Pro tip: don't trust those hostel booking sites with 'verified' photos

I booked a place in Lisbon based on the photos showing a clean kitchen and real beds... got there and it was a converted storage room with bunk beds touching the ceiling. The staff just shrugged and said 'the website handles the pictures.' I learned to always check Google Maps street view and recent reviews from the last month. Has anyone else been totally misled by those booking photos?

2 comments

2 Comments

hayes.oliver29d ago

I mean 'totally misled' feels a bit much. You're booking a cheap hostel in a big city, what did you really expect, a Marriott? Half the time those 'recent reviews' are just people complaining about free breakfast running out.

angela_kelly29d ago

Honestly, I don't get why people act like this is some massive betrayal. You booked the cheapest room in a city known for party hostels and you're shocked it wasn't a luxury suite? The staff even told you upfront that the website handles the photos, so what's the mystery. Google street view is fine but half the time it's years old too. People just love to act like they got scammed when really they just didn't do basic research before clicking "book now.