🍌 Even Nano Banana learned his lesson! He thought he had made a deal with the 'Rustic Cottage', but found himself in a scorching shack with eight-legged roommates. Since that day, he runs away from suspicious offers and books only where there is Roberto's seal of guarantee.

When a "Bargain Price" becomes a ruined holiday

I often talk to you about the beauties of Sardinia, but today, as an insider, I must talk about the "dark side" of online bookings. Right at the beginning of last season, I welcomed guests who weren't arriving happily from the airport, but were fleeing desperately from other accommodations. Their stories are a warning to everyone: what you see in photos doesn't always match reality.

The Penthouse in Alghero? No, a shack on the roof

The first episode concerns a Spanish couple. They had stayed with us, had a great time, and then continued their tour towards Alghero. A few hours after checking out, I saw them come back, shocked.

They had booked a "Penthouse" in Alghero. Upon arrival, the lady found herself in front of a prefabricated wooden shack hastily assembled on a scorching terrace. Inside? A wheezing air conditioner and worn-out sheets with holes. Despite the shock, the booking platform didn't immediately provide re-protection. The result? They preferred to lose their money, get back in the car, and return to Villa Malvasio. They told me: "Roberto, we came back because here we feel safe and we know it's truly clean."

Escaping cockroaches: two guys' adventure

The second case is even more serious. At 2:00 PM on a scorching afternoon, I found two young guys at my gate. They hadn't booked; they were asking for availability urgently. Their story? They had booked a holiday home at an "incredible price."

Upon their arrival, the owner wasn't there (the classic "Ghost Host"). He gave instructions over the phone to find the keys in a box. As soon as they opened the door, they were hit by a strong smell of mold. But the worst came when they turned on the light: the house was infested with cockroaches. They ran away immediately, coming to seek refuge with us, where hygiene is certified and the owner shows his face (and opens the gate!).

How to defend yourself: The Insider's Guide

These episodes happen when looking for extreme savings or not verifying credentials. Illegal or improvised tourism is a plague. That's why I wrote essential guides for your safety. Before booking anywhere, read them:

1. Beware of prices that are too low: Discover why saving too much is a warning sign in the article The Deception of the "Low Price": Why a €50 holiday risks costing you dearly.
2. Check legality (CIN and IUN): If the structure doesn't have these codes, you are taking a big risk. Read here: Holiday in Sardinia without scams: Look for the Regional IUN Code.
3. Recognizing fake ads: Learn to defend yourself with our guide on Common Scams in Tourist Rentals.

At Villa Malvasio, we don't just offer a Suite with Jacuzzi. We offer certainty. The certainty of finding what you booked, clean, sanitized, and legal. Your peace of mind is priceless.