Bed Bugs

[thedisneymom]

My apologies for this question but being a bugaphobic I have to ask have there been any bed bug reports for PBH or other onsite hotels. Also, are there any conventions for the end of May or early June. Also, any old friends still here damo etc?

 

[damo]

Hey!!! I am here...still, lol.

I don't recall anyone coming and saying there were bedbugs. Someone did have ants last summer though! The thing with bedbugs is that you never know if you brought them with you unless you find them on the mattress when you just get in, of course.

There are always conventions but I think May and early June are sounding great other than Grad Bashes, etc. Fridays in May are also busy with school groups.

Welcome back!

 

[Mommytwotwins]

Working at a pest control co I underastand your concerns but the only thing you can really do it check your room out well! Pull of the corners of the sheets to check matress and check around the headboard. If you see anything that looks unusual just ask for a new room

 

[thedisneymom]

Thanks! All this talk of these bugs has made me paranoid. I have also seen many people traveling with their luggage in hefty contractor bags at the airport and they say they keep them in these tied up in their rooms. Some say they have checked their rooms and have seen nothing yet wake up with bites and welts. Oh boy! I just need a vacation. LOL

 

[Bluer101]

We always check when we first get in our room. We look at the edges of the mattress to see if there are little black dots or stains. We have never had any problems at RPR with bed bugs. There was a complaint on a travel site about 2 years ago and said one of the king suites had an issue but it was all fixed as reported. I'm sure the spray a lot being in the business with lots of beds.

We on the other hand had a problem about 5 years ago at an offsite hotel with what I believe was bed bugs. I did not have the issue but my wife kept waking up on the morning with 7-10 bites on her legs and arms. My son and I had nothing. I never knew about bed bugs at the time so we thought nothing of it.

 

[damo]

Thanks! All this talk of these bugs has made me paranoid. I have also seen many people traveling with their luggage in hefty contractor bags at the airport and they say they keep them in these tied up in their rooms. Some say they have checked their rooms and have seen nothing yet wake up with bites and welts. Oh boy! I just need a vacation. LOL

I think people mistake normal bug bites for bed bugs sometimes. If you are outdoors late at night, come straight in and go to bed, you aren't going to notice if you've been bitten by sand fleas or noseeums.

I check mattresses as well when we go in a room. I've never seen anything at the Uni resorts and we've stayed there a lot. I would imagine that housekeeping keeps a pretty good eye on things but since the bugs are hitch hikers, I would imagine it can be impossible to keep them out.

 

[nytimez]

Every major hotel will have them at times, it's how they respond -- and how quickly -- that's the important thing. I wouldn't let it affect my travel plans, just know that this is a possibility and you can dramatically lower your risk by simply inspecting the bed, mattress and headboard/nightstand area -- ideally with a flashlight, and before you open your bags or take anything out. If you see them, just tell the front desk and they'll give you a new room assignment.

Understand that the overall risk is low... but it's a risk nonetheless no matter where you stay these days.

 

[cheshireqt]

I saw your title and just knew there was going to be a sighting where we are planning to stay! Whew. Have not heard of any at the Universal Orlando hotels, but read to end.

This is what the bedbugregistry.com says:
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando
Orlando, FL
There are no bedbug encounters on record for this address.

and for Universals Hard Rock Hotel
5800 Universal Blvd
Orlando, FL
There are no bedbug encounters on record for this address.


And for you OP:
Portofino Bay Hotel
5601 Universal Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819-7880
There are no bedbug encounters on record for this address.

Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Studios
5601 Universal Blvd, Orlando, Fl, 32819-7831
Orlando, FL
Found 7 reports:
Out of those 7 reports only 1 actually saw bugs and that was in 2009, if that helps.

 

[gschmerl]

I don't trust that bedbug registry. Anyone can just go on there and say anything without any proof. If someone has something against a hotel they can just go on that site and say they experienced bed bugs there even if it's not true.

 

[Bluer101]

There was a report on trip advisor about bed bugs at RPR in a king suite years ago. I think it was 3600 the suite Robert stays in. I might try to find later and post. Who knows if it true or not. I will look later for it.

I think big companies like Universal and Loews Hotels would have a pretty good pest control system in place and if it happens they will take care of it asap. They cannot afford to have a bad rap.

