Self catering rip off?

Hi Shoni, I sympathize. However, what I don't understand is how you paid a deposit before having the total of the rental confirmed?? I have been doing apartment and house "self-catering" rentals in Europe for a while now and I only send money once all the details have been spelled out and that I feel absolutely secure about the rental. Here is what I found can affect the total cost of the rental: - as you found, many rentals will charge a per head supplement for each additional person, beyond 2 people. This is actually quite common to the rentals that I have looked at. (I know that you had to state the number of people info on the Homeaway contact form.) - about half of the European listings charge extra for utilities, though some will even throw in telephone and internet for free. - there's also sometimes an extra charge for bedding and linens - ditto for parking, that's if it's even available... - there's usually an extra cleaning charge if you don't do the final cleaning yourself - there is very rarely an agency or "file opening" fee per rental - then there are the hidden fees charged by the banks for doing the transfer of payments. I have had the owner once charge back the 25 euros that was taken from the transfer by the receiving bank. That was in addition to the fee I had already paid to my bank! So, I ALWAYS make sure that there the total costs are spelled out before I send any money. I'll even phone if I'm still not sure, then follow with an e-mail confirming what was just agreed to. Caveat emptor! There are increasing scams around self-catering rentals and it's really up to us to be extra careful.

Diane... I realise it may have seemed from my original post as though I had paid a deposit upfront, but I haven't paid any money upfront. I telephoned to cancel the booking when I realised that our original 'agreement' was not being honoured and was told that I had incurred a cancelation fee (which they are obviously 'hoping' I will cough up!) I totally agree with the everything else you wrote. Anyone organising self catering accomodation must get everything IN WRITING before paying a deposit. For instance we were once charged 70 Euros extra for a weeks rental for our dog even though the charge for the dog was not mentioned on the website (although it was stated that dogs were 'welcome'! and no wonder at these prices! and he slept in the car! and another 10 Euros per day for a cot for a baby. It all adds up and don't be pressurised into paying a cancellation fee when they 'move the goalposts'.

It is standard practice to set basic charges based on an occupancy of 2 regardless of the number of sleeping spaces available. How clearly this is made to the shopper varies from one add to another, but never-the-less, it is standard practice in Europe (and elsewhere). You were not being ripped off and you have little reason to be upset, except at yourself. I am currently booking lodgings in Australia, and the same situation exists - in virtually every type of stay; hotel, B&B, or rental. Even in a Motel 6 in Armpit, USA, the minimum rate on the sign is usually for a single person, even though that single person might be given a standard, 4-person room. Obviously, more people mean more linnen to clean, more showers taken, more potential for damage and general wear & dirt.

The thing is that the majority of the 'cottages for rent' on the website state the cost for maximum occupancy as well, or give the extra amount payable per head over and above the basic 2. One would therefore expect that in the absence of a maximum occupancy tariff and especially when it states PRICE PER PROPERTY PER NIGHT that that is what you would expect to pay. It is the inconsistency within a given website that is confusing. Also some owners will give a reduction per head if the property is booked for a week or more, and some will not. The fact that they are all under one 'umbrella' name does not mean that they all offer the same deals, and this is something to be aware of. They are all just individual advertisers and are not answerable to the company adveritised on the original Logo, nor can you look to HomeAway for help if you have a complaint. In fact HomeAway seems to take no responsibility at all, despite I imagine taking money from its advertisers Also Randy, unless you have booked before how can you know this is standard practice. Shouldn't it be made plain for those 1st time shoppers? Obviously extra people incur extra cost, but I have stayed at places before where out of season you pay a basic fee per property. It seems to be so unregulated and an opportunity for advertisers to add on extra costs. How dirty is dirty linen? Extra cost for soiled. Extra cost for a 2nd key, for more than one bag of rubbish at the end of the holiday, none of which is specified in the original agreement and which I therefore assume, by law, one should not be forced to pay?

Shoni, I'm very relieved to hear that you had not paid anything yet! OMG - what a scam artist this one turned out to be!! He had not yet confirmed the total price, you had not yet sent a deposit, yet he's after a "cancellation" fee?? As we say in French, he'll get it "la semaine des quatre jeudis"... I've turned away from rentals that looked initially really interesting, once I got a whiff of "eau de waffly" or "eau de scammy" ;-) Good luck with the next rental.

Shoni, I agree with Diane! If there is no place on the website that says it's an extra 20euros for the 2 extra people, then you were right to assume the price was 49. Don't pay it, tell them this in no uncertain terms, mention that you will post your displeasure on TripAdvisor and this website, and tell your credit card company not to pay the bill. Play hardball, because it sounds like you're being scammed!!

Thought we'd give your part of the world a chance to prove itself. If you want to avoid us we drive a bright yellow Skoda pickup truck with English number plates.

Clearly James doesn't work for the convention and visitors bureau. Shoni, it's a rare tourist who drives a bright yellow Skoda with English plates so the locals will know to avoid them - I think that's very considerate of you. :)

Is James really suggesting that I should forsake my 'kiss me quick' hat and tarten trews when visiting Ansbach? I shall have to have a rethink and a complete wardrobe change. One is not amused.