Submitted by "Anonymous" on 07/31/2010

My husband stayed in the Dream Hotel the second week in June of 2010. He came home with bites on his legs. He did not go to the doctor for confirmation but upon further research, we found that the bites were consistent with bed bug bites.

It is best to remember to keep all luggage from the floor--placing luggage on a rack with smooth surfaces. Bed bugs don't like to climb on smooth surfaces. Remember to check for bedbugs prior to crawling in between the sheets. There are videos on line that are quite detailed on the subject. Bed bugs are very hardy and not to be under estimated.

Submitted by "Itchy in LA" on 06/03/2010

I stayed at the Dream Hotel from May 27 through May 30, 2010. In the afternoon of Sunday, May 30, 2010 after I checked out of the hotel, I began to scratch my legs and noticed they were covered in extremely itchy bug bites. On June 1, 2010 the bug bites became inflamed and the discomfort increased. I began to research what the symptoms of bed bugs bites are and determined that bed bugs were the cause of my discomfort. In addition, my research led me to various articles documenting the current bed bug epidemic in New York City, including at some of the most upscale hotels. I went to my Doctor on June 2, 2010 who confirmed me the bites on my legs were consistent with bed bug bites. I called the hotel and asked for a complete refund which they refused to do. In fact, they claimed that I must have got them on the plane or from another source. Further to my research, I have had to spend 2 days off work washing all my clothes, throwing away my suitcase, and coping with the notion that if I brought back even 1 bed bug to my home, an infestation could occur in the near future. There is no way to tell if I have transported the bed bugs back with me. I am asking the BBB to assist me in getting a full refund from the hotel as soon as possible. I have asked my credit card company to dispute the hotel room charge. This issue ruined my vacation and has caused me emotional distress for the last several days. I understand that the hotel believes they have no bed bugs; however, it is highly unlikely I got these bites from another source according to my Doctor. I would think as a professional courtesy the hotel would refund my money so that they can take care of the problem without any negative press. However, I intend to pursue all legal avenues to get my money back, as this refusal to refund me is completely unacceptable. Paying over $1000 for the weekend only to leave with bed bug bites all over me is not something I am willing to accept. I can provide documentation and photos as evidence.