Do you trust CraigsList?

[gmcunni]

I’ve been looking for lodging options around various mountains. I need to find a place big enough for 2 families but would like to keep costs to a minimum. Essentially looking for a house or condo a few miles away from where we’ll ski (yet to be determined). I’ve been browsing Craig’s List and VRBO but have never rented directly from an owner before. Anyone have experience (good or bad) using these types of resources to find good lodging options? Can you recommend another source?

Thanks,
Gary

 

[crank]

I have used VRBO and I have rented directly from an owner from an ad in the back of a ski magazine back in the pre net days. Both times I had no problems and got good deals.


It is important to know what questions to ask. For example, the condo I rented through the magazine ad was a 2 bdrm. 1 bath. Fine, but the bathroom was in the master bedroom. Made things a little less private when someone could walk in on us to use the loo.

 

[skiierx]

I have used vrbo and Craigslist both. Every transaction has gone very well. The CL ad I rented from last was a place out in Utah and they had their own website which made me feel better. I then spoke to the owner a couple of times, asked many questions. They emailed me a lease to review and everything went great. As crank said just ask questions!

 

[BeanoNYC]

Used both and haven't had a problem.

 

[snosharkrider]

i've used craigslist to rent places for long w/ends in tahoe w/ good results; i felt i got good deals and places were as advertised. never in the N'east though.

 

[playoutside]

I've used VRBO a bunch of times, mostly out west. Never had an issue. BUT you have to do the research and ask about the things that are important to your group. Things to consider...

what is the bed setup? are any in a loft? how many are sleep sofas/futons/bunks? linens included or not?
what is the bathroom situation? how many full? how many with tubs? just showers? any jetted? towels provided?
what's the parking situation? how many cars fit in driveway/garage? do they plow when it snows?
is there a fireplace? is wood provided?
what is kitchen setup? spices and staples provided? coffee maker? other gadgets?
is there a hot tub? pool? where is it?
is there tv/dvd/cd/cable?
is there washer/dryer?
how much does it cost per night/week? do they offer any discounts for multiple nights? does the rate include tax? is there a cleaning fee? deposit? when is deposit returned?
smoking or non-smoking house?

If you think about what's important to you and ask the owner about it, you should be fine. I normally have gotten all info I need via email exchange and its worked out well. If there are no pictures on the listing, ask for them and remember the pictures will almost always be the best it has ever looked. Like anything if something about the listing and responses sounds off, move on. There are lots of others. If you like one that is noticeably cheaper than others, ask lots of questions.

 

[patricsaint]

I've used VRBO and/or Craiglist for several years now on the East and West with nothing but good results.