A study by MattressNextDay analyzed 12.9 million hotel reviews across 59 European destinations to identify the most bed bug-infested city. Rome leads with 31.37 complaints per 1,000 reviews, significantly higher than any other city. Venice and Florence also rank in the top 10, with 12.66 and 10.43 complaints per 1,000 reviews, respectively.
Health and Travel Risks
Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eliminate and can multiply rapidly. Female bed bugs lay 200 to 500 eggs over two months, leading to quick infestations. Travelers are advised to inspect hotel rooms before unpacking and avoid placing luggage on beds.
Expert Advice
Martin Seeley, CEO of MattressNextDay, warns: "One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is placing their suitcase straight onto the hotel bed. If bed bugs are present, you've immediately increased the chances of them finding their way into your luggage."
He recommends spending a few minutes inspecting the room upon arrival, which can prevent bringing pests home. Even a single bed bug can lead to a major infestation if unnoticed.
