What was supposed to be a simple Florida getaway quickly spiraled into something that sounds more like a thriller than a vacation story. One couple’s Airbnb experience has gone viral for all the wrong reasons. Sadly, it’s the kind of situation that makes you rethink ever booking another Airbnb.
Tanyka Harold and her partner, Adani, arrived in South Florida expecting the usual: a place to unwind, drop their bags, and settle in. But things already felt slightly off when they realized the property they booked in Fort Lauderdale, Florida was actually located in nearby Plantation. Not ideal, but manageable… at first.
Then came the moment everything shifted. After entering the home using the code they were given, the couple headed into their assigned room. But when the door shut behind them, they quickly realized something was very wrong. They weren’t just inside the room; they were stuck there.
Couple Share Nightmare Experience At Florida Airbnb
According to Tanyka, the doorknob appeared to be installed incorrectly, with the locking mechanism positioned on the outside instead of inside the room. In other words, someone on the outside could lock them in. And that’s exactly how it felt.
With no way to open the door, the couple tried reaching out to the host. When texts didn’t work, they called, and that conversation didn’t exactly inspire confidence. Instead of immediate concern, the hosts reportedly questioned whether the situation was even possible. At one point, they suggested using a butter knife to try to get out.
Meanwhile, the couple could allegedly hear the hosts arguing in the background, which only added to the tension. At that point, you can imagine the anxiety levels were through the roof. And if the locked door wasn’t unsettling enough, the couple said there were other red flags around the property.
They noticed documents posted on the door that they believed were eviction notices. The room itself didn’t match the listing photos either. What looked polished online appeared unfinished in real life, with concrete surfaces and blacked-out windows that gave off a very eerie vibe.
Eventually, help arrived. Authorities and another individual were able to open the door, allowing the couple to finally leave the room. But by then, the damage was done. The experience left them shaken and with a lot of unanswered questions.
The Internet Is Shook
That’s the claim that really grabbed attention online. While there’s no confirmed evidence that anything criminal was actually intended, you can understand why the couple felt that way. Being physically unable to leave a room, especially in an unfamiliar place, is enough to send anyone into panic mode.
Airbnb ultimately issued a full refund, acknowledging that the situation clearly crossed a line. But for the couple, that wasn’t really the point. They believe the property deserves further scrutiny, and they’re not convinced this was just a simple mistake.
“House of horrors,” one person commented. “That’s scary! Glad y’all are good!” said another. “Ohhhhh absolutely not! I’m glad y’all are okay!” a third person weighed in. “This is crazy,” a fourth comment read.
Whether this was a bizarre accident or something more questionable, it highlights a bigger issue with short-term rentals. You’re trusting photos, descriptions, and strangers with your safety, and sometimes, that trust gets tested in ways you’d never expect.
Nina Franklin 
Ruby Roberts 
Dylan Cook 