 

[Bluer101]

Here is the link, it is the room Robert stays in. I have to say he would definitely know if there is any since he spends weeks in that room per year.

http://www.tripadvisor.ie/ShowUserR...ews_Royal_Pacific_Resort-Orlando_Florida.html

“Bed Bugs!!!There,and back Home with us!!! Awful!!!”

Date of review: 4 Jun 2009
4people found this review helpful
We stayed April 6th-9th,I noticed bites on my torso,and ankles second night I was there.I thought this was mosquitoes,Wrong!!! The place looks wonderful from the outside,Beware on the inside! I have been reading that Florida has a problem with Bed Bugs,management at Royal Pacific,is very disconnected with the customer! We stayed in King Suite #3600.Little over 600 sq feet.Alot of places for Bed Bugs to be hiding! My boys slept on the pull out sofa,we had the king bedroom.My son lives for Spring Break,and Universal!My wife was more in denial than anyone,that this lovely place,could bring us so much grief.Bed Bugs are a very real problem,and we have experienced a nightmare in our home.We drove straight to Florida from NC,and we drove straight back.Thinking more about this stay,we noticed a few times,what looked like "black crumbs"on the sheets.Wish we had not been so involved with our love of the adventure! Maybe we would have been able to avoid almost 3 weeks of agony,after we came home.My son brought them in,to the upstairs bedrooms,and we brought them in to the lower level of our home.Our bedrooms have carpet,thank god the rest of the house has hard wood floors! We had to throw away bedding,clothing,even the luggage!We all thought that they still may be in there,we were not willing to risk anymore attacks.This has been very embarassing for us.We did not want anyone to know.We did ask a neighbor to come over,who is also a dear friend.He identified them as bed bugs,told us to contact the management,and we finally did.My wife sent an email,that was quickly answered with basically making it look like we had brought them with us,not anything wrong there! We asked for a refund for the room,which would be for 4 nights,at about $1200.Not alot of money for such a great place,that's what we thought,and we always thought that Loews Hotels would have "our backs".NOT the case! Their message says, "You First",that is very far from the truth! It is "Loews First",they are perfect and they could never have Bed Bugs! Travelers,Beware! We waited until we were rid of our nightmare,to contact them.They obviously do not care about keeping a customer,they just want the money! My wife has been depressed,cried over their lack of sincerity,and unwillingness to make the obvious refund.I am waiting for an answer from Corporate,but I have negative feelings where that is concerned.Its not worth staying there for the perks of Universal,and have these little bed bug terrors,bite you,and follow you home.Be safe,and Be Aware!

Reviewer ratings for this hotel:
Cleanliness
Date of stay: April 2009
Visit was for: Leisure
Travelled with: Family with Teenagers
Member since: 20 August 2006
Recommended by this reviewer? No
Was this review helpful? Yes

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
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Management response from David Bartek, Manager
(Management representative)
5 Jun 2009
Dear TripAdvisor readers,

At Loews Hotels, we take customer service and guest satisfaction very seriously and we have looked into this customer’s complaint thoroughly.

Upon receipt of the original complaint, as per our standard procedure, we took the room (and neighboring rooms) out of service and had an external pest control service examine the premises for bed bugs. They found no evidence of bed bugs. If they had found any evidence, Loews Hotels would immediately have taken ownership of the problem and provided appropriate compensation to the guest.

We would also like to note that the guest contacted us about this issue a full month after their departure from the hotel. In between, we received no other complaints of bed bugs from guests who occupied this room. All of this information was provided to the guest when we denied the claim.

It is truly our aim for every guest to have a wonderful, memorable experience at Loews Hotels. We know that vacation time is precious and we value each customer and are thankful when they choose to stay with us. We are sorry that this customer had exposure to bed bugs after their stay, and we are hopeful they and others will consider Loews Hotels for any hotel needs in the future.

Diane Petit ,Loews Hotels

 

[damo]

That is such a bizarre report. Why would they complain so much but only a month later -- when they claim they had gotten rid of the bed bugs? Makes no sense. If someone was that upset, surely they would have complained immediately?

 

[Bluer101]

That is such a bizarre report. Why would they complain so much but only a month later -- when they claim they had gotten rid of the bed bugs? Makes no sense. If someone was that upset, surely they would have complained immediately?

Thats what I was thinking when I read it a few years ago. If something is wrong I would go down and tell the front desk immediately.



