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

[Puzzledandpissedoff]

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 ) 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

Yes, understandable. They basically lied about having parking on the premises

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
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

Ah, that's a shame. You've definitely not "misinterpreted". She's told an outright lie. Premises parking is not on street public parking.

I think it is the host's problem, in that it demonstrates that their convenient misinformation can have consequences which verge on discriminatory. If you emphasise this aspect to airBnb i think they will take it more seriously.

Have you contacted Airbnb? I’d do that now, tell them you have contacted the host and they have not been able to rectify the problem. You will be able to speak to someone. Is there another Airbnb available with parking nearby? You should be able to move and get a refund on the first place.

Another solution to suggest to Airbnb is that the host pays for car parking in the nearest car park. Not ideal but would you be able to drop your friend at the house and vice versa walk to get the car? Or do they need assistance to get indoors?

When you checked with the owner, what exactly did they say?

"Parking on premises" is definitely incorrect if the parking is on a public street, but they could reply that they clarified in your subsequent exchange. What was said in that?

Could it be a translation issue?

But that aside, I'd expect a place where I was able to park- that was reserved. And the 'on premise' bit to me would mean that the parking was part of the complex and was close.

Complain while you are still there.

Also, is the owner French? I would never be 100% sure that a French person would know what "on the premises" meant in an English context so would seek to ask the question in a way less open to misinterpretation.

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.

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

Yep that is misleading

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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

@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.

Yeah the host lied.

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

Good luck.

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.

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.

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.