Hello,
I frequently use booking.com. No issues in 10 years.
Last weekend, I stayed in cottage. All fine. Pleasant stay.
Today, I received a request for £149 damages for a hob Ive apparently "smashed".
I contacted Booking.com immediately and refused the charge. I also messaged the owner to check if the message was meant for me.
She is adamant it was me and that no one had been in since.
I know its my word against theirs, but I hand on heart know I didn't damage anything. Upon checkout, I made sure everything was clean and tidy. Checked everything and left the key on the side as instructed.
Technically, the property was left unlocked. The site had 2 cottages and another family were occupying the other. I also assume cleaners would come in.
Its also weird because I looked at available cottages in the same area and the one I stayed in was unavailable as fully booked. I liked the area so was considering another stay the night before I left. If no one has been in there, not sure why it was booked.
Not sure where I stand with this and am honestly shocked about the claim. In future, I will film/timestamp relevant areas of the accommodation when I check in and out as proof.
Is there anything I can do in the meantime? Has honestly put me off staying in places. Never considered anything like this before. 😩