If you search google for PBH, HRH, and RPR with bed bugs you will pull up some stuff. But you never know how much is true or if bug bugs were to blame. People that come to Florida done realize that there is a lot of mosquitoes and no see um due to the high humidity and rain.

We live here and my wife gets bitten all the time. My wife, son, and I can all be outside and my wife comes in all bitten up. My son and I get nothing. It all depends on your body.

 

[damo]

Thats what I was thinking when I read it a few years ago. If something is wrong I would go down and tell the front desk immediately.



If you search google for PBH, HRH, and RPR with bed bugs you will pull up some stuff. But you never know how much is true or if bug bugs were to blame. People that come to Florida done realize that there is a lot of mosquitoes and no see um due to the high humidity and rain.

We live here and my wife gets bitten all the time. My wife, son, and I can all be outside and my wife comes in all bitten up. My son and I get nothing. It all depends on your body.

Exactly, the noseeums seem to cause different reactions in different people and sometimes the marks don't seem to show up until the next day. I'm sure that is the case with lots of bugs.

Can you imagine going to a hotel and staying 4 nights and then a month later calling them and telling them you want your money back because you think there were bedbugs? Wow!

 

[macraven]

There was a report on trip advisor about bed bugs at RPR in a king suite years ago. I think it was 3600 the suite Robert stays in. I might try to find later and post. Who knows if it true or not. I will look later for it.

I think big companies like Universal and Loews Hotels would have a pretty good pest control system in place and if it happens they will take care of it asap. They cannot afford to have a bad rap.

HEY.........that's my room too!!
robert gets it in july and i get it in october......
it's a king suite.


in the last 5 years at RPH, i have never ever ever seen a bug in that suite.
never.....(or in the earlier years when it first opened)

and, i 'll be back in that room for 9 nights come this october again.

i don't believe this room ever had a bug problem.

i just don't accept that.

now for the big AND.......if someone is not satisfied with the room for any reason, why did they wait one month after check out to complain on a public message board........
think about that.

one phone call to star service would have had a manager or assistant to that room.
i know that for a fact.

send robert a pm to come here.
you bet he will back me up.

 

[macraven]

King Suites

Our 670 square foot King Suite will make you feel like island royalty. You'll find a living room and separate bedroom featuring a king-size bed. The spacious living area offers ample room for your relaxation and entertainment, along with a pull-out sofa and a desk area. Both rooms feature an entertainment center with television and sitting areas.



the op stated the room was a little over 600 sq ft.
the above is on the hotel website for size.

the original review on trip advisor is about two years old.
it was posted on that board june 09 for a visit in may 09.

the follow up letter from management stated the action they took.
even though there was no proof of bugs, they still had it professionally cleaned besides the neighboring rooms.

it is a shame that one report of two years ago still gets this much attention.

i hope readers of Trip Advisor don't believe everything they read.
to mar the reputation of a company is evil.
totally uncalled for.

 

[Bluer101]

HEY.........that's my room too!!
robert gets it in july and i get it in october......
it's a king suite.


in the last 5 years at RPH, i have never ever ever seen a bug in that suite.
never.....(or in the earlier years when it first opened)

and, i 'll be back in that room for 9 nights come this october again.

i don't believe this room ever had a bug problem.

i just don't accept that.

now for the big AND.......if someone is not satisfied with the room for any reason, why did they wait one month after check out to complain on a public message board........
think about that.

one phone call to star service would have had a manager or assistant to that room.
i know that for a fact.

send robert a pm to come here.
you bet he will back me up.

Mac, sorry I forgot it was your room too.

I'm sure something is not right with that whole story. We have stayed a lot there in the past 4 years (the benefit of living in Florida) and have never had a problem.

 

[macraven]

Mac, sorry I forgot it was your room too.

I'm sure something is not right with that whole story. We have stayed a lot there in the past 4 years (the benefit of living in Florida) and have never had a problem.

you can have all the other months for that room......

it is my favorite.......


sorry i got carried away.
it just bothers me when peeps complain on public boards/Trip
Advisor/ and think nothing of hurting a company's reputation.

 

[Bluer101]

you can have all the other months for that room......

it is my favorite.......


sorry i got carried away.
it just bothers me when peeps complain on public boards/Trip
Advisor/ and think nothing of hurting a company's reputation.

I hear ya, we have always had a great experience at RPR even with minor problems.