NPS Score
-100
Recommended: Unlikely
Oct '25 - Sep '26
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Whale Margate
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Recent reviews (2)
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Share Your Experience1 reviews | Active since Jan 2024
Blue Whale, Margate – Apartment 7: Documented Health, Safety, and Misrepresentation Issues
This review is published in good faith as a factual account of personal experience. It is based on contemporaneous observations, communications, and photographic and video evidence. It is shared for informational purposes to assist other consumers in making informed decisions regarding accommodation services and to place on record the condition of the property and the handling of the matter by the host. 1. Booking and Representation In December 2025, my family and I booked Apartment 7 at Blue Whale, Margate, hosted by Trisha A*****s via Booking.com, relying on the representations made in the listing. Upon arrival, the condition of the property was materially inconsistent with those representations and did not meet reasonable standards of hygiene, safety, or habitability. 2. Condition of the Property Following initial concerns, a detailed inspection of the premises identified the following conditions: • Blood-stained bed linen • Pillows with visible mould contamination beneath pillow coverings • Persistent musty odor consistent with damp and possible mould presence • Rusted and unhygienic bathroom fittings • Defective shower sealing resulting in water leakage and a slip hazard • Damaged flooring and broken fixtures • Furnishings in a state of disrepair • Sagging beds • Dirty laundry baskets • Sleeping arrangements inconsistent with the listing description • Used chewing gum affixed to a kitchen light fitting and lounge pallet bed • General condition consistent with ongoing neglect rather than isolated issues These findings were documented contemporaneously in photographic and video form. 3. Host Notification, Response, and Premature Departure The host was notified of the conditions identified above. This notification occurred at the same time we were compelled to vacate the property prior to the scheduled checkout date, as the condition of the accommodation was not reasonably fit for continued occupation. Despite this, no refund was offered, and no remedial action. An initial generic apology was provided via WhatsApp. However, responsibility was subsequently deflected to the cleaning staff. That position is untenable. The duty to provide accommodation that is safe, hygienic, and accurately represented rests with the host. Items that have exceeded their usability such as mould‑stained pillows and deteriorated furnishings must be replaced by the host. Passing blame does not absolve the owner of responsibility. 4. Escalation to Booking.com Platform and Their Response The matter was escalated to Booking.com together with extensive timestamped photographic and video evidence. The response received characterised Booking.com as “just a platform for people to advertise.” This response does not engage with the substantive issues raised, namely the condition, safety, and conformity of the accommodation as provided. In the context of South African consumer protection standards, including the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008, service providers and intermediaries involved in the supply and facilitation of accommodation are expected to ensure that services are accurately represented and delivered in a manner that is safe, fair, and of reasonable quality. In their correspondence, Booking.com referenced the host’s response. She contradicted her earlier admissions, claiming she had “walked through” the property, taken photos, and that we never complained. This account was inconsistent with her prior apology and directly contradicted the photographic and video evidence we provided, as well as her own written acknowledgment to us. Such misrepresentation only underscores the systemic neglect and lack of accountability. 5. Pattern of Similar Complaints It has also come to our attention that other guests have reported similar concerns. While each case stands on its own facts, this raises a legitimate question as to whether the conditions we encountered are part of a broader pattern. 6. Evidence Preservation We retain extensive, timestamped photographic and video evidence substantiating each of the issues set out above. 7. Conclusion The property, as presented on Booking.com, does not meet acceptable standards of safety, hygiene, or accurate representation. The conditions encountered, combined with the manner in which the complaint was handled by both the host and platform, reflect a clear absence of accountability. Prospective guests are strongly advised to exercise caution and, at minimum, conduct a thorough inspection of the property upon arrival.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2024
