Hello! We are staying in a booking.com apartment in Liverpool next week. The host has indicated that a 300 Euro cash damage deposit is required and that it is part of their policies. I remember seeing this when I booked but I thought it's automatically secured by booking.com when I paid the stay through my creditcard.
The host is writing me very nicely and promptly and trying everything to make me feel safe about paying the money. I was sent a direct link to pay or could pay through paypal. I don’t feel comfortable handing over that much money. The place only has 6 reviews over 8 months but is very cheap (120EUR for 3 bedrooms) that's suspicious to me. Another detail is that it says the square has 1000qm which I thought was just a typing error.
Booking says it's normal procedure. But how can I be safe to get my deposit back? I'd prefer to not do it but it's not cancellable and the host refuses to cancel for free.
What can I do to get out of this?
by Pretty-Contest-8872
7 Comments
Well, ask the host for a written statement that you have handed him Euro 300. And if you do not get it back because the host claims damages: let it be an expensive lesson.
“Booking says it’s normal procedure”. I have never had this when renting through Booking.com. Neither on Airbnb. So I guess Booking is covering its ass.
This can happen with many companies that also happens with Expedia. They were generally message you or representative if you’re using a travel agent through the portal to put your card information on file if you don’t want to do that, they generally can send an authorization over to you to formally request this.
Pay only and exclusively through [Bookings.com](http://Bookings.com) as only then it is not a scam.
Or else, at the property, pay cash but ask right away for a written receipt.
That does seem like an excessive amount and, together with the too cheap price, low amount of reviews and the inconsistencies in the listing regarding room size, I would look for somewhere else to stay.
This happens for some the private rentals. I have only ever done it once and it was a much smaller amount i.e. £50. Nowadays, I would not book a place if it requires a cash deposit. Also, personally, I would never feel comfortable booking a place with less than a hundred reviews.
The place could be legit, but if the low price and the deposit has you feeling uneasy, look for another place. Accommodation in Liverpool isn’t expensive, and you can easily find something more suitable.
Could this be a scam? There are lots of scams where the hotel’s account is compromised and they send you a link to pay a “deposit” have you reached out to booking.com customer service?
At this point, it’s just easier to use proper hotels.