Have You Used VRBO?

We have used VRBO many, many times.
I was able to negotiate a rate on O. unit--actually, when I waffled a little bit about the weekly rate (it was a 'call for rates' listing) the owner asked what I thought I would be comfortable with! So yes...I did get a better rate than originally quoted--but I think you'd have better luck negotiating on a unit/week that is unbooked and coming up very soon! They'd rather rent it at a reduced price than have ZERO income for that week. Good luck!

Hi SK - I've rented houses I found on VRBOand everything has been fine. You find the listing through the main website but all of your correspondance, negotiation, payment, etc. happens directly with the homeowner. I have to say that I have never negotiated price before but that doesnt mean you couldnt.

Your experience is going to be determined largely by who the homeowner is and how you all interact. I've had great experiences.

We always use them! More times than I can count and it's great!

We booked a house in Kauai through VRBO for this August. Has awesome reviews online so we're really excited. I'm a planner, so we booked about 10 months in advance. Because I did so, the owner gave us a nice break on the nightly rate. Never hurts to ask!

Yes, we have used them twice. Tried to negotiate a lower price last time and were successful. Both times we were very happy with everything.

We have used it and have zero complaints. I have always negotiated the price.

Several times and I have always been able to negotiate rates and pets. They do usually want to be paid in advance. I've only had one bad experience where the unit was not cleaned but I called the owner who was very apologetic. I would rather use vrbo than a hotel under most circumstances.

YES!!! I would never rent a place without it. You actually talk to the owners, not the management company and I ALWAYS talk them down! Love Love vrbo.com!

I always talk to a couple owners and narrow it down to who I can talk down the most. :)

Yes used it successfully - several times. Go for it!

yes-loved it! Especially if you want more than a hotel experience, like relaxing for a week at the beach.

Yes, I've used them several times. I haven't gotten a lower rate exactly but have gotten the lower rate when booking a time period when the rate went from low to high season. Since I arrived during the low season period, the owner let me have the house for the lower rate all week. I've booked directly with owners and also with property managers who used the VRBO site. So far, no problems.

We've used it for trips to Orlando & have had wonderful success! I love the fact that you can read the reviews of other people who've stayed in the same home, and that since you're dealing directly with the owners, sometime if you're going during off-season, you can negotiate a bit. I definitely think since you're cutting out the realtor-middle-man you get better rates & I love having a fully stocked kitchen and our own pool for the week. It makes meal-time (especially breakfast) so much easier & pool time much less gross!

I have used it quite a few times, in the US and for our Europe travel. Very trustworthy site. I haven't thought of negotiating the price down, but I suppose you could.
I have emailed owners and asked them about any changes to the property than what is listed. Sometimes asked for more pictures and more details (how many steps up is the room, how wide are the steps? for Paris appartment). They have always been very responsive & helpful.
I think VRBO offers much better locations than a hotel, esp if you want a more cultural experience. The convenience of a kitchen & laundry is also worth it, esp if you are traveling for several days with kids.
All the property owners have been very nice and helpful to us. Love the VRBO experience!

Yes, I've used them once. You deal directly with the owner as others have stated. One owner wouldn't call us back, ugh! The second owner - we ended up renting through. We did have a few problems but the owner made it up to us by offering us a free night on a future stay. The only complaint I had was the pix posted online. They looked really nice online but then after we got to the house we realized the pix were outdated. The furniture was the same but didn't look as new. I wish they would require them to update their pix often.