Villa Maggie — Local services in Malgrate

Update on the response of Paola Combi, the host: 27.07.25

Dear Paola,

We want to emphasize that we are not trying to spread anything negative — we are simply sharing the truth about our experience. Everything we have written is based on facts and supported by evidence, including screenshots of the original website description at the time of our booking.

It is not true that we changed our mind. From the very beginning, we requested a full refund, as the apartment did not match what was advertised upon arrival. The partial refund of €345 was offered while we were in a difficult situation during our holiday and had to urgently book alternative accommodation at a higher cost. This was not a mutual or fair agreement.

We stand by everything we have previously stated and once again respectfully request the refund of the remaining amount — as compensation for the double cost of finding a new place to stay and the inconvenience and disappointment we experienced as a result.

We still hope this matter can be resolved properly. Until then, we reserve the right to continue sharing our story — honestly, factually, and respectfully.

Update – Still no response or proper resolution

Following our earlier review and our reply to the owner’s response, we have unfortunately received no further communication. The owner has remained silent, despite us providing clear evidence that the apartment description at the time of booking did not match reality.

The partial refund of €345 was accepted under pressure and was never the result of a mutual agreement. Since then, there has been no attempt to resolve this matter in a fair or professional way. We find this highly inappropriate and disappointing from a customer service perspective.

We want to make it clear that, for us, this matter is not closed. We will continue to stand by our position and speak out on all available channels until the remaining €345 is refunded. Fair communication and honest service are essential in the hospitality industry — something that, unfortunately, was lacking...

Disappointing experience with apartment Chocolat (Villa Maggie)

Update following the owner's response: In response to the owner's comment, I would like to clarify that the apartment description at the time of our booking still mentioned a kitchenette and a lake view. We have screenshots as evidence. The website was only updated after we submitted our complaint. The partial refund of €345 was accepted under pressure, but it was not the result of a mutual agreement. From the outset, we requested a full refund, as the apartment did not meet the features that were advertised. It is unfortunate that there has been no further willingness to resolve this fairly. We continue to expect the remaining €345 to be refunded in order to settle this matter properly. —————————————————————— We booked apartment Chocolat directly through the Villa Maggie website for a stay from July 19 to July 22, 2025. The listing clearly described an apartment with a kitchen, living area, and lake view — exactly what we were looking for.

Upon arrival, however, we discovered that the apartment consisted of only two bedrooms and a bathroom. There was no kitchen, no living space, and absolutely no view of the lake. This was entirely inconsistent with what was advertised at the time of booking.

We documented the discrepancy with screenshots of the original website description (before July 20) and the updated version (after July 20). Even The photo of the living space is also incorrect. Although the owner initially acknowledged the incorrect listing, we were only partially refunded (€345) of the €690 even though we were forced to urgently find alternative, more expensive accommodation.

Our holiday was significantly disrupted as a result, and our final, respectful request for a full refund has gone unanswered.

We are sharing our experience to prevent future guests from facing the same situation. What was promised on the website did not match reality — and the willingness to resolve the issue was very limited.

We strongly advise exercising caution when booking directly with this...

The (ground floor) apartment with plunge pool must be the best spot in Malgrate. Perfect place to while away a week or two. Paola is the consummate and charming owner, Lary her guy a smiling helpful pair of hands. Nothing too much trouble the beds are comfy, the shower great, the sun is warm, the jasmine fragrant, the air con and...