Has anyone used the vrbo.com site to book accommodation and have some feedback? Thanks!

Many, MANY fodorites and millions of others use vrbo. Your experience will entirely depend on the individual owner/property you choose. It isn't an agency. It is a place where owners can advertise their rental properties (sort of like craigs list). You deal directly w/ the owner - so what happened w/ one house/owner in HI or in NYC will have nothing to do w/ any other property.

So - where are you looking to stay? If you post that, maybe some fodorite has used vrbo there and can make specific recommendations.

Hi, sorry, am looking at Manhattan area....perhaps the Upper west area....first time in NYC for 2 adults in November.

someone sent a post that mentioned a lovely apartment in Weehawken area. Unfortunately it is booked out until next Feb. Some feedback on other apartments and whether it is easy to get to Manhattan for first timers please.

"vrbo site" isn't really what you are asking. You want to know about vacation rentals in Manhattan. So I would re-post w/ a better title -- something like "Apartment in Manhattan, VRBO or other recommendations?"

(sorry - I can'r help since I've never rented a flat in NYC, but lots of other fodorites have)

The people I know who have used VRBO was for vacation destinations in Mexico or Hawaii.

I've used VRBO many times and have had good luck.

Usually the owner will quote a rental price + tax and then a cleaning fee. So make sure you know all the fees when making a decision.

I personally like to see lots of pictures of the condo. Call the owner and talk to them. That may help you make a decision about whether you are comfortable renting or not.

I booked a condo rental in Waikiki and so far have had great conversations/transactions with the owners - am really looking forward to my trip. I appreciated dealing with people, not entities, which made vrbo really nice. The owners themselves set the rates for the offered property, determine the deposit and terms of it, what fees (cleaning fee, parking, etc)you'll pay - from the ones I have dealt with through the process of planning this trip they were ALL much more flexible and accommodating than ANY hotel I've ever dealt with in the past. Of course, my trip isn't until next month and if somethinig goes awry it would certainly change my opinion, but so far vrbo has my vote.