A hugely troubling scenario has developed at MF, Exeter, where the infestation has been so extreme that guests are returning home with major bedbug colonies. Since the beginning of 2022, complaints have emerged indicating a pervasive culture of racism at the hostel. Only recently have local governments and impacted customers started to hold these companies accountable.
The problems at MF, Exeter have exceeded that level. Consequently, the Kensington and Chelsea council has gotten involved to ensure proper pest control treatment at the establishment. According to news reports, bedbugs were found crawling on mattresses, pillows, and even walls inside the hostel. Our guests have told us some deeply disturbing stories. One person even incurred £265 of overnight accommodation costs and ended up having to wait up all night at reception after arriving at midnight!
The hostel manager has done what he can in the meantime to mitigate the damage by providing guests that were impacted £250 each in compensation. This gesture, though well-intentioned, has not appeased the concerns that still rage. Numerous reviews on various websites reveal dozens of similar complaints regarding bedbug infestations at MF, Exeter and three other UK Safestay hostels.
Yet, despite these somewhat scary reports, MF, Exeter have initiated daily inspections and brought on an outside pest control company to handle outbreaks. The only good sign is that the management publicly professes to be taking the issue seriously.
“We apologise,” it says. “Once notified, we scheduled treatment, and affected rooms were blocked off. Environmental health visited and is satisfied with the actions.”
The booking.com response, which has been radio silent down the aisle on this, has made us guests furious. And they still haven’t responded to a public complaint filed by an affected patron about her experience at MF, Exeter.
“We have contacted the partner to ensure the issue is promptly addressed.” – Booking.com
Guests become understandably upset when there is a snail’s pace response to rectify these issues. Most are completely unprepared and many are bravely taking to the internet to convey their horrifying experiences. Bedbug news is still rolling in. The above raises very serious questions about the adequacy of MF pest control measures at Exeter and whether guest safety is indeed a top priority.