Holiday Home De Villiers

The website raises concerns too: the owner's photo appears to be taken from Google and is not actually him, and people shown as “Sarah” and “Damian Silva” do not exist. Several other pictures also look like stock or scraped images. We had paid in full months ahead for exclusive use of an entire three-bedroom villa in Hermanus over Christmas. Soon after arriving, we were told some parts were off limits, although this had not been disclosed in the listing or booking terms. We also later learned that CCTV was actively monitoring leisure areas, including the pool, without prior disclosure or consent. On Christmas Eve, two relatives visited briefly during the day and left that night. The owner still accused us of exceeding occupancy and demanded extra payment that was not in our contract. He sent private security to the property in an intimidating way, and the situation escalated when we refused to pay. He contacted police and falsely alleged trespassing. Officers checked our valid booking, confirmed we were lawfully staying there, and left. After midnight, private security returned. We then received messages threatening that “my people” would be sent if we didn't leave the next morning. Even after we asked that further communication go through our lawyer, the threats continued. With women, a baby and an elderly family member with us, we feared for our safety and left early on Christmas Day, despite having paid for a much longer stay. We were refunded for only 4 remaining nights, although we should have been refunded for 7. Whatever Graham says to justify his actions, consider whether you'd be comfortable with a host who threatens to “send his people” or says “I wil send 20 family members.” This has been formally documented with the police and attorneys. If being harassed, threatened and monitored by cameras around a pool would concern you, be cautious about booking this property through Booking.com.