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Money Order to Reserve Room?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Julio (---.yr.com)
Date:   03-02-04 12:44

Does anyone know if this is a normal practice? The host at Harbour View Villas asked me to mail a money order for the full amount in order to hold my room. The suspicious New Yorker in me wants to double check to make sure this is legit.

Can you also provide feedback on HVV? Thanks.

P.S. I need a friggin' vacation......
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Re: Money Order to Reserve Room?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: NYC Traveler (---.panynj.gov)
Date:   03-02-04 13:13

Don't do it! As I NYer I was also skeptical and almost made the same mistake. I found some information of tripadvisor.com about this place. The reviews were awful. See for yourself.
I am so glad we are not staying there.


http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-r837503-Harbour_View_Villas-Puerto_Rico-d151956-g147319-m10020.html
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Re: Money Order to Reserve Room?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: David (---.parads01.nm.comcast.net)
Date:   03-02-04 20:29

We ask that people send money orders or a check for a deposit for our house. I know it's not normal practice, but we like to build a relationship and some trust. Since it is our house and we don't put anything away, including the lap top with the satellite internet and you would be using our vehicle, scuba gear etc., there has to be a level of trust involved. Enjoy your trip to the island and visit our house web site http://www.culebra.net
David
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Re: Money Order to Reserve Room?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Casablancacondo.com (---.tc.faa.gov)
Date:   03-04-04 07:18

Yes, it is normal in Culebra to ask for a deposit or full payment prior to booking a room or an apartment. We do it at Casablanca Condo and I know that a lot of my colleagues do it too. Our policy at Casablanca is to receive full payment prior to arrival. We are providing fully equipped accommodations for your enjoyment and convenience. Like my colleague above said, it is a matter of developing trust. Most of us have refund policies to avoid any problems. And, if you have any problems with your money, you know that you can tell the world about the mischievous place on this site. Enjoy Culebra!
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Re: Money Order to Reserve Room?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: ed (---.ne.client2.attbi.com)
Date:   03-06-04 17:42

the photo's you see are, to me, miss leading. The cabin's are very rustic. One cabin is wide open with no glass for the windows. That includes the bathroom, you will be showering with nature. WE had booked reservations and when we arrived we were horrified with what we saw. They demanded cash but our car rental owner helped us talk our way out of giving them the money. I would suggest another place, the Villa bohme is very nice and right in town. The only place on the beach is flamenco beach resorts. The nicest place to stay by far is clubseaborne but expensive.

good luck. We are going in April/ May

The island and people are assume and relaxing
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Re: Money Order to Reserve Room?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Mark (---.prexar.com)
Date:   03-07-04 07:38

Hi Julio,

My brother and I are staying at the same place. We submitted a money order for 1/2 the cost. Other half will be payable when we get there. seems to be the standard practice.
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Re: Money Order to Reserve Room?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: NYC Traveler (---.panynj.gov)
Date:   03-08-04 09:44

We just returned from Culebra and it was amazing. If you are considering a place to stay Villa Boheme is great.
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Re: Money Order to Reserve Room?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Julio (---.yr.com)
Date:   03-17-04 15:24

Mark,
I decided to stay away from Harbour View place because of some feedback I found on tripadvisor.com. It was very distrurbing. I hope your trip turns out well, but I warn you to be prepared for what someone else described as "luxury camping". Either way, I hope you and yours have a great vacation.
Julio
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Re: Money Order to Reserve Room?
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Julio (---.yr.com)
Date:   03-17-04 15:48

As for those folks who respond that asking for a full payment up-front is a way of establishing trust, I say that is not the way to do it. First and foremost, it's not standard hotel/motel/b 'n b practice (credit card number is the norm). Secondly, the way to establish trust is to provide a great stay so that people come back again and again. Telling me that you'll trust me only when I send you the full payment is not trust. I wonder how much trust Harbour View instilled in those folks who were burned by them? (check tripadvisor.com and a couple of other postings....lots of consistently scathing feedback). Also, how can you say it's a trust thing when Harbour View asks me for the full payment and asks "Mark" (see above) for half? That's nonsense!!!

Still, I look forward a wonderful time in Culebra next week.
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