This was my first and last experience using a similar service. I have been traveling for years, staying at hotels, with no problems. Given my experience with homeaway, I will only use reputable hotels from now on.

Use AirBnb or London Guest Suites who also have a whole Paris section. There is no help from Home Away & they won't allow negative (TRUE) reviews. Count this mess as a learning experience & warn your friends away.

I booked a condo through Homeaway in New Braunfels, Texas recently. Initially communication was with the owner of the condo who advised me that the person who managed the condo for her would contact me directly. This was fine until we arrived at the condo and then management wanted nothing more to do with us when we complained about excessive noise and drinking in the pool outside our condo! I have gone back to using Airbnb.com for my accommodation. You are covered by their insurance backing for any problems with cancellation and reimbursement. With Homeaway I had to pay extra for insurance and any possible damage to the condo. This gave me peace of mind especially as we were travelling to America from Australia and meeting our family in Texas. It cost us an additional $100 at least if not more. At least with Airbnb you just pay the administration costs (quite reasonable) and always get your money reimbursed. I'm never using Homeaway again! Hope this helps you with your future travels.

I'm shocked to read this as an owner with a property on HomeAway in France. HomeAway must return your deposit as they do not pay the owner any of it until AFTER you arrive. The 1st booking ever for property owner will be paid a full 6 weeks after stay and from there on we receive money at least 2 or 3 days into the clients stay. Call them Immediately! Meanwhile, I have a number for a guy who runs (not owns) holiday rentals all over Paris. I'm happy to give you his number. His English is perfect and he is very cool and straight up.