We just returned from a quick jaunt to New York City. We had a fabulous time visiting with friends, taking little Petunia to see Wicked on Broadway, eating some amazing food..... until I woke up after the first night with bites all over my right arm! Gross......I know! Do not be fooled into thinking that the bedbug epidemic in New York City is a thing of the past. I have now found several online reports filed this year (some as recently as earlier this month) which took place at our hotel, the Millenium Hilton on Church Street. To be honest I can't find a NYC hotel that doesn't have any bedbug reports. It didn't occur to me until we were already on our way home that the bites popping up all over my arm could be from bedbugs. They did not actually become horribly itchy until about 24 hours later so I didn't speak to anyone at the hotel while we were there. These are definitely not mosquito bites--I know what those look like. These are different and no prescription or cortisone cream will stop the itching. I have tried to contact a Millenium Hilton hotel manager by phone and no one will speak to me. I even left a voicemail for the manager prefaced with "Hello, I am not trying to obtain a refund. I simply wish to speak with a manager so that no one else gets bitten..." and so far no one from the hotel has returned my call.
To be clear--at the time I did not think to search for nor did I happen to see any actual bedbugs in our room, but I just cannot figure out what else this could be. I have never had an experience like this before in all of my travels. During our return I started to worry that we might bring bedbugs home with us, so I immediately washed all of our clothing in hot water and then threw away some non-washables AND my suitcase which had been on the floor next to my bed.
I would be hesitant to visit NYC again after this. I would surely have a nervous breakdown if my home became infested with bedbugs!
12 comments:
bedbugs are my biggest fear!
How awful. I think it is indefensible that nobody from the hotel called you. Perhaps a call to the health department is in order?
As for NYC, there is no way I would stop going there. There are lots of great hotels as you know. Just skip this particular hotel which is.....well....not so great.
I'm going myself in December. I'll have a martini for you and LP!!
ML
mlanesepic.blogspot.com
I agree with Sally - bed bugs are my biggest fear ever and I think I'd have a nervous breakdown! So happy you discovered the issue before you brought them into your house!
Yikes! That makes me itch. Every time I stay in a hotel, I look at the mattress. I think one of the signs is brownish red discoloration along the seams. Hope you get some relief!
Oh my goodness! I feel so bad for you, that's just awful. All the reports scare me to death...haven't been to NYC in a few years and am scared to go for the same reasons. I'd have to be committed if those creatures infested my home. Hang in there and I hope you are feeling better soon. XOXO
www.shopaholicinalabama.blogspot.com
Oh yuck! Not fun at all. I started thinking about this last Christmas when we had the same issue with a hotel....carrying our own plastic sheet and set of sheets with us, I would make room!
Ahh!! This is so awful! I didn't realize how bad bedbug bites were! I hope the hotel gets back to you- they really need to acknowledge what happened. Have you considered using homeaway.com? Granted bedbugs can be anywhere...but I've had great experiences with homeaway before...
You need to contact someone at NYC.Gov or the media. They will only resolve it if the media gets hold of a story.
I used to work for a resort and their failure to return your call is unacceptable! I would definitely call the State reg board over hotels!!
OMG!!! I feel horrible for you. You poor thing. I can't imagine how itchy that must be. I don't blame you for throwing out your suitcase.
Oh my Lord. I cannot imagine.
FYI - bedbugs are not only in New York. They are all over in all states and countries. As a matter of fact, it has been written in the media that they originated from Europe. Regardless, the point is that its the hotel, not the city. Don't stay at that hotel anymore.
Post a Comment