Charles Hope Cambridge

I found the whole experience concerning and would advise caution. After booking through Booking.com, I was asked by email to send my passport or ID and a selfie, complete steps outside the platform, and make payment outside Booking.com. None of this was clearly mentioned in the listing, and the external website gave little information about how the process worked. The site’s check-in system failed with “booking not found.” When I asked about it, communication was repeatedly pushed away from Booking.com. I couldn’t proceed with the stay and had to find alternative accommodation at short notice, which was stressful and inconvenient. My refund request through the platform was declined promptly. Once Booking.com got involved, I was told the accommodation couldn’t confirm my reservation and the booking was cancelled for free. After that, I couldn’t leave a review through the usual Booking.com process, though it was still possible on another page there. I’d suggest keeping communication on booking platforms and documented, and avoiding email for sensitive documents like ID, since it isn’t a secure way to share personal information. Don’t give payment details outside the platform you used to book. If this happens, contact Booking.com support promptly and consider getting independent advice. It may also help others if experiences here are shared clearly and factually, with objective details, so reviews stay visible.