CANCELLED LESS THAN 24 HOURS BEFORE ARRIVAL - DO NOT TRUST A BOOKING MADE AND PAID FOR

Reading all the hellopeter reviews regarding AirBnb's business practices I felt it was necessary to share my experience to help others avoid disappointment and last-minute stress. I booked a 2-bedroom flatlet at Salt Rock Ballito Beach House for a stay from January 6th to 12th, 2025, through Airbnb. Tamryn, the host, confirmed the booking and responded promptly to a couple of questions I had at the time.

Unfortunately, on the afternoon of January 5th, less than 24 hours before we were set to travel, Tamryn contacted me to inform me of a "technological glitch" on Airbnb’s platform. Despite her claims that her calendar was correctly managed, the property had been double or even triple-booked. This revelation came as a significant shock, and both Tamryn and Airbnb struggled to take accountability for what had transpired. AirBnb cancelled the booking. Tamryn indicated AirBnb cancelled and AirBnb indicated that it was on Tamryn's instructions. To this day I do not know who was responsible for the double booking. Their failure to handle this situation responsibly is exactly why this review is necessary.

Their solution? An offer of "alternative" accommodation—which was neither beachfront nor comparable to the experience we had booked and planned for. It was clear that neither Tamryn nor Airbnb fully grasped (or were willing to acknowledge) the frustration caused when a beachfront property, chosen specifically for its location, is swapped out for a generic alternative.

Managing a property of this nature—a beachfront getaway—comes with heightened responsibility. Double- or triple-booking is simply unacceptable. Hosts need to go the extra mile to ensure their calendars are accurate before accepting bookings and that their guests are not let down, especially at the eleventh hour. This lack of foresight and organization left us scrambling to make alternative plans, tarnishing what should have been a seamless start to our holiday.

Cancelling with less than 24 hours’ notice, and with no one taking full responsibility for the chaos caused, is incredibly disappointing.

Reading all other reviews regarding AirBnb it appears that there is clearly some very serious issues around AirBnb and their business practices.