Made the booking through Stayz. Then got an email from a Real Estate agent in a different town saying that we are now dealing with them and requesting payment for the rental. We thought it was a scam so contacted the host for confirmation. No response from the host....not good. Made my own enquiries and Raine and Horne in Milton do exist so I rang them and yes we are now dealing with them. So we made the payment.
Next we get a receipt which states a booking fee, and then a charge titled "Next time book direct.."!! This left a really bad taste in our mouths that we were paying two agents for going through Stayz.
Then we find out that there is no bed linen, towels, etc. included. So for our most expensive stay in nine accommodations on a three week road trip around NSW we had to carry bedding for two beds, towels for three people, tea towels all taking up valuable car space. None of this was advised on booking.
The management by Raine and Horne was excessive. We had to print and complete a form, then scan it back with photo ID!! We were bombarded by emails, texts and written material around the house of the rules. You must do this and don't do that or you will be charged extra. Also, after a long day's driving we had to drive past the property on a 16km round trip to pick up the keys. What's wrong with a lock box at the house like everyone else uses?
The house and location are sensational but we were annoyed by the booking process and its lack of transparency. We didn't feel welcome or comfortable. We would not go back or recommend to our friends.