Let’s be honest: who doesn't love the idea of a bargain? You scroll through Booking or Airbnb, see a house in Sardinia at a rock-bottom price, and your finger immediately hits "Book." You think: "I saved money, I was smart."

But are you sure you actually got a deal? In recent years, at Villa Malvasio, we have increasingly found ourselves welcoming "tourist refugees." These are couples or families who arrive at our doorstep at the last minute, tired and disappointed, having fled from properties that looked acceptable on paper but were a nightmare in reality.

The Myth of "Grandma's House" 
Sardinia is full of second homes. Often, these are inherited properties that have never been renovated, furnished with 1950s furniture (and not in a "chic vintage" way, but in a "worn out and broken" way), and put online without any real hospitality plan. The problem isn't the age of the furniture; it’s the lack of maintenance.

We’ve heard stories that would make anyone lose their desire to travel:

• Stained or moldy mattresses (hidden by sheets that only look clean).
• "Creative" structures (such as wooden garden sheds sold as "romantic annexes").
• The "Surprise" of discovering the apartment isn't exclusive, but the owner lives there, perhaps watching TV in the living room while you’re looking for privacy.

Let’s Do the Math (Numbers Don't Lie) 
How can a property afford to cost 50 or 60 euros a night? Simply put: it can't. If we subtract:

1. Taxes (which are now mandatory and tracked via the IUN code).
2. Portal commissions (up to 20%).
3. Energy costs (air conditioning, hot water).
4. Professional laundry (which guarantees hygiene).

What is left for the owner? Just a few pennies. To make any profit, the only way is to cut costs. How? By skipping maintenance, doing superficial cleaning, never changing mattresses, and saving on pest control (hence the sad stories of bugs or roaches).

The Price of Peace of Mind 
When you book at Villa Malvasio, the price you see isn't just for a bed. It is for a Guarantee.

• 
  Hygiene Guarantee: Our cleaning procedures are rigorous. There is no dust under the bed and no surprises in the closets.
• Property Guarantee:The pool is meticulously maintained, the parking is secure, and the furnishings are modern and designed for comfort, not salvaged from an attic.
• Professionalism Guarantee: You aren't entering a stranger's home. You are entering an Elegant Retreat with a staff trained to assist you, not invade your space.

Expert Advice When you see a price that is too low, always ask yourself: "What are they giving up to charge me so little?" Vacations are the most precious time of the year. Saving 30 euros a day only to spend 7 days with a backache or anxiety about hygiene is not a saving. It’s a terrible investment.

Choosing Villa Malvasio means choosing to treat yourself well. Because the true luxury today is the certainty of having no bad surprises.

Don't gamble with your holidays. Book safety.`