Beaches and Bungalows - worst luxury letting company in South Africa

Beaches and Bungalows is a luxury holiday rental company. If the owners of these luxury homes knew the painful experience it was working with the owner/bookings manager, Karen I doubt they would continue their contracts!

We made our booking via AirBNB; which for many reasons as an established rental platform has payment secure methods; We were after the booking was made and paid for through AirBNB- then contacted privately by Karen; off of the app message- demanding that we pay an additional rate to her or to cancel the booking.

We booked 6 months before December to ensure with due planning to enjoy a luxurious and pleasant holiday. We were treated like college students; when in fact we are all highly remunerated professionals - with an immaculate rental history and as paying customers have had an awful experience!

After not completing the indemnity form in two weeks of receiving it (3 months before the holiday check-in) I received an outrageous phone call from Karen stating that in fact I had been rude; and that I was to send her the form back immediately! (I had let her know I had been extremely busy, to which she very rudely and sarcastically rep**** that "so is everyone!"- and proceeded to slam the phone down on me - she then messages and voice noted insisting that I had been rude, when that is extremely far form the truth).

I would assume someone that deals with the upper-echelon for such luxury rentals would have a better customer service understanding. Utilising an app such as AirBNB to also follow the rules and procedures put in place to ensure an all round pleasant letting experience.

We have spent over R30 000 on the rental for 4 nights, and an additional fee of R3600 paid directly to her- against AirBNB rules and regulations. We have not even gone on this holiday but she has made this by far the worst booking experience!

I warn anyone looking to book through this company to reconsider!