UPDATED: Online booking service host receives backlash for sharing video on how she cancelled a guest’s booking hours before arrival

Picture: Unsplash

Picture: Unsplash

Published Feb 20, 2023

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Social media users have reacted with disdain towards a host who shared a video on how she and her co-host cancelled a guest’s stay at their guest house just hours before check-in.

The hosts, Qinisile Dlamini (@ladique) and her unnamed partner, received backlash from TikTok and Twitter users for their lack of decorum and the way they handled the guest.

In the video titled “She refused to take her money back!!”, Dlamini recounts how she had to be the bearer of bad news and cancel on the guest who had paid for a night’s stay because her co-host had received a longer booking that would generate a bigger profit.

“We had gotten this lady’s booking maybe like a week before she was supposed to check in. Her booking was for only one night, about R2 000 or something like that. The day before she was supposed to check in, I think he got a very big booking on his side, maybe like R8 000 or R10 000, now the obvious point is to cancel that booking,” said Dlamini.

Dlamini also revealed that the guest didn’t take the news of her stay being cancelled well and she refused their offer of getting her money back.

“Home girl refused. She did not want the money. She’s like I want that place! I’m like my sister I’m so sorry it’s not available, like I know it’s so messed up and I know I’m only telling you this. She’s like I want that place, I will call my lawyers,” said Dlamini.

The video made its way to Twitter with Palesa Mbali commenting: “There is no way this is right. Imagine your host cancelling on you in the morning because they got a better offer?? Or maybe I’m emotional as she says.”

Lynette Engelbrecht, said: “This is so messed up on so many levels and she posted this still not realising how wrong this is, the giggles and laughter are so infuriating too.”

The video on Dlamini’s TikTok has since been deleted.

However, she posted a new video apologising for the first video and reiterating that she did not leave the client stranded as she was given a bigger unit in the end.

@ladique Replying to @Emily_NCAPHE ♬ original sound - LadiQue

Airbnb has responded to the matter and distanced itself from the incident between the hosts and the guest.

Despite Dlamini marketing herself as an Airbnb host, the booking was actually made on Booking.com, which is also stated in Dlamini's apology video.