Why book through a third party anyway and have their commission factored in the price you pay?
Theres plenty of companies such as http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk , http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk or http://www.holidaylets.net where you book direct with the owner and the deposit goes straight to them.

The prices do look a little on the high side, (as they would booking through a 3rd party). Booking direct with an owner you could save at least £50-£100 on the prices advertised.

I realise that, but i've checked all 3 of the sites you've mentioned & more and there's nowhere available! I'm booking for Xmas & New Year (21st Dec - 04th Jan) & I want to stay around where the Mare Nostrum resort is. I am actually booked in at Cleopatra's Palace but it's going to cost £2500 (£2200 for the hotel + £300 for the mandatory New Year Gala Dinner!!) so I decided to see if I could get something cheaper. These apartments work out at £1780, around the same price as the Vulcano & the Conquistador (B&B), plus i've got an apartment instead of just a hotel room. Unless anybody knows of anywhere else around there that's nice, I look like paying it!

try thomsons hotel only there prices range from £551 for the dates you want have booked with them over xmas before and they usualy have good prices