

OP posts:
HairyMaclary · 27/01/2019 23:13

That's why I use Air B&B, so I can talk directly to the hosts first. Ds1 uses a wheelchair and I always need to ask random questions answered as we don't need an adapted house but do have some reuqiremebts , eg handrails on stairs. It definitely has a lot of Sat- Sat bookings, minimum stay 7 nights etc places.

My parents are also 'hosts' (although for a 'room in their house') and have found AirnBNB v helpful in the case of a dispute

You've got to feel comfortable though and it may not be right for you!

greendale17 · 27/01/2019 23:15

I will never use booking.com after watching last weeks episode of Rip Off Britain.

myrtleWilson · 27/01/2019 23:17

I've used all the above including rustic blue - I quite often google and end up on German sites for Spanish villas which I can't remember the name of but have been good for different areas...

I'd also be interested in your villa! And happy to PM!

HaroldsSocalledBluetits · 27/01/2019 23:21

Yeah I always stayed away from Airbnb because it did start off as just rooms so I associated it with that, but I couldn't find anything quite right for this particular destination so had a look and was pleasantly surprised. The place I've booked looks lovely on the photos, has great reviews and it's got aircon, WiFi, satellite, neutral decor etc. People can specify that they want the whole property plus number of bedrooms, minimum price (to filter out the rubbish - there is some rubbish on there but as I said there is on TripAdvisor as well) so your place would come up for someone searching what you had to offer. I also much prefer to communicate with the person beforehand and it's definitely set up that way.