A pair of Australian holidaymakers found themselves in an extraordinary situation after checking into a lavish wedding venue instead of a hotel during a trip to Italy.
Matt Hey, a content creator from Sydney known on TikTok as @alright.hey, shared the mishap with his followers in a viral video that has since amassed over 8 million views.
He and his partner had just arrived in Sorrento after touring through London, Rome, and Pisa when they moved on to what they believed was a high-end hotel.
The video, which follows the couple’s surreal check-in experience at Villa Antiche Mura Relais, is accompanied by a caption that reads: ‘We accidentally booked an entire wedding venue thinking it was a regular hotel.’
In the clip, Matt narrates their arrival through a long stone path lined with manicured gardens, trees and colourful flowers.
He noted the ‘nice and peaceful’ atmosphere of the grounds, though he admitted he’d thought: ‘I’m baffled. This is a bit weird. I’ve not seen anyone yet.’
Things got stranger when they reached what Matt initially thought was a reception building, only to find a villa resembling someone’s private home.
After walking around the property, they were met with a cliffside terrace featuring white lanterns, linen-draped tables, and what appeared to be a wedding setup.
As they continued exploring, they discovered an outdoor dance floor complete with a bar, white tables and ivory drapes across the ceiling.
Not completely convinced at the time, Matt recalled: ‘I’m all spaced out. I’m like, maybe this is a common area and there must be little villas.’
He explained that their only check-in interaction involved a staff member taking a photo of their passports and handing over a single key – no front desk and no other guests.
Inside, the villa was decked out with more formal tables, and after the staff casually asked the couple which one they’d like to use, that’s when it clicked that it was a wedding venue.
Matt hilariously concluded: ‘We could have done something with this – but darling, I could have done with the Mercure! I didn’t need all this!’
In a caption below the video, Matt admitted: ‘Trust us to not read the description properly. we thought we were checking into a hotel or resort.. turns out it’s a private wedding venue and there’s no one else in sight!’
The video drew some skepticism online, with some viewers accusing Matt of staging the clip to promote the venue, though he dismissed the claims in a follow-up clip, insisting the mistake was genuine.
He reiterated that he and his partner spent AU$600 (around £290) per night through Expedia for a two-night stay in a Classic Balcony Room at the venue, treating themselves after travelling ‘relatively frugally’ earlier in their European adventure.
While the setting was evidently stunning, Matt noted there were no staff for the bar, no room service, and no easy access to restaurants or shops.
He also mentioned that he and his partner may have been able to book the venue as he claimed it’s ‘bad luck’ in Italy to wed on Tuesdays, which is the day the couple had checked in.
On Villa Antiche Mura Relais’ website, a description reads: ‘The Villa offers different romantic settings for your Sorrento wedding reception and special event.
‘Completely equipped for all the celebrations, we will personalize everything you desire with care and attention to details. Always at your disposal for all your requests. We are sure to make your special day memorable!’
The Daily Mail has reached out to Villa Antiche Mura Relais for further comment.
Meanwhile, 4,000 viewers were left both amused and bewildered as they shared their thoughts in the comments, as one wrote: ‘I’d be checking my email to make sure I booked it for $600 and not $6,000 or $60,000.’
Another commented: ‘Someone who wanted the venue for the same date is watching this like…’
A third recalled: ‘I booked a honeymoon suite by accident, aged 21 and single. Even got a bottle of wine and card congratulating me on my fictional wedding.’
