I booked a non-refundable stay through Booking.com and had a very poor experience upon arrival. The accommodation conditions were far different from expectations and included multiple cleanliness and maintenance concerns that made the property feel uninhabitable. We left shortly after arrival and booked another hotel instead.
Over the following days, I repeatedly contacted the property requesting a refund since we never stayed there. Communication was frustrating and responses were inconsistent, with repeated delays and difficulty getting clear answers.
After receiving a review request from Booking.com, I submitted an honest negative review about the experience. Shortly afterward, the property contacted me and allegedly offered a full refund if I changed the review to a positive one.
I reported this interaction and provided evidence, including recordings and documentation, because it appeared to be an attempt to influence reviews. However, I was disappointed with how the situation was handled and felt that the resolution process placed too much reliance on the property itself.
The experience left me questioning how reliable online reviews are and whether review manipulation may be more common than many travelers realize.
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