1
Candice L -
2 years ago
WARNING - DO NOT BOOK. THIEF, con-artists, liar.
I paid upfront for my stay from 19 January 2020 - 24 January 2020 (through Booking.com): ZAR 1,991.96. I was asked to leave the property on 20 January 2020 - Lyle prefers to make space for 6 people who will be staying for 1 month and will earn him more money, but now I am in the way (despite having booked, paid and being confirmed first).
Naturally I feel unwelcome and agree to move to a nearby property he runs. I immediately feel unsafe, uncomfortable and hate the smell of smoke everywhere in this place. I call him, explain the situation and ask for a refund for the nights I didn't stay as I will rather find another safe place to go stay (where my business will be respected and valued).
I am told and texted that a refund will be made (yes - I have the WhatsApp chat proof and will share it with the world if you so wish!).
After surviving this traumatising experience in January, I follow up in February - suddenly a refund can't be made. I reach out to Booking.com for help - March they inform me that he has agreed to a partial refund and to send my banking details to him - I send it. Nothing. I follow up with him again in June - still nothing.
Lyle has officially stolen ZAR 1,200.00+ from me.
This solo, female traveler has been lied to, stolen from and taken advantage of by this liar. I've given him 5 months to own up to his promise - he still hasn't - now I am driven to write this review to warn others about this THIEF.
DO NOT BOOK. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
Further warnings:
You will get the small room in the front of the property despite the bigger room in the back being available (as many reviewers here point out that pictures don't match) but you only get that room next time you come visit (nice one, con-artist).
If you pay the full amount before arriving Lyle will ask you to leave before you stay the time. If you do not leave, he will move your stuff - see Patrick Gonzague's review (this is really concerning).
As many other guests indicate here, he will suggest moving you to this other 'guesthouse' in the area as an 'upgrade'. DO NOT GO! It is horrendous and he simply doesn't want you at his property. His charming words and smooth talking will lead you to believe you can trust him and that this is a nice property.
This is NOT AN UPGRADE! It smells like smoke, is dirty, has no private kitchen in the room I was offered (unless I stayed in that awful room for 1 day and then got moved to another disgusting room which apparently has a kitchen, but I can't verify because it was occupied by a family of Congolese who were busy having a party and smoking who knows what), and has horrible steep parking directly in the sun. Bishop Malawiar, the manager there also can't speak proper English and does not maintain the property (disgusting ash trays everywhere).
I called him, met up and explained that I feel unsafe, uncomfortable and would prefer a refund so that I may find another place to stay. He suggested another apartment (very far away and not in the area at all) and if not, he will refund. (Yes, I have this in the WhatsApp chat).
I left the awful property trusting Lyle to do a partial refund for the dates I didn't stay at his property as he said he would because "it's easy to do it".
5 months later still no refund. This man has LIED, STOLEN, TRAUMATISED and TAKEN ADVANTAGE of me.
This review will stay here until I get a refund, Lyle - you will have to trust that I remove it like I trusted you to do that refund we spoke and texted about.
Shame on you, your wife and business for taking advantage of a solo female traveler - disgusting. What an example you set as ex-United Nations (UN) Pretoria employee.
DO NOT FALL VICTIM to his lies! DO NOT leave until you have money IN YOUR ACCOUNT.
You will NOT get your money back. DO NOT stay here because of the price - you WILL LOSE money/property.
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. DO NOT BOOK. DO NOT BE A VICTIM.
Please, learn from my mistake.
If there are any other victims out there, please feel free to get in touch with me.
