tim g.

PROPERTY OWNERS STAY AWAY! Renters too, for that matter. As a property owner with rentals this place has become FASCIST! They now control every aspect of communication and payment. You no longer have direct access to your customers. As a vacation rental business owner, I build long term relationships and that is no longer possible on this site. Each year they find a way to charge more and more while providing less and less. VRBO is building a marketing empire at owner/renter expense. Look out! I will not renew! Every negative post you read written from the owner perspective here is true. If it's positive, it's likely a shill. Do not support this site.

UPDATE: Ok, the bad reviews are helping--they have allowed access to contacts again. Still, is it fair to have to fight for what we have already paid to receive? Renters also need to beware of the aggressive marketing vrbo will subject you to. Lastly, vrbo will control the money until renters are in the unit. Maybe a feel-good for renters until you try to wrangle your money back on a cancellation; and not good for owners on any level.

UPDATE 2: OWNERS, contact me if you are interested in starting a new site--one that is simple and friendly for owners and renters alike without the faceless corporate bureaucracy and doublespeak laced with predatory complexities that affect us all. RENTERS, vrbo will NOT protect you as they claim, they only provide the illusion of protection at our mutual expense. Further, I would assert that 99.9 percent of owners want to do a great job and leave you with the best experience. The notion that you need protection is grossly overrated. I propose a return to the original format of VRBO prior to the corporate buyout where owners and renters can meet worldwide, simply, easily in a couple of mouse licks, without the risk of the incessant marketing machine.

UPDATE 3: RENTERS, NEW HIDDEN FEES--WATCH OUT!

Vrbo just added a new 4 to 9% fee charged to travelers.

Last month, they began rolling out a new service fee to be charged to travelers who also book on HomeAway, and VacationRentals.com.

Vrbo states that the new service fee is a percentage-based fee of 4 -to- 9% (average 6 -to- 7%) based on total rental price. The fee is collected during the checkout process. Vrbo is leveraging the service fee to invest more heavily in marketing and advertising.

TRAVELERS--Try doing a search for the property you are interested in outside of the big home rental sites. You may find the property web page and be able to deal directly with the owner without third-party hassles and costs. ASK OWNERS TO PAY THROUGH PAY PAL OR OTHER MEANS TO SAVE MONEY