Portugal villa rental - how to avoid being scammed?

[Melbatb]

I haven’t been to Portugal but am a frequent airbnb user. They don’t release the money to the owner until after the first night so if there are issues you can raise a dispute!

[Guest]

Originally Posted by Melbatb

I haven’t been to Portugal but am a frequent airbnb user. They don’t release the money to the owner until after the first night so if there are issues you can raise a dispute!

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Wow - I never knew that! So presumably if I turned up and it didn't exist or was fraudulent in some way that I would get my money back?

I have been lurking on the airbnb website and have been put off slightly by the fairly strict cancellation charges on most of the ones I have been looking at.

Makes you wonder when the customer loses 50% for cancelling whether the owner gets the 50% or whether Airbnb keep it.

Interesting...

[MinniMouse]

We've been twice now to villa Linda in Praia da Luz. If you're not keen on Luz there's Burghau next door. Staff on hand when we've had a problem.

algarvevillasluz

Another that's used airbnb. Booked a fab apart in London in April. I looked for one that had a superhost. Means they've had good reviews.

[Guest]

Thanks MinniMouse - will look at that villa. Am also searching for apartment in london so would be interested in that one too if not too cheeky !

[lynjowton]

Hi i have just booked to stay at Eden Resort in Albufeira the resort has various size villas and apartments that can be booked via most travel companies. Have a look on their web page and see what you think.

[jemima2]

Hi I am also in process of looking at Portugal for next summer. The villas seem either very expensive or way out in the middle of nowhere ! We weren’t really wanting to drive so have started looking at resorts apartments etc as we are a family of five. Carvoeiro meant to be lovely and I saw a nice looking hotel called Felesia gardens at ohas d Agua I think? So many options

[DollyDimples]

We have friends who own a villa in vilamoura. casavinho/

I think take bookings directly or through owners direct, but if booked through the third party site it is more expensive to cover the fees.

[Guest]

Originally Posted by DollyDimples

We have friends who own a villa in vilamoura. casavinho/

I think take bookings directly or through owners direct, but if booked through the third party site it is more expensive to cover the fees.

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Thank you, will look at this !

[billbarbara229]

James Villas is supposedly good for Europe

We won't advertise on airbnb as they are too controlling and always sent us requests when we were already booked and take over the taxes making it too complicated They have also been taken to task by BBC watchdong for villas not being there

[Guest]

Thankyou !