They checked into a hotel—and walked out with scars: what a $2M verdict means for travelers like you
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A hotel stay should be relaxing—a chance to unwind, explore, and recharge.
But for two California travelers, it turned into a nightmare that left them physically scarred and emotionally shaken.
Their experience ended not with a refund, but with a $2 million jury award—and a powerful warning for anyone planning a getaway.
The case highlights an uncomfortable truth: bed bugs are still a real threat in hotels today.
When management fails to act, the consequences can be devastating.
A stay gone wrong in Ventura, California
On February 7, 2020, Alvaro Gutierrez and Ramiro Sanchez checked into the Shores Inn, a beachside hotel near the Ventura Pier.
But instead of a peaceful night by the ocean, they were attacked by a swarm of bed bugs.
Court records say the insects “latched onto the Plaintiffs while they slept, sucked their blood until they were gorged, and resisted eradication.”
This wasn’t just a few bites.
Both men experienced serious physical reactions and emotional distress, including disfigurement, and required medical treatment after leaving the hotel.
Their attorney, Brian Virag, a bed bug litigation specialist, said the hotel had a long-standing infestation problem that management failed to resolve.
In fact, multiple online reviews had warned about bed bugs at the Shores Inn—warnings the hotel allegedly ignored.
A jury holds the hotel accountable
On May 23, a Los Angeles jury awarded $2 million in damages: $1 million in compensatory damages for emotional distress, pain, and disfigurement, and $1 million in punitive damages for negligence.
This is one of the largest bed bug-related jury awards in US history, sending a strong message to the hospitality industry: guest safety can’t be brushed aside.
Also read: What’s in your package? A shocking discovery inside an Amazon delivery!
The hotel may appeal—but the facts are clear
Shores Inn has since hired appellate attorney Wendy Lascher, suggesting they may challenge the verdict.
Meanwhile, controversy swirls around a note found in a juror’s notebook, alleging that two jurors had personal impressions of the hotel property.
But Virag remains confident, stating, “It is not uncommon that the losing party will attempt to appeal the decision of 12 members of the community. We will let the courts handle that.”
Why this matters beyond one hotel
Bed bugs aren’t just a nuisance—they can cause lasting physical and emotional trauma.
And they don’t only affect budget motels.
These pests can show up in any hotel, regardless of star rating, and they’re notoriously hard to get rid of.
The difference lies in how hotel management responds.
Ignoring complaints and cutting corners on pest control puts guests at risk—and as this case shows, it can come with a high price tag.
Also read: These seemingly harmless symptoms were actually warning signs of major health issues – find out what to look for!
How to protect yourself during hotel stays
No one wants to think about bed bugs while packing for a trip, but a few quick steps can make all the difference:
If you bring bed bugs home: what to do
If you suspect an infestation at home, here are some expert-recommended steps:
Gutierrez and Sanchez didn’t just suffer physical harm—the emotional damage was real.
Bed bug bites can lead to anxiety, insomnia, and ongoing fear, especially after a traumatic experience in what should have been a safe space.
That’s part of why juries take these cases seriously: it’s not only about bites—it’s about violated trust and long-term health.
Read next: “Aisle lice”: The new air travel annoyance everyone's talking about!
Have you ever experienced a hotel stay that didn’t go as planned? What steps do you take to stay safe while traveling? Share your tips, questions, or stories in the comments—your experience could help someone else avoid a travel nightmare!
But for two California travelers, it turned into a nightmare that left them physically scarred and emotionally shaken.
Their experience ended not with a refund, but with a $2 million jury award—and a powerful warning for anyone planning a getaway.
The case highlights an uncomfortable truth: bed bugs are still a real threat in hotels today.
When management fails to act, the consequences can be devastating.
A stay gone wrong in Ventura, California
On February 7, 2020, Alvaro Gutierrez and Ramiro Sanchez checked into the Shores Inn, a beachside hotel near the Ventura Pier.
But instead of a peaceful night by the ocean, they were attacked by a swarm of bed bugs.
Court records say the insects “latched onto the Plaintiffs while they slept, sucked their blood until they were gorged, and resisted eradication.”
This wasn’t just a few bites.
Both men experienced serious physical reactions and emotional distress, including disfigurement, and required medical treatment after leaving the hotel.
Their attorney, Brian Virag, a bed bug litigation specialist, said the hotel had a long-standing infestation problem that management failed to resolve.
In fact, multiple online reviews had warned about bed bugs at the Shores Inn—warnings the hotel allegedly ignored.
A jury holds the hotel accountable
On May 23, a Los Angeles jury awarded $2 million in damages: $1 million in compensatory damages for emotional distress, pain, and disfigurement, and $1 million in punitive damages for negligence.
This is one of the largest bed bug-related jury awards in US history, sending a strong message to the hospitality industry: guest safety can’t be brushed aside.
Also read: What’s in your package? A shocking discovery inside an Amazon delivery!
The hotel may appeal—but the facts are clear
Shores Inn has since hired appellate attorney Wendy Lascher, suggesting they may challenge the verdict.
Meanwhile, controversy swirls around a note found in a juror’s notebook, alleging that two jurors had personal impressions of the hotel property.
But Virag remains confident, stating, “It is not uncommon that the losing party will attempt to appeal the decision of 12 members of the community. We will let the courts handle that.”
Why this matters beyond one hotel
Bed bugs aren’t just a nuisance—they can cause lasting physical and emotional trauma.
And they don’t only affect budget motels.
These pests can show up in any hotel, regardless of star rating, and they’re notoriously hard to get rid of.
The difference lies in how hotel management responds.
Ignoring complaints and cutting corners on pest control puts guests at risk—and as this case shows, it can come with a high price tag.
Also read: These seemingly harmless symptoms were actually warning signs of major health issues – find out what to look for!
How to protect yourself during hotel stays
No one wants to think about bed bugs while packing for a trip, but a few quick steps can make all the difference:
- Inspect before unpacking: Pull back sheets and check the seams of the mattress and headboard for tiny brown bugs or black specks.
- Keep luggage off the floor: Use luggage racks or leave bags in the bathroom, where bed bugs are less likely to hide.
- Report issues immediately: If you suspect bed bugs, ask for a different room—or consider finding another hotel altogether.
- Document everything: Take photos of any bugs or bites and keep a record of communications with hotel staff.
- When you return home: Wash all clothes in hot water, dry them on high heat, and vacuum luggage thoroughly.
If you bring bed bugs home: what to do
If you suspect an infestation at home, here are some expert-recommended steps:
- Wash and dry all bedding and clothing on the highest heat settings (at least 140°F).
- Use a steamer on mattresses, couches, and cracks where bugs might hide.
- Vacuum thoroughly and dispose of the vacuum bag immediately.
- If the problem persists, call a licensed pest control professional.
Gutierrez and Sanchez didn’t just suffer physical harm—the emotional damage was real.
Bed bug bites can lead to anxiety, insomnia, and ongoing fear, especially after a traumatic experience in what should have been a safe space.
That’s part of why juries take these cases seriously: it’s not only about bites—it’s about violated trust and long-term health.
Read next: “Aisle lice”: The new air travel annoyance everyone's talking about!
Have you ever experienced a hotel stay that didn’t go as planned? What steps do you take to stay safe while traveling? Share your tips, questions, or stories in the comments—your experience could help someone else avoid a travel nightmare!
