Myrtle Beach Couple Takes Legal Action Over Bed Bug Nightmare

News Summary

A Virginia couple is suing Marriott after encountering a bed bug infestation during their stay at Myrtle Beach’s OceanWatch Villas. Their vacation turned horrific when one of them suffered bites leading to medical treatment. The lawsuit, filed on April 7, 2025, claims negligence on the part of the rental company and property owners. The couple is seeking compensation for their ruined vacation, including medical costs. This incident highlights increasing concerns regarding bed bug cases in Myrtle Beach.

Myrtle Beach Couple Takes Legal Action Over Bed Bug Nightmare

In a tale that sounds more like a horror story than a vacation narrative, a Virginia couple is making headlines after encountering an unexpected and unwelcome guest during their stay in Myrtle Beach. Joseph Kirby from Arlington and Thuy Truong from Fairfax County planned a fun-filled getaway at Marriott’s OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes during the bustling Fourth of July weekend in 2024. However, they soon found themselves at the center of a bed bug debacle that led them to file a lawsuit against Marriott Ownership Resorts and the OceanWatch Villas Owners Association.

A Vacation Takes a Turn for the Worse

It was supposed to be a weekend filled with fireworks and beach fun, but tragedy struck on their very first night. Truong awakened in pain, only to discover that she had been bitten by pesky bed bugs. This infestation turned their romantic escape into a distressing ordeal, prompting the couple to take action. Upon realizing they couldn’t endure another night in the infested room, they alerted hotel management before ultimately deciding to cut their vacation short and head back home.

The Lawsuit: An Demand for Accountability

The couple officially filed their lawsuit on April 7, 2025, seeking compensation for their ordeal. Their attorney, Trevor Eddy, argues that the rental company and the owners’ association were negligent, claiming they should have taken proactive measures to identify and address the bed bug infestation. Eddy points out that hotel staff has a responsibility to conduct thorough inspections to prevent such situations from occurring, stressing that guests should be able to expect a clean and safe environment during their stay.

A Price Tag on Distress

With their vacation plans ruined, the couple is seeking damages to cover their financial losses. This includes the money spent on their hotel stay, non-refundable vacation expenses, and medical bills incurred as a result of the bites. Truong even required steroid treatment to manage the inflammation caused by the bed bug bites, adding to the couple’s stress and expenses.

Marriott’s Stance on the Incident

In response to the lawsuit, Marriott Vacations Worldwide stated they have stringent cleaning and maintenance protocols in place. The company emphasizes that situations like this are rare and views this occurrence as an isolated incident. However, many may wonder just how often these issues are truly reported and handled in the bustling tourist hotspot of Myrtle Beach.

The Growing Concern of Bed Bug Infestations

The Health Risks of Bed Bugs

While it’s essential to note that bed bugs do not transmit diseases, they can lead to allergic reactions and even skin infections following bites. The discomfort and health risks they pose are factors that should concern all hotel guests. Unfortunately, the South Carolina Department of Public Health has limited authority to regulate bed bug infestations within hotels and does not keep track of complaints from hospitality businesses. This lack of oversight has left many travelers worried about where they are laying their heads at night.

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for Travelers

As this couple navigates the legal system seeking justice, their story serves as a cautionary tale for all travelers planning vacations in the Myrtle Beach area. Knowing the signs of a bed bug infestation and being proactive about reporting issues can make a significant difference in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. As more and more people flock to the coast for their summer escapades, hopefully, hotels will heed these warnings and take necessary steps to keep their properties free from pests.

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Additional Resources

• WPDE: Virginia couple sues Myrtle Beach timeshare over bed bug infestation
• Myrtle Beach Online: Couple’s bed bug lawsuit
• Post and Courier: Bed bug complaints at Crown Reef Resort
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bed bug
• Myrtle Beach Sun News: Bed bug incident
• Google Search: Bed bugs in hotels