Business · Companies · 4 hrs ago
Fake Booking.com reservations leave tourists without rooms at Venice hotel
The Antigo Trovatore hotel in Venice received more than 3,500 reservation emails overnight on October 6 and 7, but the bookings were not real.
The three-star hotel has 25 rooms and is close to St Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace.
Tourists had been drawn by offers costing about 25 euros per person per night, far below the room rates of up to 300 euros a night at this time.
Many discovered the problem only when they arrived, and some have waited for hours while trying to reach Booking.com.
The hotel says it was also a victim, and it is not yet clear whether the hacking happened on Booking.com’s platform or the hotel’s software.
Italian postal police are investigating how it happened.
Booking.com says it suspended the hotel listing and is working to find other accommodation for affected customers.
More than 3,500 fake reservations appeared for Venice’s Antigo Trovatore hotel, leaving tourists without rooms.
The emails arrived during the night of October 6 to 7, but the hotel said none of the reservations had actually been made.
Tourists were drawn by a low-price offer on Booking.com, including a room advertised for about 25 euros per person per night.
The hotel director said the hotel and its guests were victims, while Booking.com said it was investigating and helping relocate affected customers.
Italy’s Postal Police are investigating how the incident happened.
- Who
- Tourists who believed they had booked rooms at the Antigo Trovatore hotel; the hotel and Booking.com are also involved.
- What
- More than 3,500 emails confirmed reservations that the hotel said were not real.
- When
- The emails arrived during the night of October 6 to 7, 2026. Tourists began arriving on October 7.
- Where
- The Antigo Trovatore hotel in Venice, near St Mark’s Square.
- Why
- Tourists were attracted by a low-price offer on Booking.com. The source says investigators have not established whether the hack targeted Booking.com or the hotel’s software.
Antigo Trovatore hotel
Booking.com
Reservations
Antigo Trovatore hotel
The director said Booking.com cancelled real reservations without removing the fake ones, leaving the hotel unable to accept bookings.
Booking.com
Booking.com said it was relocating affected customers and providing support to the hotel.
More than 3,500 reservation emails arrived at the Antigo Trovatore, but the hotel said none of the bookings were real.
Tourists began arriving at the hotel with luggage, believing they had booked rooms.
Booking.com said it suspended the hotel listing, was relocating affected customers and was supporting the hotel.
Tourists were still arriving at the hotel and finding they had no valid reservations.
- Hotel
- Antigo Trovatore, a three-star hotel with 25 rooms
- Fake reservations
- More than 3,500
- Advertised price
- About 25 euros per person per night
- Current room price
- Up to 300 euros per night
- Location
- About a minute from St Mark’s Square
- Investigation
- Italy’s Postal Police are investigating the incident
What people are saying
Some people arrive very angry and attack us in harsh and aggressive tones. On one hand I understand their anger, but we are victims too.
We are investigating the illegal activity related to the Venice incident that involved our customers.
I saw this offer on Booking and trusted it.
When we explained the situation, Booking cancelled all the reservations, but did not reach the fake ones, with the result that all the real ones were cancelled and the possibility of booking was blocked.
Sources
Related news
Italian bank unions seek shorter hours and stronger welfare protections
Meloni says Italy’s 2026 growth could reach 1%
Italy forecasts 15.4 million cruise passengers in 2026, up 4.3%
EssilorLuxottica heir reveals drug struggles as rift with CEO grows
Fiat boss defends Grizzly name for new SUV
MPS calls emergency board meeting after Intesa bid changes
European markets rise as investors watch earnings and energy prices
Fiat officially prices the Grizzly at €20,000
Milan shares rise 0.75% as Avio and Stellantis lead gains
Stellantis chair John Elkann visits BYD stand at Paris auto show
Alfa Romeo looks beyond Italy for international growth
