They ignored my scam alerts
Booking.com cancelled my booking after I refused to send money outside their platform to a private foreign bank account, despite the listing clearly stating “pay on arrival.” I repeatedly warned Booking.com that I believed this was a scam, but my concerns were ignored and the booking was automatically cancelled instead of properly investigated. This shows a serious lack of customer protection and over-reliance on automation when fraud concerns are raised.
Tracey Lumor
Thousands of stories out there on these…
Thousands of stories out there on these crooks. I had three experiences with them. Long stories, one booking by me where I paid for a hotel in France, then turned up at the hotel in France, no record of the booking had to pay hotel again. Booking.com kept my original payment, no refund. Then my son used my card to book a hotel in India to meet me where we were staying. , one of their top hotels - the Taj, I had gone on a luxury holiday after going through 6 months or cancer hell and treatments. Same problem/same story, no record of booking and I had to pay hotel direct again, our original card payment processed by booking.con and KEPT.. they refused a refund and our card co/bank refused to process a refund. Then recently my other son used our card in America for car hire in Atlanta, we turned up at the car hire company to collect car, no booking and no cars available. no response from booking.con, no refund. This time we fought them. The advantage we had was leverage through our card company. So far they have refunded us but with the proviso that if booking.com refute this they may have to charge us. The problem with these stories stems from the fact that the likes of big tech companies of Booking.com ilk get away with because they hide away globally and make themselves as uncontactable as possible. How do you hold a huge conglomerate to account.. These are akin to organised crime by billionaire investors, there is little to no consumer protection. Governments need to wake up these scams and protect the public. WARN EVERYONE ABOUT THESE CROOKS, for every ten transactions you will see at least one rip off. They need closing down. Consumers all around the world are being stolen from (Yes it is theft), they are raking in millions and millions, without this they would be bust. They are not alone, there are many big tech companies doing the same. All of what I have written is true. I run my own business in London and employ 40 people. I am not an idiot that they can rip off. There really needs to be a class action against these crooks.
Terence Bates
Customer services in non existent
Customer services in non existent Avoid making any bookings with them and use an alternative company. We booked an apartment in Manila and ended up having to sleep on a mattress in the living room. Booking.com did nothing about it and never even responded to my messages
Darren
Mafia
Booking.com claims that refunds from airlines will be paid back to the customer. In my case, the airline has confirmed in writing that the refund was sent to Booking.com — yet Booking.com has not paid the money onward.Customer service is effectively non-existent. All responses are automated templates that ignore the actual issue, the documentation provided, and direct questions. There is no real case handling, no accountability, and no resolution.This does not appear to be an isolated incident but a systemic issue, as evidenced by a large number of similar complaints from other customers. The pattern is consistent:Booking.com receives the refund — the customer never does.It is unacceptable and deeply concerning that a global company handles customer funds in this way. I strongly warn others against using Booking.com, especially for flights and refunds.If you are not prepared to fight to get your own money back, choose another provider.
Consumer
I advise against utilizing this…
I advise against utilizing this company's "book now, pay later" service. I reserved a trip and was informed of a cancellation deadline, which I met. Upon cancellation, I was assured there would be no charge. However, four days later, I was charged. This issue required a month of communication and submission of bank statements, only for the company to state they could not assist and that my cancellation was outside the permissible timeframe, despite my evidence to the contrary. The customer service is exceptionally poor; I experienced hold times of 45 minutes, followed by agents disconnecting the call, and my requests to speak with a manager were denied. I recommend booking directly with your desired hotel and avoiding this platform.
Keith Gordon-Hamilton
Booked a flight via Booking.com
Booked a flight via Booking.com, which was later cancelled by the airline. It’s been weeks and still no refund. Both Booking.com and the airline keep blaming each other. Very poor customer service — no clear updates and no accountability.
Reshma Balaraman
*Scam-like experience – No driver, no refund, no accountability from Booking.com Taxi!*:*
*Review:* I booked and *prepaid* for a transfer from *Cairo Airport to my hotel* via Booking.com Taxi (Reservation no. 191176425). When I arrived, there was *no driver* waiting, and I received *zero calls or messages* from anyone.I was forced to arrange alternative transport at my *own expense* – ironically with the *same taxi company* Booking.com had assigned. They were standing there, offering me a taxi, as if nothing had been arranged. A complete *scam setup*.Their system had already caused issues by *rejecting my flight details*, forcing me to cancel and rebook – meaning I paid *twice*.I submitted a formal complaint with solid evidence:- No call or message from the driver - Taxi receipt from another company - Call log screenshots proving no contactI only received an automatic response (Case no. 7508487) – and *no real reply or action* from support days later.Booking.com’s handling of this is *outrageous, unprofessional, and unacceptable*. Taking people’s money, failing to deliver the service, and then refusing responsibility is borderline fraud.
