The surprising truth behind those perfect holiday rental reviews
With summer holidays fast approaching, families and couples across the country are eagerly searching for the perfect holiday rental. As booking platforms showcase stunning villas with infinity pools and charming apartments with panoramic views, expectations will be running high for that dream getaway.
But according to Javier Sobrino, Founder of Descubriendo Viajes, a Spanish travel platform specialising in curated accommodations, a growing number of travellers are falling victim to sophisticated scams and misleading listings, leading to disappointing – and sometimes dangerous – holiday experiences.
“The excitement of booking a beautiful property can quickly cloud judgment,” warns Sobrino, who has spent over a decade exploring Spain’s most distinctive accommodations. “Most people don’t realise that what appears to be a trustworthy listing might be hiding serious problems that could turn your dream holiday into a nightmare.”
The ONE Thing You Shouldn’t Trust When Booking Holiday Rentals
After reviewing thousands of properties across Spain and hearing countless traveller stories, Sobrino has identified the single biggest pitfall for holiday bookers: placing too much trust in online reviews.
“One of the riskiest things travellers do is blindly trust online reviews when booking holiday rentals,” Sobrino reveals. “What many of them don’t realise is that review systems are increasingly compromised by fake feedback – often written by property owners themselves, paid reviewers, or even generated by AI.”
Recent findings show that up to 30% of online reviews for holiday properties could be fabricated. These fake reviews typically feature overly positive language, vague descriptions, and suspiciously similar writing styles across multiple posts.
“I’ve personally encountered properties with glowing five-star reviews that turned out to be nothing like their descriptions,” says Sobrino. “From missing amenities to poor cleanliness standards and even safety issues – the disappointment can be significant.”
What To Do Instead: 5 Smart Alternatives To Trusting Reviews
Instead of relying solely on reviews, Sobrino recommends these practical steps to ensure your holiday rental lives up to expectations:
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Search For Real Guest Photos
“Always look beyond the professional photos provided by the property owner,” Sobrino advises. “Search social media for images tagged at that location, or ask the host directly for unedited photos from previous guests.”
Real guest photos often reveal the true condition of the property, including any maintenance issues or outdated furnishings that might not appear in staged marketing images.
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Cross-Reference Across Multiple Platforms
Don’t limit your research to a single booking site. Compare listings across different platforms to spot inconsistencies.
“If a property is listed on multiple sites with dramatically different ratings or descriptions, that’s a major red flag,” says Sobrino. “Also check if the property appears on Google Maps at the stated address – you’d be surprised how many don’t exist where they claim to be.”
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Make Direct Contact Before Booking
Establishing direct communication with the host can reveal much about their responsiveness and attention to detail.
“Ask specific questions about the property that aren’t covered in the listing,” Sobrino suggests. “A legitimate host will be happy to provide detailed answers, while scammers often give vague responses or try to rush you into booking.”
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Use Street View To Check The Location
“One of the simplest yet most effective checks is to view the property’s surroundings using Google Street View,” Sobrino explains. “This helps verify if the beachfront property is actually near the beach, or if that ‘quiet neighbourhood’ is next to a busy highway.”
This step can help you avoid misleading location descriptions that claim a property is “just steps from the beach” when it’s actually a 20-minute walk away.
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Verify The Booking Platform’s Protection Policies
Before confirming any reservation, understand what protections you have if something goes wrong.
“Always book through platforms with clear refund policies and customer service,” says Sobrino. “Avoid direct payments or wire transfers, as these offer little recourse if the rental turns out to be fraudulent.”
Javier Sobrino, Founder of Descubriendo Viajes, comments:
“The sophistication of fake reviews has reached alarming levels with AI-generated feedback that’s nearly impossible to distinguish from genuine comments. During peak booking seasons like now, the problem intensifies as property owners compete for premium summer rates.
“Look for suspicious patterns in reviews, such as those that mention the same features with slightly different wording or posted within a short timeframe. Authentic reviews typically include both positives and negatives, while fake ones paint an unrealistically perfect picture.
“Be especially wary of luxury properties offered at bargain prices, particularly in popular coastal destinations. These are classic bait for scams that target eager holiday-makers. Trust your instincts; if something feels off about a listing or your communication with a host, it’s better to walk away than risk your holiday time and money.”