PayPal is safe, however, that doesn't mean it should be used for every transaction.
PayPal is good for purchases of real items, as you have buyer protection in case seller does not ship item--and other proections.
Paying for services does not give the same buyer protection. For travel and lodging credit card pament is a much better option and gives you better protection in case seller doesn't honor reservation or provide service.
You could read and review PayPal buyer protection polcies to see what is covered and what is not.
You should also review the business practices of the condo owner. Is the payment to be made to a person or to a business. What do you really know about the deal?
PayPal is not going to protect you against your own bad judgement.
