Anyone used Holidaylettings.co.uk?

[dipitydoyou]

Hi all just after a bit of advice really.

We have rented a Villa in Spain regulary through a family member but they sadly sold it last year. We were recommended Holidaylettings.co.uk through a friend who has used them and found a perfect Villa in the same area too so really pleased.

We have been in contact with the owner and he has been pretty quick at getting back to us, answering lots of questions (which we knew about the area anyway but wanted to make sure he knew iyswim) I also facebook stalked him (his name is pretty unusual and he 'likes' a couple of stores that you would only know if you had been to the area)

Just wondered if anyone on here had used them and what their experience was? Paid the balance earlier today and I asked if he could send me some more info on the parking etc and he hasn't replied Although in fairness he already emailed me his number and the address this morning to say and to say he will have someone meeting us at the villa BUT...
I am having massive anxiety that we're going to turn up and there is no-one there!

Am I being totally irrational? Happy to hear all stories good and bad....honest!

Thanks

Used them loads of times for hols in France and been totally satisfied with service and houses. Had a really dodgy house from Cheznous last year and nowhere to review it to warn others!

Brilliant thanks CampingClaire I just feel so out of my comfort zone with it all

I've used them a few times and have booked a villa in spain through them this year - never had a problem.

We used them for our holiday to Spain last year. I had the same concern as you but it was fine. The villa was gorgeous and everything went according to plan.

we used them to book villa in Sardinia. everything was great.

Thanks for all your replies. Nice to hear positive feedback!

I'm just such a worrier but I've planned it all and my Mum and brother and partner are coming too. I want it all go to plan.
I think It's putting my faith in the fact that someone will actually be there when we arrive. I don't think I'll settle until we step foot in the villa itself!

Thanks again- still no reply from him I'm probably doing his head in!

We rent our villa in Thailand through holidaylettings and also through homeaway. I can understand how much of a leap of trust it is to book a villa through these sites (we have also booked holiday homes through them) but you have to jump through hoops to get listed. First of all, it's not cheap, then you need to prove you own the house (we had to send a copy of our land deeds to one site), also prove that you are who you say you are (copies of a passports etc).

We have some great reviews now, which helps give our guests confidence, plus we've been renting for a while and have high occupancy rates. I do give my phone number to prospective guests if they want to call for a chat (some do, helps with the confidence though we don't live in Thailand so they don't really need my number for their holiday). I also have a couple of returning guests who I know would be happy to respond to an email from someone who was nervous about handing over huge sums to a stranger on the web. Haven't done this yet but it's at the back of my mind if someone has a real wobble.

If you haven't heard back in a day or two, give him a call. I know when someone is nervous about renting through the web and would rather have a chat to reassure them than stress out a guest or potentially lose the booking.

butterfliesinmytummy Thanks for your reply that's really reassuring and interesting to see it from the owners point of view too.

I think if there were reviews I would be much happier - but he is new to the site and initially I was wary as all the months apart from ours were empty! But slowly they have booked up over the past few months and from my ahem stalking and questions he does seem to have knowledge of the area, only someone would know if they had been which is somewhat reassuring.

We've paid the balance now but I think if I don't hear from him in the next few days I will call rather than email.

Thanks again x

It's so tricky to get started renting holiday homes as people tend not to book properties with no reviews. When we started we sent friends with kids to our place to "stress test" it (and our housekeeping team!) and then feed back through reviews. It got us started.

You'll be fine and have an amazing holiday, just remember to feed back after!

I will make sure too! Thanks very much you've really helped

I just signed up to holiday lettings this week with my cottage to let. Today I had to email them a photo of me holding my passport. They are very thorough in their checks don't worry!

We have used both Holidaylettings and Homeaway for holidays in the Uk and various countries in mainland Europe and have always been really pleased with where we have stayed.

haha TravelllingToad now that is thorough!

Thanks pearlgirl that's good to know

I rent out a property through ownersdirect. I had to provide copies of our deeds as well as passports and other official documents.

I do understand why people might be worried about renting through the internet but if you are using a big website like holidaylettings then they should have been checked and verified. How long has it been since you emailed him?

theeternalstudent That's very reassuring thanks.

I think It is just the fact I have no knowing it's all going to be ok until we get to the villa, although I know it'll probably all be fine.....I am such a massive worrier honestly. I'm annoying myself with it all!

I emailed him just after I paid the balance today about 4.30, he has always replied within half an hour so I am just a bit worried really as it's not like him, although in fairness I've emailed him twice today already asking various bits and pieces - He's probably had enough of me!

If you were him you'd think I was a pain wouldn't you

We have used them for Spain , France and Portugal. Always been absolutely fine.
I do tend to google the person, have a nosy on linkedin and facebook/twitter to see they are who they say they are and check the property out on google earth!

magentastardust oooh I googled the owner too!

He is on facebook and he 'likes'' a few shops/acivities in the area I know are there and on Linkedin he is down as owning a spanish property company a well as various other ventures (he is based abroad have googled his number too it checks out with the country he says he is from - does that make me a stalker? )

He just seems so laid back about it all - maybe I need to take a leaf out of his book!

Glad you've had good experiences, it's just a new way of doing things for me the idea of handing over a large amount of money and it all being out of my control is a bit scary!
Did you ever speak to the owner at all? or just communicate via email x

Morning! quick update he emailed me just this minute with al the contact details for the lady who will be meeting us in Spain, her telephone number and said she lived on the same 'Calle'.
Phew

Feel a bit daft for worrying now but this is a new way of doing things for us and I've organised it all so I just wanted it all to go to plan. For all the owners who have helped -I will make sure to review it when I get back.

Here's to happy holidays!
Thanks again

i've used owners direct and holiday lettings and always been happy with the places.

the only place i've not been happy with was booking via a large well know holiday lettings company in pembrokeshire. the place was filthy and very badly maintained (i think cleaner had done max 1 hour per week for 4 bed place for a lot of years). so for us, booking directly via owners has worked better so far.

Have used holidaylettings for the last 4 years have never had a problem, although I have only ever been to properties in the uk