[jade5]

We are wanting to book accommodation on the sunshine coast (2 adults 2 children) and I was looking on Stayz and was amazed at how cheap some places are. We could get a 3 bedroom house/apartment for a week for cheaper then a cabin in a caravan park. It would leave plenty of money to hire a car etc.

We couldn't afford to stay in a resort, so this might be a good option. Obviously a resort has facilities like pools etc but we just want a week on the beach.

But im always nervous about booking through places I've never used so can anybody offer advice on Stayz?

Another question, how easy is to hire a car from the airport with 2 car restraints all ready to go? Do I have to pre book these?

[EBeditor]

I just came back from a holiday booked through stayz.

I have always had good experiences booking through them, but it really depends on the individual property and property owners you are dealing with.

(disclaimer: stays is owned by Fairfax, same as EB).

[dadathome]

I've used stayz a couple of times over the last 10 years with no problems, although at times have booked places direct with the managing agents (just google the address of the house and see what REA comes up).

As for restraints, I'd always book ahead. Even when you book they can't always be trusted to get it right....to the extent that we tend to take our own when we can.

[lsolaBella]

Like PP we have used stays, but most often ended up going direct with property owners.

Car hire seats, hit and miss (most often miss in my experience). Take your own.

[Avogadro]

I've had no problems booking with Stayz.

[doctorseuss]

Have had no problems with stayz.

Car seats must be pre-booked. You often need to adjust them at the airport.

[Ehill]

Stayz is fine but you are generally booking directly with the owner.

Re. Car seats, I always prebook with a hire car company and I have never had any 'misses' nor have I needed to adjust them. I usually ring the day before and give the ages of my kids to make sure. If you are a RAA, RACV or equivalent member and you book through Thrifty you get the car seats free. That is who I use and have never even had a vague drama. Everything is ready to go when I get there!

[mpjp]

Stayz is JUST a website that property owners can use to advertise their holiday houses/ lets.

I own a house we rent using Stayz. They are just the method used or advertising. They are like a giant catalouge of individuals advertising their product.

If you are happy booking directly with owners then stayz as the 'medium' is fine!

[Ehill]

Just to update to my previous post......I was just over on a well known travel forum and there was a thread about Stayz (someone asking a similar question). Apparently a small amount of fraud does occur but the general concensous was it was rare BUT you can always phone the owner and speak with them personally to ask questions etc just to make sure it is legit. Beware of anyone asking for a Western Union transfer for payment.

Also the owners can filter what feedback is listed so most dont list negative feedback so it would probably make sense to do extra google searches on the properties you are looking at to see if they come up on any other travel review websites.

[Therese]

We have used Stayz quite a few times and have always been really happy with where we have stayed.