Hassan Abo Anas
Portman Hotel, Kilmarnock and Booking .com.........mmmm
I booked a room at the Portman Hotel , Kilmarnock more than 2 months ahead. 3 days before the booking I got an email cancelling it. All the other places in town were fully booked. The hotel gave a most cursory apology and no explanation. I had to book a hotel out of town at twice the cost. Booking .com offered £22.80 compensation and confirmed they would not charge a cancellation fee!! I spent about an hour on the phone trying to arrange this. You have no doubt read the other reviews, I'm not alone.....
James Grant
DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME WITH KATAK
Not surprised one bit with a score or 1.2! This was an exact message about the lack of a Wheelchair option using this awful excuse for a site.Absolutely disgraceful that in 2025 youCan not be bothered to place a tick box or ask a simple question about a wheelchair requirement. Has to be the worker unhelpful website towards a wheelchair user I have come across. You At as well send me every single airline telephone number to check they actually fly the plain so I can do your job for you . Absolutely ridiculous THEY FIND THE MONEY FORFLASHY ADVERTISING but couldn’t care a less about its passengers. We are nothing but a number!
Alcapo Bourne
They do not vet accommodation
They do not vet accommodation. We booked 2wks in Swan Hotel wellington Telford to find out it was more like a dose house. 7pm no staff so no bar etc, every night unless as on one occasion someone booked a meal so staff had to be there. Shared bathroom and only one towel for everyone who shared to use unless you carted towel from room back and forth. The quilts were disgusting as were pillows, we went and bought new pillows but never slept in the bed only on top thankfully. The meals were extortionate eg 2 sides of chips and a side of mac and cheese almost £22. No one checks rooms for rubbish in rooms not that there was a bin just a flimsy carrier bag. The bottle of hand wash well the bottle itself was at a minimum 5yr old so what was in these bottles mmm. I wish I could post the photos I took. nothing pat tested either so where's the safety checks. The instructions on door illegible they were so dirty and fire instructions were found when we were packing up face down on a shelf. This is unacceptable but can't email Booking.com or even get in touch to raise a complaint. I will never use Booking.Com again for the hole they put us in and 300 miles from home
Poppy
Reservar directamente con los hoteles
I made a reservation through Booking for two rooms, 4 adults and 2 children. I entered all the correct details on the platform, including the children’s ages. However, the confirmation I received only included 4 adults, with no mention of the children.When we arrived at the hotel, we were told that we had to pay extra for the 2 children, even though they were clearly included in the original booking request.It’s unacceptable that Booking does not forward the full guest information to the hotel, even when it is correctly entered by the customer. This lack of transparency caused us financial and emotional stress during our vacation.I hope Booking improves the communication between their platform and the accommodation providers, so other travelers won’t have to go through a similar situation.
ovidiu aconstantinese
Scam Alert – RAMCORE Harrods Apartment on Booking.com Is Fraudulent
Title: Scam Alert – RAMCORE Harrods Apartment on Booking.com Is FraudulentI am sharing this to warn others about a scam apartment listed on Booking.com under the name RAMCORE Harrods Apartment.We made our booking in good faith, trusting the credibility of Booking.com. The listing seemed legitimate, and when the so-called host requested full payment via direct bank transfer, we contacted Booking.com customer service. Shockingly, we were told that the host was verified, and it was safe to proceed with the transfer.Upon arrival at the listed address (which does physically exist), we were stopped at the gate and informed that there is no apartment for rent at that location. The staff told us that several people had shown up previously for the same reason – all victims of the same scam.This was not just a fraudulent host – it is a deliberate and repeated scam operation. Even worse, Booking.com is now refusing to take any responsibility, despite giving us incorrect guidance and allowing this listing on their platform.My message to others: • Do NOT book RAMCORE Harrods Apartment – it is a confirmed scam. • Do NOT transfer funds directly to hosts, even if Booking.com tells you it’s okay. • Booking.com failed to verify the listing properly and misled us into sending money to scammers. • I no longer trust Booking.com for listings managed by private hosts or those outside their secure payment system.We are filing an official complaint with UK police and calling on Booking.com to improve their verification and protection processes. Until then, I do not recommend using Booking.com for private rentals.Abdulla Almarzooqi0506442008
Slv Villa
Booking.com protects dishonest guests and silences honest hosts
Booking.com protects bad guests and silences honest hostsI’m extremely disappointed with how Booking.com treats hosts — not only by protecting problematic guests, but also by silencing us when we try to speak up.About two weeks ago, I reported a guest for serious misconduct: they booked for 3 adults and 1 child, but showed up with 6 adults and 2 children — completely violating house rules. They also deliberately damaged my appliances. I submitted full documentation and a damage claim through Booking.com, but it was declined without any clear explanation. I followed up twice asking for the reason — it’s been 3 days and no response at all.Even worse, when I checked the guest’s profile 13 days after checkout, it still says “no past misconduct reported.” How can this be? I submitted a report, I provided proof, and yet Booking.com continues to display false information about the guest. This misleads other hosts and protects guests who clearly don’t respect our homes.I also tried to share my experience on a Booking.com Host Facebook group — not to vent, but to warn other hosts. Shockingly, the admin blocked my post and silenced me. What kind of business is this, where hosts are punished for speaking the truth?Booking.com consistently sides with guests, even those who break the rules and damage property, while hosts are left without support, transparency, or the ability to protect each other through honest reviews.To make matters worse, this guest then left a false and retaliatory review. The review included clear lies, and it was obviously posted out of revenge after they were charged for three extra adult fees. I provided Booking.com with proof that the review was dishonest and harmful, but they refused to remove it, citing vague policies and completely ignoring the actual facts.Booking.com’s silence and inaction are not just disappointing — they are enabling abusive behavior and putting hosts at risk.
