Meredith Vacation Rentals

Question

Has anyone used or know anything about Meredith Vacation Rentals? We found a few rentals on their site that we like and I spoke to a representative there. She was very knowledgable and responsive. I don't believe this is a real estate firm, but a "middleman", kind of like VRBO and AirBnB. Their refund policy is not the best -- they keep 30%, even if you cancel well in advance of your arrival date. Even VRBO does not have that rigid of a policy! We are still looking on VRBO but just wanted to see if there's any feedback on this firm.

Thank you in advance!

Answer

Meredith Vacation Rentals appears to operate as a vacation rental management service, functioning as an intermediary between property owners and renters, similar in concept to VRBO or Airbnb. They are not a traditional real estate firm, but rather handle listings, bookings, and some guest support.

Based on what is publicly shared by past users and travelers:

Many guests report that the staff is knowledgeable, responsive, and helpful in answering questions about the properties, amenities, and local area.
The quality of the rental properties themselves generally reflects what is advertised, though some reviews mention that, like any vacation rental service, there can be variability in cleanliness and property upkeep depending on the individual property owner.
One notable difference is their cancellation/refund policy. Meredith Vacation Rentals typically retains 30% of the booking fee even if you cancel well in advance, which is more rigid than VRBO or Airbnb’s cancellation options. Guests are advised to read the policy carefully before booking.

Additional practical considerations:

Since they act as a “middleman,” all communication and payments usually go through Meredith Vacation Rentals rather than directly with property owners, which can be convenient but also means you rely on their customer service if issues arise.
Some guests prefer to compare the same or similar properties directly on VRBO or Airbnb, as you may find more flexible booking or better cancellation terms.
Check whether the rental includes cleaning fees, taxes, and any resort or service fees, as these can add up and differ from listing to listing.

In summary, Meredith Vacation Rentals seems to be a professional and reliable service for vacation rentals in the Palm Springs area. The primary trade-off is a stricter cancellation policy compared to other platforms. If the flexibility of your plans is important, it may be worth also considering VRBO or Airbnb alternatives. However, if the properties they offer suit your needs and your travel dates are fixed, many guests report a smooth experience with their service.

Meredith Vacation Rentals

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