How to check your hotel room for bedbugs

Bedbugs in holiday accommodation in France, the US and the UK have been on the rise in recent years, making it more important than ever to check for an outbreak. 

Contrary to popular belief, these blood-suckers don’t only blight backpacker hostels - they like a fancy five-star hotel as much as the rest of us. If the itchy bites weren’t bad enough, an infestation can quickly spread if the pests hitch a ride on your clothing or luggage.

That’s why it’s a good idea to check your hotel room before settling in for the night. Read on for the tell-tale signs of bedbugs - and what to do if you get caught out.

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How to check a hotel for bedbugs 

Before you book, check reviews to see if guests have reported the hotel has bedbugs. Many reviews websites, like Tripadvisor, will let you search reviews of a specific property. 

As soon as you check-in, place your luggage in the bath or shower while you thoroughly inspect the room. Hard surfaces prevent bedbugs from hitching a ride.

Inspect the bed linen and mattress seams, along with any cracks in the headboard and bedframe. Adult bedbugs are 5mm long, reddish-brown and visible to the naked eye. Other signs include blood spots (from bites or squashing the bugs) or tiny eggs. These are pearly white in colour and around 1mm wide - the same size as a pinhead. 

Bedbugs love small, dark crevices meaning they can also hide out in curtain folds, under skirting boards or in the corners of carpets. A musty or sickly sweet smell, likened to coriander or overripe raspberries, is another giveaway.

Even once you’re satisfied the room is clear, consider hanging your clothes in the wardrobe rather than using the drawers. Or keep your belongings in sealed plastic bags for extra peace of mind. 

These are the best UK hotel chains and the best international hotel chains - rated by guests, including for cleanliness

What to do if you find bed bugs in your hotel room

Take photos and videos to document evidence of bugs or bites, then notify hotel staff. 

You should be offered an alternative room or, if one is not available, a refund. For more advice, see our guide on how to complain about your hotel accommodation. 

What are early signs of bedbugs

Waking up with itchy bites is often the first sign. Check to see if they are clustered together and forming lines – a classic sign of bedbugs rather than mosquitos. The insects can consume four times their body weight in less than 15 minutes. 

They aren’t known to spread disease, but you may need a mild steroid cream or antihistamine to relieve the itching. The NHS says to keep the affected area clean and cool, and avoid scratching to prevent infection.

How to get rid of bedbugs if you bring them home

Once bedbugs attach themselves to clothing or luggage, they can quickly infest a room, bus, train or plane.

To stop them spreading, tumble dry or launder the entire contents of your suitcase on a hot wash (ideally 60°C or higher). This will kill any persistent insects, eggs or larvae - but check labels to make sure you won't ruin your clothing.

Anything that can’t be washed should be placed in direct sunlight, put in the freezer or steam cleaned. 

If you’re unlucky enough to bring them home, see more advice on how to get rid of bedbugs. 

Your rights if you get bedbugs at a hotel

UK hotels are required to take reasonable steps to make sure guests are safe; this could include preventing bites from sleeping in infested beds. 

Make a claim through your hotel if you booked directly, or through your travel company if the accommodation was part of a package. If you booked with a foreign hotel, you will likely be subject to the laws of that country.

The strength of any claim will depend on how badly you were bitten and whether the bugs travelled home with you. If so, you may have racked up extra costs calling out pest control. 

Travel insurance should cover emergency medical treatment, if needed, but it’s unlikely to extend to loss of belongings or other expenses. Use our template letter to make a claim.