Gambling 911 World Exclusive: MGM Grand Responds to Charges of Bed Bug Infestation
LAS VEGAS -- The MGM Grand hotel and casino, in an exclusive statement issued to Gambling 911 on Thursday, said a recent incident where a hotel guest reportedly found a bed bug in her room was not the fault of the MGM but of a previous guest who brought the insect in.
"We take great pride in both our amazing resort and our world-class customer service at MGM Grand Las Vegas," said Gordon Absher, Vice-President of Corporate Communications for the hotel. "The case generating so much recent social media activity was limited to one guest and one guest room.
"We follow strict protocols, and, on the rare occasion we receive such a complaint, we respond quickly," he continued. "Contrary to what many might think, these pests do not occur as a result of hotel sanitation issues, but are instead carried into hotels by visitors from all parts of the world.
"This is therefore an issue that must be constantly managed by hotels around the globe. We believe our team and protocols are among the best in the industry."
Earlier this week, Gambling 911 reported that an MGM hotel guest named Stephanie Mejia had written on her Facebook page that she found a bed bug while staying at the hotel, and that hotel management was unresponsive in dealing with the matter.
The Facebook post went viral and became a topic of conversation on several posting forums, including TripAdvisor.com.
"You might want to think twice before staying at the MGM Las Vegas," Mejia said in her Facebook post. "5 minutes after getting into our room we are greeted by this bed bug! Gross right?? What is even worse is the customer service that I receive from Katherine, the front desk supervisor. No options given to a customer who just paid $341 for 2 nights and when I ask for corporate's number, her response is 'I'm sure you can find it online,' how professional is that?? What a shame for a big name like the MGM. Totally ruined mine and my family's Vegas experience. Friends please share!!!!!!!!!"
So far, Gambling 911 is the only media outlet in the world to contact the MGM Grand in Las Vegas to get their side of the story in regards to the bed bug incident.
However, Gambling 911 has further questions about the matter, such as was Mejia compensated by MGM for the incident?
Also, as of today, Mejia's Facebook page, containing the bed bug post, has been taken down.
Did the MGM have anything to do with that?
If and when Gambling 911 gets answers to these and other follow-up questions from MGM, we will report what we learn.
By Tom Somach
Gambling 911 Staff Writer
