I look at bedbugregistry.com and at least some of the reports are credible, because I have seen where managers have taken the time to respond that yes, the property did have some rooms with a problem and the steps they took to eradicate them. Now sometimes, I've read claims that don't sound convincing.

How accurate? Doesn't really matter, a perfectly clean and spotless place could send bedbugs home with you if they came in with the previous guest, so nobody is safe. I'd probably feel pretty safe in a Hilton that had a bedbug scare. I'm sure they cleaned thoroughly and were inspected. Also, once the bedbugs bite they don't come around again for weeks and weeks so your odds are actually probably BETTER in a room where they've recently bitten. Just take the precautions suggested by the experts and don't worry so much about it. You could get bitten at the Ritz or come out squeaky clean at the most infested no-tell motel in town....why would you worry, it'll do absolutely no good.

By the time you find out about it a reputable hotel will have gotten rid of the problem. I've never used those sites. I just check for myself when I get there.

Bedbugs can be anywhere (a friend and her family were tormented one night it a 4* disney property and had to buy new luggage and have ALL heir clothes cleaned). However - it's not like the building is inested (usually) - it's that previous travelers have brough the bugs into one or a couple of rooms.

Assuming this is a reputble and resaonable upscale hotel - I wouldn;t worry - but would check the room yourelf before bringing any of your belongings into it (I do this now with all hotels - even Four Seasons or Ritz CArlton). If you are concerend they can move you to another room.

If this is a super budget property and you feel the response you received was inappropriate I would consider another hotel. (Not due to bed bugs but to overall poor management.)

We are going to several places in the Northeast on own summer trip, including New York City.

I did look at the bedbug registry and TripAdvisor. It seemed to me that the New York City Hotels I was interested in DID often write back with their eradication plans. Also, the hotels generally had the guests clothing and luggage cleaned or replaced. In my mind, this was responsible and all one can expect.

It was actually the hotels in Washington DC where I grew concerned. In at least two hotels I was interested in, guests reported that a manager tried to deny the problem, rather than get on the ball and order in an exterminator. These included at least one major chain close in.

I would not consider websites where there is no incident date. I would also question reports where the guest does not inform management of a bedbug situation and report their response. Some people do make up negative reviews, unfortunately.

Oh, and to ease your mind, I'd call and talk to a manager at the Hilton. My guess is that you will feel differently once you talk it through.

These have been soothing responses I must say...and I thankyou.We will of course do the usual check...my hubby does that while I stand there holding my breath. He checks the matress edges. Any other spots we ought to look?

Minx, You could google "bedbug search" and get more details and also photos. If that would stress you out, have your husband do the google search as he will do the looking.

I am on the road and at different hotels every week. I always keep my clothes in my suitcase in the bathroom and never use the luggage rack. Bathrooms have fewer places for the bugs to hide, and bathrooms are washed everyday. One has to take precautions and check, but, you can't let it ruin your vacation.

Am happy to report that we had splendid weather and NO bedbugs.
Thanks to all