Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

What does "Parking on premises" mean to you? Air B&B problem ...

235 replies

Puzzledandpissedoff · 16/04/2025 10:01

Unashamedly posting here for honest opinions, based on the main question in the title

Background is that I'm on holiday with a friend, in an apartment situated in an area where street parking's well known to be almost impossible

We were therefore extremely careful to source a place that actually had it, and checked with the owner before booking that it really was provided - only to find on arrival that it isn't, and all that's available is (non existent) street parking meaning that we hardly dare go anywhere because returning means driving around ( over 2 hours yesterday Sad) in the hope of finding a space

Obviously we've contacted the owner, only to be told we've "misinterpreted it" and street parking counts as being on the premises

So my question is whether or not we were BU to expect what the listing said, and if not what would anyone else do now? What we really want to do is leave the hassle behind and ask Air B&B to sort a refund based on misrepresentation, but I'd welcome thoughts before doing this

OP posts:
Espresso25 · 16/04/2025 11:21

You can escalate this to Airbnb.

Espresso25 · 16/04/2025 11:21

Parking on premises means private parking within the curtilage of the property you’re staying. You’ve not misinterpreted anything - they’ve intentionally misled you.

Whyherewego · 16/04/2025 11:19

I think it's very clear on premises means off street parking of some description and given you specifically checked the hostel is being very unreasonable
Definitely complain

Superhansrantowindsor · 16/04/2025 11:19

How have previous guests not commented on this? Parking is a deal breaker for me.

beAsensible1 · 16/04/2025 11:16

mmmmm its a bit iffy, "on" is probably the contentious word as in London id count street parking as technically available as long as its free.

outside i'd expect a drive or allocated parking for the property. 2 hours is mad was there not a station or paid parking close by?

JackieDaytonaLuckyBrews · 16/04/2025 11:16

I wouldn't let it go OP. It's ruined your holiday and you are in the right. Phone Air BnB.

Movinghouseatlast · 16/04/2025 11:09

Phone Air bnb. They can over ride the hosts refund decision, and find you somewhere else to stay.

GasPanic · 16/04/2025 11:09

I would expect hassle free parking on private land. Not having to do a battle with the general public for spaces, especially if it is in an area known for parking issues.

I would report, for your benefit and everyone elses. I am actually surprised they have gotten away with this so far if parking is such a hassle.

cramptramp · 16/04/2025 11:08

I’d report this to Airbnb as well as leaving a bad review. The owners are CF of the highest order.

Fraaances · 16/04/2025 11:07

In what world is the street “on premises”… ? Two vastly different things IMO. Take it up with Airbnb and let them know it was falsely advertised.

SingWithMeJustForToday · 16/04/2025 11:07

When did you arrive?

You need to let AirBnB know within 72 hours - so you can't wait until you get home, unless you're off imminently.

BobbyBiscuits · 16/04/2025 11:06

The public street is not part of the premises?! They are a liar and misleading. Nobody would ever expect it to simply means on street parking. It means actually on the land owned as part of the property. I'd be wanting a discount. And complain to make them change the wording.

CarlaH · 16/04/2025 11:05

I would be inclined to play the disability card regarding your friend's mobility or rather lack of it.

You need a property with a dedicated parking space, asked to check and you were lied to.

You deserve a full refund and should leave a review making it very clear so that nobody else ends up in your position.

CanOfMangoTango · 16/04/2025 11:03

Yeah the host lied.

On premises would mean a driveway or a dedicated space for the accommodation.

Good luck.

beetr00 · 16/04/2025 11:02

@Puzzledandpissedoff

There is recourse

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/help/article/3218

Key points to remember:
Time limit: Guests must report issues to Airbnb within 72 hours of discovery.

Evidence: Provide clear evidence, such as photos and videos, to support your claim.

AirCover: Airbnb's protection program, AirCover, helps to resolve issues with inaccurate listings and other problems.

Resolution Center: Airbnb's Resolution Center can be used to mediate disputes if you can't resolve the issue with the host.

Miaowzabella · 16/04/2025 11:02

You haven't misinterpreted anything. The host has blatantly lied and is now trying to brazen it out.

FortyElephants · 16/04/2025 11:02

Bluevelvetsofa · 16/04/2025 10:54

There’s a difference between the 5 star reviews organisations post on their website and the reviews you find if you dig deeper.

Nope, not with Airbnb. The reviews are all posted, in chronological order, good and bad.

FortyElephants · 16/04/2025 11:01

Puzzledandpissedoff · 16/04/2025 10:37

We're here until the 24th - it's France so no Premier Inns, though they have others

Only thing is that if the host wouldn't refund - and it seems unlikely since she's putting all the blame on us for "misinterpreting" - it would be difficult for my friend to afford another wodge of cash to stay somewhere else

Edited to add tthat yes there are 24/7 car parks, @FortyElephants, but you don't want to know about the prices Shock
In any case they're not that nearby and would be an issue with my friend's mobility; the car really is necessary, hence our care in checking

Edited
Show quote history

Understandable. If I were you I would contact Airbnb today, explain the situation and ask their agreement to fund the cost of car parking. Then you can drop your friend at the accommodation and walk back from the car park yourself.

JohnAmendAll · 16/04/2025 10:59

They're taking the piss. I'd want a refund of part of what I paid and/or I'd be on to Trading Standards about misrepresentation.

Original poster
Puzzledandpissedoff · 16/04/2025 10:58

Off out now, so as said please don't anyone think me rude if I don't reply for a while

Before going though, the host's French but writes perfect English so I very much doubt she'd have misunderstood what we were asking

The question to clarify was whether the parking really was onsite, and the answer was "yes it's on the premises" - only when the arrival instructions were sent 48 hours before leaving there was (unsurprisingly) no further mention of where the car would go

OP posts:
veggie50 · 16/04/2025 10:57

The host has misled you and you should be entitled to cancel the contract. I'd look for alternative accommodation nearby and if there are others available, contact airbnb customer service to see if they will let you cancel the rest of the holiday so you can move to another more suitable one and give you a partial refund for the the days you've already stayed. The worst they can say is "no". Good luck!

LlynTegid · 16/04/2025 10:56

I don't think it is a translation issue. It is a lie, nothing else. What I don't know is consumer law in France and how it would treat such things.

GirlWhatHaveYouDoneYoureAPinkPonyGirl · 16/04/2025 10:55

Yep that is misleading

Bluevelvetsofa · 16/04/2025 10:54

There’s a difference between the 5 star reviews organisations post on their website and the reviews you find if you dig deeper.

Lovemycat2023 · 16/04/2025 10:52

Sounds like a deliberate mis-description because they know it would put people off otherwise. Sounds very stressful for what should be a relaxing holiday.