I reserved 4 nights in Strasbourg at Lumieres de la ville, a studio apartment. The website states that there are 3 apartments in this building. I used Xoom to send E71 deposit back inJUne. We are leaving in a few days and when I replyed to his email inquiring how to get the key etc... the owner hasn't answered my email. We will be arriving in a week or so and I am very nervous. His apartments are listed under Bed and Breakfast .com, when I called them they said it was my issue because I booked through him and have sent $. They did offer to have their office in France call him tomorrow morning. Has anyone ever booked one of these apartments and do you have any other suggestions? I always book directly through the inns/hostel website that we stay at and this is the first time that i am renting an apartment.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
The website has a telephone number. Why not call?
+36 1 502 0582
Posted by
Florida
1443 posts
It's probably not a scam since it is listed with what I understand to be a fairly reputable website (I've not used it myself). People sometimes get busy and overlook an email or maybe it fell victim to a spam filter somehow. Give them a call.
Posted by
Niagara, Ontario
1571 posts
It appears to be legitimate, just give a him a call. This site has a few reviews, hope it puts you at ease:
https://www.charme-traditions.com/fr/chambres-d-hotes/org/4080/les-lumieres-de-la-ville#guestbook
Posted by
Paris
9693 posts
It's a bit odd that the phone number is in Hungary for an apartment in Strasbourg . . .
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23342 posts
Maybe. I always thought it was red flag to book directly with the owner when it has been listed on a booking site and not go through the booking company (hotel direct bookings are excluded). And the booking site is correct. They have no responsibility since you didn't use them. Take them up on the offer to call. I would have talked about the key pick up long before now.
Posted by
OP
Huntersville
65 posts
I didn't call because I was concerned that I might not be able to understand him and I have booked/confirmed through email for several other trips without any trouble. I am definitely going to try to call tomorrow.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32921 posts
or a French number at +33 88 39 90 46
I agree that the first number on their website looks like a Hungarian number but I actually think it is a typo, as they put strange stuff in the brackets. For example the French number above has an additional 88 in brackets which I deleted, the +36 in the other number is +3 then 6 in brackets. I wouldn't jump to it being a scam, more likely a busy person who may not be completely focussed on communication.
Posted by
OP
Huntersville
65 posts
I called today and have it resolved thank you very much.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32921 posts
Great - which number did you use? Was he in Hungary?
Posted by
OP
Huntersville
65 posts
I called the first #, evidently the 6 means it is a cell phone. He will meet us at the apartment to let us in etc.. so I am guessing he is in Strasbourg. thanks again, leaving for airport in just a few hours very excited!!
Posted by
4556 posts
I've had hosts who feel no need to respond to emails about meeting times or key lockbox info until 48 hrs before, and seem puzzled anyone would even inquire until right before. Note that often the reason people let out their apartments is because they can't get steady work because they are peculiar.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Tom, that is hilarious! "...... they can't get steady work because they are peculiar."