Discovering bedbugs in your hotel room can turn your stay into a nightmare! But what are your rights as a customer? Can you get a refund?
This article will provide you with most of the answers you need to travel informed!
Why are hotels particularly susceptible to bed bugs?
Hotels are environments conducive to infestations due to the high turnover of travelers.
Involuntary transmission via luggage is the primary vector of contamination. This affects all types of establishments, from luxury hotels to youth hostels.
How to quickly detect bed bugs in a hotel room?
Always inspect your room upon arrival, before unpacking your belongings:
- Black stains on the mattress
- Stings aligned on the skin
- Traces of blood
- Bedding inspection
- Visible insects : brown adults the size of an apple seed or whitish eggs
Tip: Use your phone's flashlight to illuminate dark corners.
What should you do immediately if you discover bed bugs in your hotel room?
Alert the reception and request a room change to a non-adjacent area.
Keep evidence: photograph any tracks, insects, and bites you may have, noting the date, time, and room number. Never place your luggage on the bed or the floor.
This documentation will be required to obtain a refund regarding the bed bug problem at the hotel.
Your rights: refunds, case law and possible compensation
The Civil Code (Article 1147) and the Tourism Code (Article L. 211-16) impose a strict liability obligation on hoteliers: to provide compliant accommodation. The presence of bedbugs constitutes a breach of contract, rendering them liable.
Case law concerning bedbugs in hotels consistently recognizes the harm suffered. The courts regularly award:
- A full refund for the night or stay
- Coverage of additional costs (dry cleaning, baggage handling, medical care)
- Compensation for bed bug infestation due to emotional distress (ruined vacation, stress)
According to the Court of Cassation, the establishment is liable even without proven fault on its part, as long as the service is not compliant.
Can one obtain compensation after a stay in an infested area?
Absolutely! A ruling by the Paris Local Court (2022) ordered a hotel to pay €800 in damages to a guest for an infested stay, in addition to a full refund. The non-pecuniary damages (stress, lost nights) were recognized.
To maximize your chances, put together a solid file with photos, a medical certificate if necessary, and invoices for expenses incurred.
Send a written complaint to management mentioning article L. 211-16 of the Tourism Code.
If your request is refused, contact the DGCCRF (French Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control) or the local court. Simply mentioning these options often encourages an amicable settlement.
How to avoid bringing bed bugs home after a trip?
Leave your luggage in a garage or on a balcony upon your return. Wash all clothing immediately at a minimum of 60°C or freeze it for 72 hours at -18°C.
Vacuum the suitcases and throw the bag in an outdoor bin.
For a professional diagnosis, you can call on a bed bug treatment expert in Lyon or in an area near your region, in order to get rid of them as quickly as possible!
Stay informed to travel safely
Bed bugs do not reflect a lack of hygiene, but knowing your rights allows you to demand a refund and compensation.
Traveling with information means traveling more peacefully!
This article was sponsored by a company or brand and does not reflect the editorial responsibility of the Simple & Bon website
