Posts: 317
From: San Jose, CA
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 05-27-2005 07:04               

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I am SO DISGUSTED with Hilton. Last night while watching TV in Unit #6101 we were visited by 3 LARGE COCKROACHES---How DISGUSTING!!! I complained this morning to the front desk not only about the bugs but while chasing this critters I also found food behind the couches in this 3 bedroom, along with a one inch gap underneath the outside door--void of any weatherstripping!!! This place is a DUMP!!!!
Should I do anything more???

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Posts: 932
From: Leesburg, VA USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 05-27-2005 07:55               

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If they were really large, they're probably not the german cockroaches, but one that is native to Florida and much of the southeast. They're also called water bugs. They live and reproduce in the leaf litter and mulch and they're virtually impossible to keep out of anyplace. They're not really a sign of uncleanliness like the German cockroaches. The missing seal probably made it easier for them to get in, but wouldn't keep them out completely.

I've been in parts of Florida (nice parts) that we made crunching sounds walking down the sidewalk in the dark because of the large number of these insects.

If they were over 2 inches, they were hissing cockroaches, an import that's taking hold in south Florida. They can fly and be frightening but also live and reproduce outside and are relatively harmless.

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Posts: 1120
From: Ruston, LA, USA Own:Landmark Holiday Beach Resort,Paradise Isle,Summit,Bay Club of Sandestin,Mount Amanzi,Strand Pavilion,La Lucia Sands,Durban Sands
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 05-27-2005 15:16            

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quote:

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Originally posted by robnsunny:
If they were really large, they're probably not the german cockroaches, but one that is native to Florida and much of the southeast. They're also called water bugs....

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We lived in FL for a number of years. We were always told that only the poor states of GA, MS, AL and LA have cockroaches. FL only had "palmeto bugs".

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JimJ

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Posts: 633
From: Valrico, FL
Registered: May 2002

posted 05-27-2005 16:07            

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Complain politely but vigorously to the housekeeping manager. We had much more minor issues than that, and when we got as far as the supervisor, he personally came to our unit, apologized, gave us free DAILY housekeeping for our entire stay, and sent us a bottle of wine and a tin of cookies. HGVC truly is not a dump. I think you may have just happened upon a less-than-stellar housekeeping effort.

I'm a lifelong Florida native, and there is honestly no way to completely avoid those big waterbugs. Three of them would have freaked me out too, but I'm certain HGVC will make an effort to correct the situation. Their customer service is excellent.

Cindy

[This message has been edited by Vodo (edited 05-27-2005).]

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Posts: 2187
From: Wichita KS owner: Polo Towers/ The Villas at Polo Towers/ Marriot's Ocean Point/Marriott's Grand Chateau/ HGVC LVStrip/ Grand Regency Branson, MO
Registered: Jan 2001

posted 05-27-2005 19:15               

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Wow, bugs in FL. Who would have thought? I remember reading about complaints of mice at resorts in the mountains.

While I don't particularly care to share my residence with miniture livestock, in certain parts of the country or certain times of the year it just happens. I'm sorry it happened to you.

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Posts: 1937
From: Biddeford,ME,USA; Owner :Orlando,FL,, USA
Registered: Jun 2002

posted 05-27-2005 19:28               

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Don't complain because then people will know what you had and will want some too.

frenchieinme

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Visit our webpage at http://userpages.prexar.com/rhoude

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Posts: 157
From: Florida. bay club, shell island
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 06-01-2005 09:10               

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quote:

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Originally posted by gvic:

Should I do anything more???

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Yes. Complain to everyone all week at the pool, and be sure to go to the sales center and raise a stink there too, if that doesent get rid of the bugs try to pass out flyers at the outlet malls, and call into a local talk radio and raise hell. As a Florida resident, I share your outrage and disgust. SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE ABOUT BUGS! KILL UM ALL I SAYS.

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Posts: 1250
From: Portland
Registered: Apr 2002

posted 06-01-2005 09:20            

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As disgustiong as it may seem, personally I don't find it to be a reflection on the resort (in most cases). This is Florida, and there will be bugs. I have read that many top resorts (including DVC) have the occasional unwelcomed visitor.

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DVC member

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Posts: 37
From:
Registered: Oct 2004

posted 06-01-2005 11:35            

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Don't judge too harshly the reaction to the palmetto bugs!! Unless one is used to them, they can be quite a shock. I live in Florida and we have professional pest control. I see them, but they are dead after they cross the barrier put at the perimeter of the house. Therefore, I would suggest that a gentle reminder to the housekeeping manager to check on scheduled pest control and perhaps another application of whatever they use would be most appropriate. I think that it is inexcusable for old food to be found behind items of furniture - that is a serious housekeeping issue, and again, I would bring it to the attention of management. I have found as a general rule that housekeeping issues are more predominent everywhere - be it hotels, rentals, cruises, etc.

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Posts: 2187
From: Wichita KS owner: Polo Towers/ The Villas at Polo Towers/ Marriot's Ocean Point/Marriott's Grand Chateau/ HGVC LVStrip/ Grand Regency Branson, MO
Registered: Jan 2001

posted 06-02-2005 01:29               

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I agree that there is no excuse for finding left over food anywhere, let alone in three different rooms. That's one that would get a call to the front desk to be reassigned another room or have housekeeping come in for a top to bottom, proper scrubbing of the room.

But, based on the findings of large bugs in FL and a housekeeping error, I'm not sure I'd lable HGVC a dump. I'm always more interested in how the problem was handled than just the problem. I guess the OP didn't feel the need to give Hilton the opportunity to make good on the issues before making nasty statements.

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Posts: 317
From: San Jose, CA
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 06-05-2005 06:35               

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Cockroaches-Cockroaches. Palmetto bugs are American Cockroaches.

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Posts: 633
From: Valrico, FL
Registered: May 2002

posted 06-05-2005 09:21            

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If it makes you feel any better, we encountered two big roaches at Vacation Village at Parkway last week - and our unit was immaculately clean. It's been rainy of late and, in Parkway's case, there are several wooded conservation strips around the property - both of which conditions add to the likelihood of encountering insects. When it comes to those big palmetto bugs, it's truly not a matter of cleanliness. The resorts do need to be proactive with their pest control though. I called the front desk at 11:00 p.m. after spotting the second one in two evenings, and they were going to send someone up right then and there to spray. We opted to not have our 4-year-old daughter breathe in the insecticide and, in any event, never saw another bug for the rest of our stay.

Cindy

[This message has been edited by Vodo (edited 06-05-2005).]

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Posts: 2793
From: Disney's Old Key West, Marriott's Grande Ocean, Marriott's Harbour Pt. and La Cabana, Aruba
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 06-05-2005 10:42               

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FL does have roaches as well as Palmetto bugs and ants too. They are a fact of life. As to whether to complain depends on the circumstances. If you see 200 with little pieces of them all in the drawers, etc; then I'd complain. If you see a couple just passing through, I wouldn't worry too much.

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Dean
My Home Page

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