The owner of a Victorian Airbnb property which has been rated the best vacation home in the country has been accused of using a ride-on device to harass and threaten a Melbourne-based sales manager who left a negative review of the luxury accommodation business on a travel website.
David Penman, 53, who operates Clifftop in Hepburn in Victoria’s spa country, was due to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this week after he allegedly sent a barrage of threatening messages to Matthew Taylor in June last year.
David Penman, accommodation operator in Hepburn Springs.Credit:Simon Schluter
Mr Taylor, who sells software to the construction industry, had booked a four-night stay at Clifftop in Hepburn which, according to his Airbnb page, has won numerous travel, hospitality and architectural awards and which costs $563 a night.
However, in a review on Tripadvisor, Mr Taylor claimed his booking was abruptly canceled following a minor dispute over the price of a second room.
“I said no problem, we were just inquiring because we were thinking of bringing our parents, but it may be beneficial to delete the contrary information on the website and I sent the link for their convenience.
“Here’s the kicker, not only did this aggressive man refuse to own up to his mistake and honor the offer, not only did he say no, he canceled our reservation without notice or conversation. I also have the email exchange to back it up,” he posted.
Mr Taylor, who declined to comment when contacted by agegave the vacation rental company a one-star rating out of a possible five.
The critics allegedly sparked a series of allegedly abusive and threatening messages from Mr Penman to Mr Taylor.
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