New to AirBnB. Does this look legit to you? Help please x

[Tasha42]

I have never used AirBnB before but I have for some reason been given the job of organising a family break away for 15 people. I found this listing but before we part with any money I just wanted to run it by the forum. There are a couple of things making me wary. 

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/16732200?adults=9&children=5&check_in=2020-08-10&check_out=2020-08-14... 

First of all there are no reviews. Secondly it appears to be half the price on airbnb. It comes out at 2k for 4nights here whereas on trip advisor (where there are 70+ reviews but the owner is listed -and referred to within said reviews- as Mary) it is nearer 4k for the same dates! 

It does say on the airbnb listing that the owner is verified but I have no clue whether that would be a tricky thing for a con to fake their way through? 

Am I just being overly cautious do you think? 

[Ian-And-Anne-Marie0]

@Tasha42 

I'd say - grab a bargain while you can !

It may be new on Airbnb and they may have smart pricing set with a discount.

[Sarah977]

@Tasha42  When you say it works out to half the price on Airbnb, does that include the Airbnb booking fees and cleaning fee and extra guest fees and did you input the correct number of guests and the correct dates? If so, I'd echo @Ian-And-Anne-Marie0 - grab it. 

If you haven't inputted all that stuff, do so and see what it comes up for.

[Ian-And-Anne-Marie0]

@Sarah977 

The link shows the whole charges including booking fees and guests and dates.

[Tasha42]

Yes, I put in the correct number of guests and it added the cleaning and service fees. It's just weird that on here the owner is "David" and on the other site its Mary and nobody mentions David in any of it's reviews? I had no idea about their being the smart pricing so perhaps that's the reason it's such a bargain. 

[Tasha42]

Also, is it normal that in the 2 years since the host was verified there have been no reviews?

[Helen3]

Do you know what @Tasha42 

Although it looks legitimate it does feel a little off.

The price for that sort of accommodation in that area is so ridiculously cheap it feels a little unbelievable.  And who with any common sense advertises their place as being suitable for stag and hen parties. 

Also there are only photos of some of the rooms missing some of the key rooms.

I would drop a message to the host on airbnb and ask a few questions and see how he responds. Perhaps ask him if he also lists elsewhere and about some of the amenities.

If you aren't satisfied you could contact Mary on the other site.

[Kelly149]

@Tasha42 some of the terms listed aren't even remotely how ABB works

15% due at booking, non-refundable

300 security deposit and remaining amount due some time prior to arrival

.... this isn't how abb does things

also, it mentions additional contract required... I'd ask about that

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Tasha42 

I would contact Mary on trip advisor and ask her if she knews some David and if she has a listing on Airbnb

As @Kelly149 said a few things are off, it may be because the listing is new and the owner is not familiar with how Airbnb works;

To book Hafod Lodge there is an age restriction of 21 and over ( instant booking is on so if younger guests book it the host should cancel and it comes with penalties)

and a minimum booking size of 15 people on the weekends only. ( anyone can book for 1-16 guests and the host can do nothing about it. The price is 300 e for up to 10 guests and 20 more for each extra guest)

15% deposit of the balance to secure the booking (this is non-refundable) The remaining balance plus the £300 refundable bond will be due 8 weeks prior to arrival.

(it doesn't work this way)

[Lawrene0]

Everyone has good advice, @Tasha42 , and I will just add my condolences: Poor you! Booking for 15 for a family getaway?! 

I once booked for myself and a couple of sisters-in-law. 

I was never again trusted by them to book anything.

Hope it is a happy ending for you, too 😉

[Sarah977]

@Tasha42  After reading the other hosts' comments, I'll amend my advice. (I didn't take the time to actually look at the listing) Definitely contact Mary on her Trip advisor listing- someone may have just stolen her photos and listed this and it's a total scam.

When you're booking a getaway for 15 people, I think it's best to go with something that has a bunch of good reviews, not just go for the cheap places. With that many people involved, all making their travel plans, you want to be sure you get a good place with a proven track record. If it costs an extra $15 or $20 per person, seems worth it for the security of having some assurance that it's a good place and not some scam.