Dispute Regarding Deposit and Stay at Danica's On The Vaal

Dispute Regarding Deposit and Stay at Danica's On The Vaal

From November 29th to December 1st, 2024, we stayed at Danica's On The Vaal in South Africa. Unfortunately, we encountered several issues with the host, Vanessa, that left us deeply dissatisfied.

Vanessa required an R1,800 deposit upon booking, which we paid. Upon arrival, we were informed that a cleaning lady would assist during our stay, and her fee was included in the deposit. The cleaning lady came on Saturday and Sunday, but on Sunday, she arrived at 2:00 PM—just an hour before our 3:00 PM checkout.

Vanessa did not conduct a checkout inspection with us to address any issues before we left. Instead, on Monday, December 2nd, she contacted us, pointing out damages. We acknowledged a broken cushion, a pepper shaker, and a towel that was mistakenly packed. However, based on our research, these items do not justify withholding the entire deposit:

Towels: R185 each Pepper shaker: R24.99 Vanessa also claimed we burned a cushion, which she valued at R500 each, but we explained it was a cigarette burn, and none of us smoke. Adding to the frustration, Vanessa charged us for hiring another cleaning lady on Monday. This was unnecessary as the first cleaning lady should have completed her work properly. The fact that the second cleaning lady arrived with her child and ate our food and beer was highly unprofessional.

Vanessa’s lack of communication further exacerbated the situation. She failed to inspect the property with us at checkout, neglected to ask about our experience with the cleaning lady, and treated us rudely during follow-ups.

We still haven’t received an invoice or proof for the amounts she’s charging. Her approach to managing the property and handling disputes was unacceptable, leaving us feeling unfairly treated.