La Secousse

BEDBUGS & A CONCERNING HANDLING OF THE SITUATION BY STAFF Concerning the handling of a bedbug infestation: After our first night, we awoke with multiple bites and immediately informed the staff. Our concerns were dismissed, and no inspection or action was taken. After the second night, the problem worsened, with additional bites appearing. Despite raising the issue repeatedly, we were met with deflection and inappropriate comments such as: “Do not tell anyone.” “Why are you checking your bed—you’re supposed to be enjoying your vacation.” Complaints about having to manage staff. “You brought in the bedbugs.” These responses were deeply unprofessional. At a minimum, staff should have immediately inspected the premises and taken urgent steps to control the problem. While I understand that bedbugs can appear unexpectedly and are not necessarily within a hostel’s control, the way the situation was handled is entirely within your responsibility. Dismissing guest concerns and delaying inspection for over 36 hours—until after we had checked out—falls far below acceptable standards of hygiene, management, and customer care. The staff's inaction, dismissal, and lack of urgency over our concern also suggests that they may have known about the issue beforehand and chosen to accept new guests anyway. This inaction not only jeopardized current guests but also future visitors. Only after our departure did the staff confirm finding multiple bugs, further demonstrating the lack of timely intervention. The way this situation was handled raises serious concern that appropriate measures may not be in place to ensure that current and future guests are protected from exposure to the infestation to the best of the hostel’s ability. It is unfortunate, as the hostel itself is a beautiful space in an excellent location with great amenities. However, these positives are overshadowed when such a basic issue of cleanliness and guest safety is handled so poorly.