Blue Whale, Margate – Apartment 7: Documented Health, Safety, and Misrepresentation Issues
This review is published in good faith as a factual account of personal experience. It is based on contemporaneous observations, communications, and photographic and video evidence. It is shared for informational purposes to assist other consumers in making informed decisions regarding accommodation services and to place on record the condition of the property and the handling of the matter by the host. 1. Booking and Representation In December 2025, my family and I booked Apartment 7 at Blue Whale, Margate, hosted by Trisha A*****s via Booking.com, relying on the representations made in the listing. Upon arrival, the condition of the property was materially inconsistent with those representations and did not meet reasonable standards of hygiene, safety, or habitability. 2. Condition of the Property Following initial concerns, a detailed inspection of the premises identified the following conditions: • Blood-stained bed linen • Pillows with visible mould contamination beneath pillow coverings • Persistent musty odor consistent with damp and possible mould presence • Rusted and unhygienic bathroom fittings • Defective shower sealing resulting in water leakage and a slip hazard • Damaged flooring and broken fixtures • Furnishings in a state of disrepair • Sagging beds • Dirty laundry baskets • Sleeping arrangements inconsistent with the listing description • Used chewing gum affixed to a kitchen light fitting and lounge pallet bed • General condition consistent with ongoing neglect rather than isolated issues These findings were documented contemporaneously in photographic and video form. 3. Host Notification, Response, and Premature Departure The host was notified of the conditions identified above. This notification occurred at the same time we were compelled to vacate the property prior to the scheduled checkout date, as the condition of the accommodation was not reasonably fit for continued occupation. Despite this, no refund was offered, and no remedial action. An initial generic apology was provided via WhatsApp. However, responsibility was subsequently deflected to the cleaning staff. That position is untenable. The duty to provide accommodation that is safe, hygienic, and accurately represented rests with the host. Items that have exceeded their usability such as mould‑stained pillows and deteriorated furnishings must be replaced by the host. Passing blame does not absolve the owner of responsibility. 4. Escalation to Booking.com Platform and Their Response The matter was escalated to Booking.com together with extensive timestamped photographic and video evidence. The response received characterised Booking.com as “just a platform for people to advertise.” This response does not engage with the substantive issues raised, namely the condition, safety, and conformity of the accommodation as provided. In the context of South African consumer protection standards, including the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008, service providers and intermediaries involved in the supply and facilitation of accommodation are expected to ensure that services are accurately represented and delivered in a manner that is safe, fair, and of reasonable quality. In their correspondence, Booking.com referenced the host’s response. She contradicted her earlier admissions, claiming she had “walked through” the property, taken photos, and that we never complained. This account was inconsistent with her prior apology and directly contradicted the photographic and video evidence we provided, as well as her own written acknowledgment to us. Such misrepresentation only underscores the systemic neglect and lack of accountability. 5. Pattern of Similar Complaints It has also come to our attention that other guests have reported similar concerns. While each case stands on its own facts, this raises a legitimate question as to whether the conditions we encountered are part of a broader pattern. 6. Evidence Preservation We retain extensive, timestamped photographic and video evidence substantiating each of the issues set out above. 7. Conclusion The property, as presented on Booking.com, does not meet acceptable standards of safety, hygiene, or accurate representation. The conditions encountered, combined with the manner in which the complaint was handled by both the host and platform, reflect a clear absence of accountability. Prospective guests are strongly advised to exercise caution and, at minimum, conduct a thorough inspection of the property upon arrival.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2021
URGENT PUBLIC WARNING: ACCOMMODATION ***** April 2, 2026·by *** Named in this report Booking.com+***7 Blue Whale 1 (also operating as Whalerock Modern Beachfront Apartment)113 Marine Drive, Margate, 4275, South Africa
