A mixed experience - Start strong, end carefully
We hired a motorhome from Bongo Holidays recently. The vehicle itself was in good condition — clean, modern, and well-equipped. Liam and Emma were generally friendly during the booking and handover process.
However, things changed after returning the motorhome due to a crack that was allegedly caused by me. They withheld the entire deposit — but be warned: they play the game reactively, and won’t return anything unless you chase them and prove your case. Had I not pursued it persistently, I’m quite certain the full deposit would have remained with them. Eventually, I received most of it back, but the process was unnecessarily draining and dragged out over almost 8 weeks.
In summary, I’d divide the experience into two possible paths:
1. If your documentation is watertight and you’ve got clear, detailed photos and videos of everything (especially at the start), things might go smoothly.
2. But if there’s the slightest uncertainty — say a photo isn’t crystal clear, or a tick box is marked without strong supporting evidence — expect to be challenged. They won’t make it easy, and it’s up to you to push for fairness.
I’m sure it can be a positive experience, but take this as a clear warning: any scratch or area you marked as “OK” on the initial checklist may later be used against you unless you can prove otherwise.
While this may be over for me, based on similar reviews I’ve read, it feels like their reputation will be harmed by their own approach. And while they may have kept a chunk of my deposit for their own benefit, I don’t see this as a sustainable way to run a business.
May 4, 2025
Unprompted review
