Original Message:
Re: Anyone have experience with Preston Green or Americap International Corp (by Don P.):
The only other way is to use an escrow service that is costly and I'm sure the rental company wouldn't agree to use one. The other alternative is to do exactly as you said deal directly with the owner. These rental companies lack any kind of customer service and are usually run by just one or two people and there is no way to contact them 24/7 if you have any trouble trying to check in. My advice is to not use a rental company or don't complain if you become the next horror story because the price was too good to pass up. The cheap comes out expensive.
trentp8 wrote:The problem with this specific rental company is that you have to pay everything completely upfront and yet you never get confirmation of what unit you stay in until the day of arrival. The resort never has your name on the reservation until the day of check in. This is very stressful and they are adamant that this is the way it is after you pay. If you are naïve to the process then you are stuck with the reality of it and sometimes you do not get what you agreed to. Alternatively if you rent with an individual, which we did last year, you know up front exactly what unit you are getting in advance and you are on the reservation in advance. It is a much easier and less stressful experience and is at the same or lower price. I have done both and going through an individual is a much better experience.