Named in this report Booking.com+***7 Blue Whale 1 (also operating as Whalerock Modern Beachfront Apartment)113 Marine Drive, Margate, 4275, South Africa PLATFORM: Booking.com PROPERTY NAME: Blue Whale 1 (also operating as Whalerock Modern Beachfront Apartment) PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 113 Marine Drive, Margate, 4275, South Africa HOST CONTACT: +***7 THE INCIDENT SUMMARY A booking was made and paid in full (ZAR 3,913) via Booking.com for the dates of 29 March – 31 March. Upon arrival at the physical address in Margate, the property was unavailable due to a double booking. Despite having three young children and a disabled family member, the host offered no alternative accommodation or assistance. As a direct result of this host's failure to provide the service paid for, my family was forced to sleep in the car. RED FLAGS & HOST CONDUCT Review ******ion: The host is currently refusing to process a refund unless all public warnings and reviews regarding this incident are removed. High-Pressure Tactics: When requested for a refund for the services not rendered, the host resorted to aggressive legal threats and claims of being a lawyer to intimidate us into silence. Communication Gaps: The host claimed to be out of the country and unable to receive calls, yet was actively engaging in WhatsApp disputes and answering mobile calls simultaneously. Booking.com Negligence: Despite being notified that a family was stranded and the host was demanding the removal of reviews in exchange for a refund (Review ******ion), Booking.com has failed to intervene or secure the funds. LEGAL STATUS SAPS: A ******** case for Theft by False Pretenses is being opened against the holder of the contact number +***7. Consumer Protection: A formal complaint is being lodged with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) for a breach of the Consumer Protection Act regarding "unconscionable conduct" and "failure to provide services." ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC DO NOT BOOK THIS PROPERTY. Whether on Booking.com or any other platform, avoid "Blue Whale 1" or any listing associated with +***7. This host does not fulfill bookings and uses the "non-refundable" policy as a tool for *****. Booking.com Users: Be aware that the platform's support has proven ineffective in this emergency. If you have been affected by this specific host, please report them to the South African Police Service immediately.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2021
URGENT PUBLIC WARNING: ACCOMMODATION ***** April 2, 2026·by *** Named in this report Booking.com+***7 Blue Whale 1 (also operating as Whalerock Modern Beachfront Apartment)113 Marine Drive, Margate, 4275, South Africa
Named in this report Booking.com+***7 Blue Whale 1 (also operating as Whalerock Modern Beachfront Apartment)113 Marine Drive, Margate, 4275, South Africa PLATFORM: Booking.com PROPERTY NAME: Blue Whale 1 (also operating as Whalerock Modern Beachfront Apartment) PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 113 Marine Drive, Margate, 4275, South Africa HOST CONTACT: +***7 THE INCIDENT SUMMARY A booking was made and paid in full (ZAR 3,913) via Booking.com for the dates of 29 March – 31 March. Upon arrival at the physical address in Margate, the property was unavailable due to a double booking. Despite having three young children and a disabled family member, the host offered no alternative accommodation or assistance. As a direct result of this host's failure to provide the service paid for, my family was forced to sleep in the car. RED FLAGS & HOST CONDUCT Review ******ion: The host is currently refusing to process a refund unless all public warnings and reviews regarding this incident are removed. High-Pressure Tactics: When requested for a refund for the services not rendered, the host resorted to aggressive legal threats and claims of being a lawyer to intimidate us into silence. Communication Gaps: The host claimed to be out of the country and unable to receive calls, yet was actively engaging in WhatsApp disputes and answering mobile calls simultaneously. Booking.com Negligence: Despite being notified that a family was stranded and the host was demanding the removal of reviews in exchange for a refund (Review ******ion), Booking.com has failed to intervene or secure the funds. LEGAL STATUS SAPS: A ******** case for Theft by False Pretenses is being opened against the holder of the contact number +***7. Consumer Protection: A formal complaint is being lodged with the National Consumer Commission (NCC) for a breach of the Consumer Protection Act regarding "unconscionable conduct" and "failure to provide services." ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC DO NOT BOOK THIS PROPERTY. Whether on Booking.com or any other platform, avoid "Blue Whale 1" or any listing associated with +***7. This host does not fulfill bookings and uses the "non-refundable" policy as a tool for *****. Booking.com Users: Be aware that the platform's support has proven ineffective in this emergency. If you have been affected by this specific host, please report them to the South African Police Service immediately.

