Woman claims 'royal' hotel had 'vile bedbug infestation' so bad she checked out (2025)

EXCLUSIVE: Fitness presenter Dominique Parlatt warned against others staying at The Imperial Hotel Blackpool, but the hotel insisted an external contractor found no evidence of a bedbug infestation

A hotel guest claims she was left with "bite marks, ill feelings" and had to throw her clothes away after a one-hour stay at a popular seaside resort. Dominique Parlatt described her "vile" experience at The Imperial Hotel Blackpool, which advertises "royal stays" in the "iconic" destination.

The international fitness presenter told how the hotel denied there was a bedbug infestation – despite her having a photo of a "giant bedbug shell" – and were allegedly sheepish about whether she would get a refund. But the hotel said an external contractor investigated the room afterwards and found "no evidence" of a bedbug infestation.

After she complained, staff showed the 39-year-old a second room where she claims she "found the same problem" with bedbugs. The travelling motivational speaker is not hopeful about being refunded after management "refused to comment" on any reimbursement. Dominque told the Daily Star: "I felt sick and I was sick the next day.

"I travel a lot and it’s opened up an entire new fear! And they have denied (the bedbug infestation exists) and won’t refund – it’s a disgrace.

"We were in and our of the room like a shot," she added. The hotel website entices potential guests with promises of a "royal stay" where they can "relive the golden era of Blackpool hospitality" at a "remarkable destination. An iconic hotel".

The rooms are said to have "crisp, clean linen", "soft lighting and a cosy atmosphere" that offer "the perfect balm following a busy day."

The international motivational speaker told her social media followers about the "worst experience at the weekend" and warned others off staying at the Imperial.

She said: "Yes, that’s a giant bed bug shell from the infestation", alongside pictures of the "shell and a bite mark."

"Not only did I have to immediately dispose of all clothing that I had on, but I had bite marks as you can see. I was only in the room an hour!

"The staff on the night were helpful and did all they can and assured us that management would help with a refund… we all knew how it would go.

"The staff checked a second room with us where we found the same problem. We’ve since been told there are no bed bugs… well there they are.

"Management have refused to comment on if a refund will even be approved and will take months I don’t have the time or patience and will just write that off but people need to know.

"Please do not choose this hotel even the staff told us on the night the place was going downhill and they are leaving... vile".

A spokesperson for The Imperial Hotel Blackpool told the Daily Star: "The Imperial Hotel Blackpool maintains a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness, with a dedicated housekeeping and maintenance team that follow rigorous protocols to ensure the comfort and wellbeing of our guests.

"The team worked swiftly and efficiently to resolve the guest’s concerns, and an external contractor attended within 24 hours to investigate the room. The inspection certificate has since been shared privately with the guest demonstrating no evidence was found; we continue to liaise with the guest regarding their stay."

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