Bedbugs in hotel - am I being unreasonable?

Emily88

Hi

Please bear with me, this may be long but I want to get the full story across!

Two days ago I returned from a trip abroad. On the last day I noticed 6/7 red spots on my arms and a few on my face. I thought maybe bedbugs, but (stupidly?) didn't want to make a fuss as it was the last day, the hotel had already been paid for in advance (through Hotwire) and quite honestly I could deal with a few minor bites, it happens.
Yesterday when I got home from work I noticed that many more of these spots had appeared. I counted over 100, lost count soon after!

This morning there were yet more spots, this time causing my arms and face to be very swollen. Some of them are now beginning to scar as they are extremely itchy and I must have scratched in my sleep. I had to call in sick to work to work due to having to see the doctor about it and extreme discomfort! The doctor confirmed these were indeed bed bug bites and they that could take up to a week to fully appear!

I contacted Hotwire with a polite email stating that I was happy with the service they had provided, but that I would like a refund for my stay (4 days) due to the trip being blighted by the bites and losing a days pay because of it. I didn't expect a refund of the full amount (maybe half?) as I know it isn't their fault but the hotels, and I realise I should have said something to the hotel staff whilst I was there (but I honestly didn't think it would get this bad!).

I have just recieved an email back saying that they can't refund the full amount as there is no way of them knowing that the bed bugs came from this hotel (the only one I stayed in) but have offered my 25 'Hotdollars', credit which can be used on their website for another hotel stay, equal to 25 US dollars.

Am I being unreasonable in thinking that this is inadequate considering the pain, discomfort and loss of wages I have been caused? (not to mention the grotesque physical appearance I have been left with!!)

I'm not the sort of person to demand compensation for every little thing (I've already said I don't expect the full amount back):o, normally I will just 'suck it up', but I don't feel I am being unreasonable in that one should expect not to be riddled with bites after a stay in a hotel. Or am I?

What would you do? Accept the 25 'Hotdollars' graciously or try to negotiate more? This would barely cover the cost of a meal on holiday, never mind a night in a hotel, and is about a quarter of the pay I have lost today. Can I ask them to investigate the room I stayed in so that they have evidence of the bed bugs? Aside from anything else I would hate to think of the next poor person ending up like me because they simply haven't bothered. Should I contact the hotel directly (even though I paid Hotwire and not them)?

Thanks!

Valli

so you noticed the bites while you were at the hotel but said nothing until you arrived home?

Your case would have been helped had you complained at the time.

Emily88

I know I realise now how stupid I was not to say anything

The thing is, I didn't want to make a fuss over a few bites as I could have dealt with that, and the hotel was fantastic in every other aspect so I just didn't see the point. I had no idea hundreds more would show up days later!

baza52

how long does a bed bug bite take to show up?
Have you had it confirmed that it IS bed bugs and not knats?

duchy

Don't want to alarm you but sounds like you may have transported them home with you if the bites are continuing you need to hot wash all the clothing that was in the case and all bedding.

"Abroad" is quite a large place -could you be more specific -certain places do have a reputation for bedbugs -New York springs to mind although personally I've never come across a single one there.

Hintza

Emily88 wrote: »

Am I being unreasonable in thinking that this is inadequate considering the pain, discomfort and loss of wages I have been caused? (not to mention the grotesque physical appearance I have been left with!!)

How do you know they were bedbugs? They could just as easilybe mozzys, fleas, midges etc.

Best not come up to Scotland then.

POPPYOSCAR

You say the doctor has confirmed they are bed bug bites but has he explained how he knows that?

Did you say to him I think they are bed bug bites and he simply agreed that they look like it?

If so they really could be anything,gnat bites, allergies etc.

To take it any further I think you would have to get some kind of medical report to put before the holiday company, they might take you more seriously then.

fluffnutter

More worrying than any right to complain to the hotel is the fact that it sounds like you've infected your own home. You noticed a few bites on your last day, now you have over 100. Bed bugs are incredibly transferable. I'd worry less about complaining to the hotel and more about getting your house fumigated

PollyOnAMission

I would second what others have said: get your own house investigated by a pest controller ASAP. It is frighteningly easy for bedbugs to accompany you home and start a new infestation. You need to start employing measures at home immediately. I sympathise with you

Emily88

Hi

Thanks for all the responses! I'll try and answer all questions (not got the hang of the quoting for more than one post!)...

-Apparently they can take a week to show, so this doesn't necessarily mean I've infected my home, but I' spent all yesterday washing everything on the hottest wash I could and will look out for signs of anything here!

-Not gnats/midges as there was nothing at all flying around the hotel room or even in the area (downtown Vancouver), ditto mosquitoes. I've travelled a lot to places where these creatures are very common and the bites are very different. I'm really trusting my own judgement on this one, and the doctor confirmed that they look more like bed bug bites than anything else she has seen (I guess they could be fleas, I'll look out for these too in case they've hitched a ride back with me!)

I think that answers everyone. Sounds like there's not really a lot I can do in terms of a refund, as I thought. On the bright side, the bites only affecting me now means it didn't ruin the holiday itself!

I guess it's a risk we all take when staying in hotels!

The bites have calmed down a lot this morning (still all there, but very much less swollen! More like spots than massive blotches now, much easier to cover up )

Thanks again for all the responses

azzabazza

You should maybe consider putting a review on Trip Adviser. I recently changed a hotel booking due to Trip Adviser reviews stating there was a problem with bed bugs and some evidence of vermin!