Brazilians book accommodation in France and discover it's a nursing home

A group of three Brazilian friends who traveled to Marseille, France, on vacation discovered that the accommodation they booked online actually operated inside a retirement home. Lara Miranda, Vinícius Nigro Paro, and Patricia Perrote documented their daily routine at the location and their interaction with the permanent residents after the discovery made on August 9. The videos posted by the trio went viral on the internet and reached millions of views.

Unexpected discovery at the cafeteria door

The travelers booked the place through a hotel platform that did not specify that the address was a fully functioning nursing home. The group was looking for accommodation that was safe and had parking in Marseille, described in the account as one of the cities considered most dangerous in France. Upon arriving with their suitcases, the Brazilians were met with a cafeteria crowded with elderly people and decided to approach the situation with lightness and good humor. Images of the friends' reaction, published on Monday, August 10, surpassed 2.3 million views on Instagram alone.

Apartment structure and on-site activities

Despite functioning as a Long-Term Care Facility for the Elderly (LTCF), the accommodation offered a spacious area. The booked apartment featured two bedrooms, including an ensuite, a living room, two bathrooms, and a balcony with an outdoor table. According to one of the Brazilians' accounts, the establishment's facilities include a swimming pool, yoga classes, card games, dominoes, and puzzles. Guests could also request room service. "There's a yoga class, pool, they play cards, dominoes, puzzles, and can even order room service to host a gathering with friends," stated one of the group members.

Interaction with residents and wine with lunch

During their stay, the Brazilians interacted with the residents and even had lunch with them in the cafeteria. One of the travelers reported the experience: "A special hug to Dona Maria, who likes the soap opera 'Terra Nostra', and to Cristine, who invited us to lunch and even offered us wine with lunch." Dona Maria became one of the most beloved characters by followers tracking the videos. In one of the recordings, the elderly woman expressed her desire to show "the music from her time" to Lara. The following day, however, the resident no longer remembered the Brazilian, a contrast highlighted by the public as an affectionate moment.

Precautions when making online bookings

The case serves as a warning for travelers making online accommodation bookings. To avoid surprises upon arriving at the destination, it is recommended to check the most recent reviews left by other guests, verify the exact address of the accommodation on the map, and compare the official listing photos with images published by people who have already stayed there. The name of the institution and the booking platform used by the Brazilian trio were not publicly identified.

With information from CNN Brasil, SpaceMoney, CPG Click Petróleo e Gás.