Australians are divided after seeing a backyard tent rented for more than $80 a night on a popular accommodation site.
A potential visitor to Sydney was looking at options on booking.com when they came across the unusual offer.
“I was just looking for accommodation for Saturday night and came across this 'hotel' – a tent in a random backyard,” the person said on social media before joking that it looked “tented.”
According to booking.com, the rental offers visitors their own 'soundproof tent', on the ground floor with a jacuzzi, terrace and flat-screen TV.
“Located in Doonside, 11 miles from Western Sydney Stadium… an outdoor tent, shared bathroom facilities and air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi,” the listing said.
'The property offers peaceful street views and is 25 km from Qudos Bank Arena and 25 km from Sydney Showground.
The tent has been set up in the back garden of a house in Doonside. Image: Booking.com
“The property offers peaceful street views and is 25km from Qudos Bank Arena and 25km from Sydney Showground,” the listing said.
'The homestay has a flat-screen TV. Towels and bed linen are provided at this homestay. This homestay is non-smoking and soundproof.'
While some commentators have sympathized with the need to make money amid the cost of living crisis, others have labeled the scheme an illegal cash grab that should be reported to the city council.
“Like they have council approval to begin with, who are the people in the house? So many questions!', someone replied.
“I would believe it, the cost of living crisis is real. People doing what they can to make more income,” wrote another.
'Can you share the link please? I would like to call the municipality,” said a third.
Other commentators turned their attention to conditions at homestays and wondered how visitors would survive the heat wave set to sweep through the city this week.
'It will be 43 degrees on Saturday and thunderstorms in parts of Sydney. The last place I would want to bake in a tent!', one person wrote.
'$86 to be boiled alive in a bed of your own juices!?!? Damn hell. Must be removed by the website as part of quality control.'
'Ha ha wow, this is daring. Asking $86 is also an absolute amount,” a third wrote.
While some commentators have sympathized with the need to make money amid the cost of living crisis, others have labeled the scheme an illegal cash grab that should be reported to the city council.
For a five-night stay Monday through Friday, the tent costs $247, but the owners charge higher rates for the weekend
The post received no shortage of comments, as other Aussies debated whether to stick with the booking at that price.
“I mean, it's a pretty good use of space, but damn $86 is a lot. You could rent a studio for one person in a more convenient area for the same price,” one person commented.
'People are renting tents in a lounge area for the long term! I think they thought, 'Why not?'” wrote another.
'Air conditioning, sound insulation and flat screen TV??! You can live a good life with these,” someone else joked.
For a five-night stay Monday through Friday, the tent costs $247, but the owners are asking for higher rates for the weekend.
The unique selling points certainly got people talking.
'Soundproof tent. Interesting,” one commenter noted.