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Deceptive Listings

Same Villa, Different Names Online. Why?

Tags: Guide

You’re searching for the perfect villa rental. You find "Sunset Paradise Villa" listed for £25,000 per week on one site.

Hours later, you spot “Ocean View Retreat” on another platform for less, but the photos look identical. The truth? They are likely the same property.

CASA QUERENCIA, PUNTA MITA

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When One Villa Becomes Three

Here is how the trick works. A villa owner may list their property as “Casa Marina”. Yet, across booking platforms, it can appear under different names: “Coastal Paradise Retreat” on one site, “Seaside Luxury Haven” on another, and “Mediterranean Dream Villa” somewhere else.

This is not accidental. It is a clever marketing tactic. Using multiple names helps agencies capture a wider range of search results and makes price comparisons harder. It is like the same designer dress sold under different labels in different boutiques. This practice is surprisingly common worldwide, turning what should be a straightforward comparison into a detective hunt.

NORTH ISLAND, SEYCHELLES

Why They Do It, What You Pay

Some agencies rename villas to complicate price comparisons, protecting their profit margins. Certain booking platforms even require unique names to create an illusion of exclusivity, suggesting their listings are not available elsewhere.

As a result, travellers often overpay, sometimes significantly, and waste time trying to determine if listings are duplicates. Occasionally, they book a lower-quality villa simply because the same property appears under various names across sites.

VILLA ULTIMA CORFU, GREECE

Many villa owners are not aware their properties have been renamed. Their “Villa Rosa” may become “Mediterranean Paradise” or “Tuscan Dream Estate”, leaving owners with little control over how their property is presented.

Transparent Booking Experiences

Booking a villa should be simple and transparent. With us, the property name and details always match those on the owner’s official website. For instance, our listing for Lopud 1483 accurately reflects the exact name and information found on the partner site, giving guests full confidence in what they are booking.

PROPERTY WEBSITE
MY PRIVATE VILLAS LISTING

In contrast, some clients have shared stories of booking through other agencies only to arrive and find a different name on the property’s door. This unexpected discrepancy causes confusion and doubt, quickly undermining trust and spoiling the start of a holiday.

We believe clear, consistent information is essential for a smooth booking experience. By maintaining accuracy between our listings and official property details, we ensure guests arrive relaxed and reassured without unwelcome surprises.

Our Solution: Real Names & Prices

We use only the official names provided by property owners. No marketing embellishments, no platform-specific variations, and no creative renaming. We work directly with owners to obtain official documentation and regularly audit listings for accuracy.

This approach benefits everyone. Travellers can compare prices accurately across platforms. Property owners retain control over their brand identity. The market operates with genuine transparency rather than manufactured confusion.

What You Can Do

To protect yourself from naming confusion, try reverse image searches to see if property photos appear elsewhere under different names. Compare details such as the number of bedrooms, amenities, and exact location across platforms.

Ask agencies for the official property name and verify it matches your booking confirmation. Choose platforms committed to transparent naming and clear pricing instead of confusing alternatives.

The Future of Villa Rentals

European markets are moving towards stricter naming regulations. The EU is considering legislation requiring consistent property identifiers across platforms. Consumer advocacy groups argue travellers have the right to know when they are comparing identical properties.

The same property should not have different names and prices across platforms. This basic principle fosters a healthier marketplace, ensuring fair pricing for travellers, brand integrity for owners, and greater consumer trust.

NORTH ISLAND, SEYCHELLES

Our commitment to official naming reflects the belief that travellers deserve honest information to make informed choices. When you book a villa, you should know exactly what you are getting at a fair price — no hidden names, no pricing tricks, no unpleasant surprises.

Real Villas. Real Value. Real Easy.

You deserve complete assurance when booking your perfect villa. Our dedication to official property names means you receive honest information upfront, enabling confident decisions without hidden details, unexpected fees, or unwelcome surprises. You will always know exactly what you are reserving at a fair price.

What sets us apart is exceptional value. Our prices match those on the villa’s own website but booking with us brings much more. Our global presence delivers agency advantages, ensuring a seamless and consistent booking experience every time.

Our dedicated in-house concierge team supports you throughout your stay and entire holiday, even if visiting multiple properties. With our extensive worldwide portfolio and exclusive perks for returning clients, you will always work with a familiar team for all future bookings. Say goodbye to explaining your needs repeatedly or dealing with different contracts year after year.

Ready to dive deeper?

Let’s talk! Schedule a personalised video call with our team to discuss your questions.

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