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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:
Jc2001 · 16/04/2025 10:21

Puzzledandpissedoff · 16/04/2025 10:20

Wow, thanks for so many replies everyone - I answered the first before even seeing all the otthers

To answer some of the questions I didn't already, yes the emails betweeen the host and I are there since you have to contact them via the Air B&B site.
There is indeed street parking outside, but it's rammed 24/7 which is what we expected - hence checking so carefully about "on the premises".
Previous reviews have made no mention of the parking at all and all are 5 star, which leads me to wonder if any have been removed ... do they do that?

Anyway the vast majority seem to feel IANBU so guess I'd better contact AirB&B.
Not looking forward to this TBH, and what the hell do I do if the host takes the hump and loccks us out or something? Hmm

Just wait until you get home

AmIHumanOrAmIAYeti · 16/04/2025 10:20

I’ve complained to Airbnb for similar before and been given credit.

Original poster
Puzzledandpissedoff · 16/04/2025 10:20

Wow, thanks for so many replies everyone - I answered the first before even seeing all the otthers

To answer some of the questions I didn't already, yes the emails betweeen the host and I are there since you have to contact them via the Air B&B site.
There is indeed street parking outside, but it's rammed 24/7 which is what we expected - hence checking so carefully about "on the premises".
Previous reviews have made no mention of the parking at all and all are 5 star, which leads me to wonder if any have been removed ... do they do that?

Anyway the vast majority seem to feel IANBU so guess I'd better contact AirB&B.
Not looking forward to this TBH, and what the hell do I do if the host takes the hump and loccks us out or something? Hmm

OP posts:
Dotjones · 16/04/2025 10:20

I suppose they're technically correct that parking is available on premises, just not their premises. It's misleading though at best. Forget that, it's a blatant lie. Put in a complaint to AirBnB and get your money back.

Jc2001 · 16/04/2025 10:19

SingWithMeJustForToday · 16/04/2025 10:04

I’m a bit torn.

Our house was sold with parking, it’s street parking with permits. We can usually park right outside but occasionally can’t. We’ve never spent 2 hours driving round for a space though..,

But legally; it has parking.

”Parking on premises”… is the street parking available right outside, but there’s currently someone else parked there? I’d still argue that’s not on the premises, though, to be honest. On the premises suggests it’s on their land, not public land.

How far away is the nearest car park? It’s not ideal but to save the rest of the holiday, could you park there and look to recover the costs?

Edited

It's not parking on premises though. It should be advertised as street parking

Flossflower · 16/04/2025 10:19

On Airbnb it usually says if parking is on the street. Definitely report.
Parking on the premises means on the premises that you are hiring.

beesandstrawberries · 16/04/2025 10:16

on premises I would assume means outside the property, drive, garage, allocated parking space. If it was street parking, it should say exactly that ‘street parking available’

GreenWheat · 16/04/2025 10:15

To me that's misleading because it's the difference between having a dedicated parking space versus having to rely on luck at getting one on the street. It should be made clear which of these it is. I would highlight that in your review.

Jungfraujoch · 16/04/2025 10:14

Jungfraujoch · 16/04/2025 10:10

My Airbnb has no parking on the premises. I make it very clear that parking is on the street and you may not always be able to park directly outside but will find a space further down the road. The host is wrong - street parking is not on their premises!

Meant to add report to Airbnb as you wouldn’t have booked if you’d known this. And be honest in your review. Take a pic of the road outside too so its clear its a public road not ‘on the premises’ . Airbnb like photos 😁

Livpool · 16/04/2025 10:12

I agree with you OP - have also seen this in Booking.com - if a place states parking I have to look into the actual listing, especially in places like Llandudno or the Lake District as I know parking there is bad. But if you didn’t know then you would have an issue when you arrived

OneAvidHazelQuoter · 16/04/2025 10:12

I'd have thought the same as you.

Parking on the premises is not the same as street parking.

Cheeky f-ers.

StrangerOnline · 16/04/2025 10:12

Parking on premises - I would definitely expect a driveway, or private land, or (very least) an allocated space.

Do challenge it, their description needs to be changed.
The fact that you queried it especially in advance should strengthen your case for a discount/rebate/partial refund.

user2848502016 · 16/04/2025 10:10

You’re right. I’ve had this before airBnB where a place had “private parking” which was actually a large lay-by outside the row of houses that was not actually reserved for each house, annoying!

bumbers1 · 16/04/2025 10:10

Definitely leave a poor review outlining this - as it will put other people off from choosing their property

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

I don't really want to disclose where we are, @Panfish, but there's honestly not much an image would help. It's a small block of apartments with a pair of huge drive gates which we hoped may be the vehicular entrance (you only get arrival/check in instructions 48 hours before leaving)

We checked this before booking too, and were told "yes the car is on the premises", except that behind the gates is a garden area that can't be used for parking

OP posts:
Jungfraujoch · 16/04/2025 10:10

My Airbnb has no parking on the premises. I make it very clear that parking is on the street and you may not always be able to park directly outside but will find a space further down the road. The host is wrong - street parking is not on their premises!

Kuretake · 16/04/2025 10:09

Are you in Brighton? At least there's lots to do that's walkable. Listing sounds very disingenuous though I'd be really pissed off too.

FortyElephants · 16/04/2025 10:09

Lovelysummerdays · 16/04/2025 10:05

It means to me there is parking. Allocated parking guarantees you a spot. Lots of hotels say parking at premises. It’s first come first serve though with no guarantee of a spot.

Parking on premises means ON the premises ie on land owned by the host. Not next to the premises on land owned by the council.

FortyElephants · 16/04/2025 10:08

SingWithMeJustForToday · 16/04/2025 10:04

I’m a bit torn.

Our house was sold with parking, it’s street parking with permits. We can usually park right outside but occasionally can’t. We’ve never spent 2 hours driving round for a space though..,

But legally; it has parking.

”Parking on premises”… is the street parking available right outside, but there’s currently someone else parked there? I’d still argue that’s not on the premises, though, to be honest. On the premises suggests it’s on their land, not public land.

How far away is the nearest car park? It’s not ideal but to save the rest of the holiday, could you park there and look to recover the costs?

Edited

Legally your house doesn't have parking! Parking means a drive or allocated space. Your house has a public road next to it as most houses do.

OhMyGiddyAunt · 16/04/2025 10:07

From what you've said I would have expected a driveway or allocated parking space.

Have any previous reviews mentioned it?

TheArcher · 16/04/2025 10:07

I’ve booked airbnb’s before that have specifically said that there is no allocated parking, only street parking, which everyone knows is a free for all. If it said parking on premises then that means exactly that, a private driveway in front, or maybe a reserved parking space somewhere. You are absolutely NOT being unreasonable here and I would raise this with Airbnb.

MissJeanBrodiesmother · 16/04/2025 10:07

Does it say at or on the premises? On means it is their private parking at could be interpreted as on street parking also.

pimplebum · 16/04/2025 10:06

I understand you rang / emailed and asked specifically if parking space was included ?

ask for the description to be altered tell them if you don’t you will write a review stating the difficulties you have had

Ask for a refund if you feel it’s spoilt your break

Lovelysummerdays · 16/04/2025 10:05

It means to me there is parking. Allocated parking guarantees you a spot. Lots of hotels say parking at premises. It’s first come first serve though with no guarantee of a spot.

Chemenger · 16/04/2025 10:04

Panfish · 16/04/2025 10:01

Can you post a pic

Of what? The OP driving round looking for a parking space?

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