News Summary
Two visitors from Virginia have filed a lawsuit against Marriott Ownership Resorts after suffering a bed bug infestation during their stay at OceanWatch Villas in Myrtle Beach. The couple’s vacation turned into a distressing experience, leading to claims of negligence by the hotel management. They are seeking damages for financial losses incurred due to the infestation, continuing the trend of legal battles associated with bed bugs in Myrtle Beach hotels. As concerns grow, guests are reminded to be vigilant in choosing accommodations.
Myrtle Beach Residents Sue Marriott Over Bed Bug Nightmare
Myrtle Beach has long been a beloved vacation spot for families and couples, offering stunning beaches, thrilling amusement parks, and a vibrant nightlife. However, for two visitors from Virginia, their recent stay at Marriott’s OceanWatch Villas turned into a distressing experience, leading to a lawsuit that sheds light on a growing concern among hotels in the area.
Meet the Plaintiffs
Joseph Kirby from Arlington and Thuy Truong from Fairfax County filed their lawsuit against Marriott Ownership Resorts and the OceanWatch Villas Owners Association on April 7, 2025. They had rented a room at the OceanWatch Villas, part of the popular Marriott Vacations Club, designed for members looking to enjoy a slice of vacation heaven. Little did they know that their getaway would be tarnished by a bed bug infestation.
A Night to Forget
The couple checked in on July 5, 2024, excited to unwind and enjoy their vacation. However, their enthusiasm was short-lived. On their first night, they suffered from numerous itchy bites while they slept, quickly realizing they were not alone in the room. Bed bugs, those tiny unwanted pests, had crashed their vacation, turning what should have been a blissful retreat into a night of discomfort.
Taking Action
Upon discovering the unwelcome roommates, Kirby and Truong wasted no time in alerting the hotel management. They hoped for swift action and a resolution that would allow them to focus on enjoying the rest of their stay. Unfortunately, their experience went from bad to worse. The lawsuit claims that both the rental company and the association were negligent in their duty to provide a clean and safe environment, alleging they should have known about the bed bug problem.
Seeking Justice
The couple is now seeking damages for a variety of financial losses. This includes the hard-earned money they spent on the hotel, nonrefundable vacation expenses, and unexpected medical costs stemming from the bed bug bites. As they navigate this challenging situation, they hope for a resolution that compensates them for their distress and the disruption to their vacation.
A Growing Concern
This lawsuit is just one of many bed bug-related legal battles currently facing hotels in Myrtle Beach. The increasing number of reported cases in the area has raised eyebrows and concerns among frequent visitors and potential guests alike. Bed bugs can make any hotel stay a nightmare, leaving guests feeling violated and uncomfortable in what should be a restful environment. With recent lawsuits surfacing, it appears that both patrons and hotel owners need to be more vigilant about pest control practices.
Marriott’s Silence
As of now, a request for comments from Marriott’s corporate office regarding this lawsuit has gone unanswered. It remains unclear how the hotel chain plans to respond or if they are taking any steps to address the growing issue that has inconvenienced guests like Kirby and Truong.
What Can Guests Do?
For those planning a trip to Myrtle Beach or any other vacation hotspot, this saga serves as a timely reminder. Guests are encouraged to do their research before booking accommodations, check for reviews, and even inspect for signs of bed bugs upon arrival. This kind of vigilance can help ensure that their hard-earned vacation time isn’t spoiled by unwelcome guests.
As the case unfolds, locals and travelers alike will be watching closely to see how Marriott responds to this alarming trend and how it affects vacationing families in Myrtle Beach. The stakes are high, and one can only hope that everyone involved finds a resolution as they navigate this unfortunate situation.
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Additional Resources
- Myrtle Beach Online: Recent News Article 1
- Wikipedia: Bed Bug
- Myrtle Beach Online: Recent News Article 2
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach hotels
- Post and Courier: Bed Bug Complaints at Crown Reef Resort
- Google Scholar: Bed Bug Lawsuit
- WBTW: Trio of Myrtle Beach Hotels Sued
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hotel Pest Control
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
