Extended stay motel recomendations (Honolulu: rentals, hotels, buying)

[larry08]

Will be in Honolulu for the month of June.

Need a reasonable place to stay for the month where a car is not absolutely necessary. Close to activities.

Also interested in places on any of the other islands.
Any ideas?

[mdand3boys]

vrbo.com

vacation rentals. Much safer to rent thru them than a site like craigslist!

[HankDfrmSD]

Originally Posted by mdand3boys

vrbo.com

vacation rentals. Much safer to rent thru them than a site like craigslist!

I see this said all the time, and I disagree. I own a vacation rental and participate in a Yahoo Group discussion board with over 3,500 members - most of them vacation rental owners. We talk a lot about scams.

Unfortunately, there are scams everywhere these days. Vacation Rentals are advertised which do not exist, or exist, but are not as described. Yes, it can happen on Craigslist, but it can happen anywhere. When you are buying something, check it out! Ask for references. Look to see how long it has been advertised on the site you are seeing. Look for a Guestbook. Does the place on Craigslist or on VRBO have their own website?

I think VRBO is great. So is Craigslist. With reasonable caution.

There are even scams against vacation rental owners. Like the "Cashier's Check" for more than the amount of the rental, with a request to "wire the balance to me so I can pay my airfare". The "Cashier's Check" bounces a month later.

Hank

[hotzcatz]

No motels in Hawaii but we got lots of hotels to choose from. A lot of folks from the other islands stay at the Pagoda or the Ala Moana. Both of those are within real easy walking distance to Ala Moana Shopping Center which is one of the largest bus congregation spots on the island.

[mdand3boys]

If you follow the "rules", vrbo offers a $5000 rental guarantee. Craigslist certainly does not.