A Frustrating Vacation: Katrin and Ulrich's Story
Troublesome Vacation Rental by the Baltic Sea Causes Annoyance to Neighbors
Kühlungsborn, Germany, is a popular spot for vacations, but things didn't go as planned for Katrin and Ulrich Schlegelmilch from Jena. Originally, they had a Rhine river cruise on the books, but it was cancelled just two weeks before their holiday. Determined not to waste their time off, they scrambled for a replacement and ended up with an expensive, lackluster apartment in Kühlungsborn.
Disappointing Reality vs. Internet Glam
The Schlegelmilchs were disappointed to find that the apartment didn't resemble the photos they saw online. The kitchen area, complete with a slow-heating stove and a mere six dishes, glasses, and cutlery, was right at the entrance. The coat rack consisted of nothing more than two wall hooks and a shoe tray for two pairs of shoes. The bathroom had a slow-draining shower and no shaving mirror, while the balcony was "filthy" with cigarette ash. The promised induction hob was actually a classic stove.
Worn-Out Furniture and Questionable Living Conditions
The furniture in the living area was worn out, while the 1.60-meter-wide double bed in the bedroom was hard to navigate due to the roof slope. The other bed had a broken slatted frame and a sagging mattress. They made do by storing their suitcases on the second double bed for the third and fourth person. Sleeping arrangements were cramped, with a single bedsheet available and no space for small items, forcing them to live out of their suitcases.
Pricey Parking and Lackluster Communication
The couple was also frustrated by the five-euro-per-day parking fee and the limited parking spaces. Communication with the property owner or manager was less than ideal, as they didn't want to complain.
"We have booked our regular apartment again for 2026. It is much better equipped, and above all, described truthfully. And it only costs half the price for the same period," said Katrin and Ulrich Schlegelmilch, expressing their dissatisfaction.
Common vacation rental issues often involve misrepresentation, cleanliness, missing or non-functional amenities, location issues, and poor communication. If you're looking for advice on how to avoid such problems, feel free to ask.
Despite their initial plans for a Rhine river cruise being cancelled, Katrin and Ulrich found themselves in a disappointing stay at a home-and-garden rental in Kühlungsborn, Germany. Their travel plans led them to a costly and underwhelming apartment, with a non-induction hob, worn-out furniture, and questionable living conditions. The couple's lifestyle during their vacation was far from the glamorous images shown online, with a cramped living space, outdated appliances, and a lack of amenities.
