Hi

I have never rented a condo - always gone the hotel or B&B route.

This September my sister and her boyfriend are coming to visit and we will be in Santa Fe for two nights with me picking up the bill. It would seem to be much cheaper to rent a condo (looking at ones on VRBO) than to get two hotel rooms.

Has anyone rented from VRBO? Has anyone rented a condo for a couple of nights in Santa Fe? Any comments, suggestions, recommendations and / or warnings would be greatly appreciated.

I am just looking to get a comfort level with this type of accommodation.

Also does anyone have an idea as to what a reasonable one time cleaning fee would be?

Thank you for any assistance you can give.

Pamela

VRBO is a well-established site for finding property rentals. Although as the name implies these are owners renting their own properties, I have never found anywhere I have rented through VRBO to be other than as represented on the site.

I would think your biggest problem would be finding a place that would rent for only two nights, but maybe you HAVE found such a place. Cleaning fees will vary depending on the size of the property, but I have paid $85 to $125.

Another good VRBO experience. We used them to rent two different houses in Napa. Two different owners, two different experiences, both pleasant, fair and problem-free.

I have rented four properties on VRBO (Florida and Hawaii) and have had excellent experiences each time.

Here are some specific suggestions for places in Santa Fe:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35111589

Deb

I have used VRBO many times but not in Sante Fe. Email and ask the cleaning fee...I would think at least $50 would be the norm. Most owners will answer your questions and send more pictures.

For someone with VRBO experience. I have never used it, but have checked the listings at various times and it seems they change alot-meaning rentals drop out , etc. Makes me wonder if my rental would be there when I arrived....

2 recent experiences of vrbo properties - one in the Black Hills and one in Palm Springs. Had no problems with either.

We used vrbo on short notice for Santa Fe in the fall, ended up being referred to a comfortable and clean two bedroom wing in great neighborhood on craigslist. Very reasonable, walking distance to Canyon Rd. and Plaza. I don't know how to link you to her craigslist site, but:

Inquire at [email protected]

There are quite a few on the link that I posted above that run about $100 a night.

Our friend that stayed at #112810 really had high praise for the unit.

Deb

Here is the list of vrbo's in Santa Fe

http://www.vrbo.com/my/57368

Deb

Hi

I have booked a reservation at

http://www.vrbo.com/157170

for two nights in September. I'll let you know how it goes when we get back. This is my first time using VRBO.

Pamela

It looks great and is a very cost effective way to go. VRBO has a very solid reputation; I rent places there as a consumer and as an owner. Two suggestions I have for future evaluations: 1)look at how long they have been listed on the site (the longer, the better), 2)I prefer those with guest comments.
This unit has many favorable comments and some additional recommendations on recommended restaurants within the comments.

Post back when you return!

We have used them for years, in excess of 50+ times, & never had a problem. The cleaning fees that people are talking about seem a bit high too me. Guess it depends on the length of your stay as well. We seldom pay over $50 for cleaning fees.

also another fan of VRBO, never used in Santa Fe but Hawaii and CA. always have been very happy with the places.
the place you selected looks very nice and please do post a report after your Sept. trip.

re. the cleaning fees: As an owner, I will tell you that we can't get anyone for less than $160 for cleaning. I charge $100 to my guests thereby subsidizing the cost to the guest.

"subsidizing the cost to the guest"; cleaning should be included in the price, I think. The cost of doing business and renting your place should be yours, not mine (hate being nickel and dimed). Hide it in the rates, I'll feel better!

N County
"look at how long they have been listed on the site (the longer, the better"
how can I tell how long they have been on site?

Thanks

bwg-All the way at the bottom of the listing.....it says something like this has been viewed 3457 times since it was reset on October 27, 2007. It also says something like listed since October 27, 2007.

re. the cleaning fees, I think there develops a norm for the area as to whether cleaning fees are bundled in the price or separately; it's just math, six of one, half a dozen of the other. Most people go with the prevailing method in their area.