Worst service ever-Stole my Money

I booked accommodation via the Booking.com app. We drove all the way to Porth Elizabeth from Cape Town just to get to the accommodation and it does not not exist anymore. When I called the number on booking.com the owner of the established answer and told me he does not have the place anymore it sold. I assumed that the place was sold but still operating and that they have not updated the details. to our suprise when we arrived there was no place for us to sleep. we had to run around for accommodation at 9pm the evening.

When I got back and contacted booking.com they said that they would resolve the issue and then I received an email from them stating that they cannot refund my money I will have to take it up with the owener. But when when the palce was advertised on their site and I made payment via the app. Now I have no idea how to get my money back as the telephone number i dialedd for the owner he does not answer. I will never use booking.com again and I wont pay upfront again. ********.