A travel content creator, Hatty Morton, has warned fellow travellers sternly after she and her companions booked what they believed was a cosy Airbnb in Bali, only to discover a “nightmarish prison cell” instead. Morton’s shocking experience, which she documented on TikTok, has since gone viral, garnering over 1.5 million views and sparking discussions about the potential pitfalls of online rental listings.
On the 6th of August, Morton shared her unsettling experience with her TikTok followers, along with a visual tour of the disastrous Airbnb in Bali. Her video showcased a dimly lit room leading to a partially enclosed toilet and shower area, complete with drab cement walls and floors—the stark contrast between the advertised listing and the dismal reality disappointed viewers.
As she wrote on her TikTok video’s captions, Morton offered a cautionary note to her audience: “Gentle reminder: Always triple-check your Airbnbs when staying in Bali, just in case you end up in the same prison cell as we did that night.” She further revealed that the room cost over $50 per night and sarcastically added that it “did come with free bed bugs.”
In response to a comment requesting photos of the original Airbnb listing, Morton shared more insights in a follow-up video, where she captioned the experience as “HELL.” Astonishingly, the photos from the initial listing presented an inviting, brightly coloured room, mirroring the setup shown in Morton’s “actual” space. However, Morton’s camera lens exposed the harsh truth, unveiling grime on the bathroom walls and even a hole in the bathroom floor.
@hattymorton €50 a night too !!!!! (did come with free bed bugs tho) #traveltok #travellife #travelbali #bali #airbnb #airbnbbali #airbnbexperience #travelfail #backpacking ♬ original sound – samdromeda
Commenters on Morton’s TikTok expressed many emotions, some sharing their shock and dismay. “That’s so scary, omg,” one person commented, while another wrote, “The way my jaw hit the floor.”
However, not all commenters on Hatty Morton’s Tiktok were sympathetic. Some offered advice on avoiding similar incidents in the future. Many recommended booking a hotel instead of a rental property, emphasising the importance of thoroughly reading reviews before confirming a reservation.
Hatty Morton herself shared insights into the Airbnb listing’s deceptive appearance, noting, “The reviews for this one were like, ‘perfect place, so clean and lovely.'” In light of their ordeal, Morton and her group opted for a hotel, prioritising safety and comfort for the remainder of their stay in Bali.
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