Teresa
I booked a hotel but I couldn't get…
I booked a hotel but I couldn't get there on time and decided to cancel 1 day befor I wrote to the hotel and try to wrote to booking.com. I couldn't get a response and all the mony is gone never try
LINNDI TV
This is a scam
This is a scam. I have a 1400DKK charge on my card from a period where I didn't travel. I've tried contacting customer service every day for eight days straight, and I keep getting the same 3 emails with automated barriers I can't pass, because I - for obvious reasons - don't have a I do not have a pin, confirmation or reservation number. Nor do I have Property name, Stay dates, Name of the booked room or Number of guests. BECAUSE I DIDN'T BOOK A STAY. Customer service is IMPOSSIBLE to get through to.
Chris Overgaard Nielsen
We had two rooms booked in Miami
We had two rooms booked in Miami. We suddenly, after being booked for 11 days, got a notice that our reservations were cancelled, but that Booking.com would do so "at no cost to me " as if I was the responsible party. The location, listed as DTMiami, doesn't answer the phone, or whatsapp. Zero help from booking.com, and NO REFUND. These people are worse than lawyers.
Mikell Todd
Serious Health & Safety Issues - No Response from Booking.com
Reservation References: #4556932971 and #4672339890Location: Istanbul, TurkeyDates: November 10-19, 2024Issues Experienced:- Multiple days without water (documented with official notices)- Severe hygiene issues in building- Security incidents without response- Complete misrepresentation of propertyDespite formal complaints since November 21, 2024, Booking.com has failed to respond or take any action.Documentation available including:- Photos- Videos- Official water authority notices- All platform communicationsAs a long-term customer with perfect booking history, this level of service is unacceptable.
Felipe Chavarro Polania
Ref 40-470715574
Ref 40-470715574I booked flight Heathrow to Ushuaia costing £3407.99 booking.com cancelled the flight as they moved flights. This was 28th September I have phoned and complained daily, wrote to head office never received a reply. You are unable to escalate to manager. KLM have refunded to booking .com I have phoned them. Still no refund. I have gone into overdraft as had to book flight another company.
CAROLE
Dont expect ANY help if you dont get what you paid for
We have booked an apartment with a sea view. We got apartment below the level of the street looking in a wall. Booking did not provide compensation. Dont expect ANY help if what you get is not what you paid for.
Pavel Hilbert
BOOKING.COM NOT TRUSTWORTHY
BOOKING.COM NOT TRUSTWORTHYBooking.com offering Lufthansa Airfares they can not honour!On the 30th October 2024 I purchased through the Booking.com App a one way airfare from Linate, Italy to Copenhagen, Denmark via Frankfurt (Germany) at the offered airfare price of Euro 307,79 incl luggage and seat. My credit card was charged but I never got the confirmation of my airfare. To the contrary I got an email stipulating they could not sell the airfare at this price and I would get a refund within. 2-3 working days.That is illigal - you cannot charge for services you do not provide nor offer prices you can not deliver. The price is binding according to EU law thus Booking.com owes me my airfare and thge ballance between the actual airfares I purchased at about Euro 100 extra.Bottomline result - you only get hassle dealing with Booking.com - nobody will answer the phone nor want to communicate with you per email.Lousy company culture - and ultimately why should one use a lousy ‘broker’ who charges you for services you never get and sit on the money for three days and when you need help they are vanished.From now on I will never utilize your lousy service - and for the record you have untill 1800 hours today to reimburse me my money and my compensation for services you could not deliver.
Peter Hjorth