Tale of success with booking reps (and some very weird conditions) - a lesson in fine print reading
Last night, I booked a non-refundable place for three nights in Limoges, France, a small studio apartment, but when I woke up to start driving this morning, the host requested an instant 320 euro transfer before sharing the actual address (I called booking and they said it's normal, but I thought it was fishy). Lucky for me, the transfer failed, but the host refused to give any other option or give out the address, being very rude and unhelpful, telling me to cancel.
I also hadn't closely read the fine print in bad French that came attached, and it was crazy.
- Guest MUST send a picture of the made bed with his OWN sheets within 1 hour of arrival, or 50 euros is deducted from the deposit (who brings their own sheets?)
- Guest must send proof of some French type of home insurance, or 200 euro is deducted from the deposit
- Coffee mug stains on the counter 25 euro each
- Moving furniture 60 euro per moved furniture
- Several other clauses about required documentation to be sent or 200 euro deducted
So I started calling Booking, both German and English speaking agents. I had to call 6 times today, and the Germans escalated it to their superiors, being shocked at the rudeness of the host as well, who refused to help in any way. Managed to get the booking cancelled for free and rebooked into a regular hotel. My goal was not to let this host get away with it, and I was pleased it worked out. I was surprised by the helpfulness after reading so many bad stories here :-)
The place had no reviews and looked nice, and I have often stayed at new listings, because hosts try to do their extra best to get good reviews. Not this guy, though ^^