Iconic Las Vegas casinos' years-long infestation with bed bugs exposed...as unearthed records reveal YEARS of disgusting stays that have sent mortified guests fleeing

By JAMES GORDON, US NEWS REPORTER Published: 04:31, 4 July 2026 | Updated: 04:32, 4 July 2026 Some of the Las Vegas Strip's most famous casino resorts have been caught up in a stomach-churning health scare after newly released inspection records revealed a string of bed bug complaints at several of the city's biggest names. Caesars Palace, Horseshoe, Treasure Island and The STRAT are among the iconic properties named in Southern Nevada Health District records obtained by 8 News  through a public records request. The reports detail a series of guest complaints over the past two years, with visitors describing unsettling discoveries inside hotel rooms, painful bites and inspections that ultimately confirmed the presence of bed bugs. In one case, a family said their vacation ended with a child needing hospital treatment after being bitten.  In another, a guest reported finding multiple live insects crawling through their room, including on their bedding, clothing and inside a shoe. The newly released records offer a rare glimpse into complaints lodged at some of the world's most recognizable casino resorts and underscore that even luxury hotels are not immune to unwanted pests. One of the most recent incidents occurred earlier this year in March at the Horseshoe where a report described a guest's disturbing discovery after checking into a room. According to the health district report, the guest found 'two live nymphs on a polo shirt and one inside a shoe' and reported suffering severe bed bug bites across their body. Newly obtained Southern Nevada Health District records document bed bug complaints at several Las Vegas Strip resorts over the past two years A July 2025 complaint alleged a family staying in Caesars Palace's Octavius Tower discovered bed bugs after noticing an insect crawling on a pillow The Caesars Palace complaint said the child experienced severe itching, hives and blistering and was prescribed medication for skin irritation (file photo) The complaint went on to describe additional insects in the room, including 'a live bug on the bedding, one crawling on the mattress, and a dead adult on the bathroom floor.' The guest also reported seeing black fecal spotting on the room's headboard. Another report, dated July 21, 2025, involved Caesars Palace's Octavius Tower after a family said their stay turned into a nightmare. According to the complaint, a woman noticed something crawling on her pillow while staying at the resort with her two sons. One of the boys was bitten by bed bugs and later received treatment at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, where he was prescribed medication for skin irritation and severe reactions linked to the bites. The report said he experienced intense itching, hives and blistering. The family told investigators they were still 'dealing with this paranoia today.' According to the complaint, one of the woman's sons, a professional basketball player visiting Las Vegas on business, was unable to perform at his full potential because he had been deprived of adequate rest during the trip. Health records indicate the Caesars Palace room was inspected the following day, when pest control personnel confirmed the presence of bed bugs. Treasure Island was listed in the health records after bed bugs were reportedly discovered at the resort in November 2024 Southern Nevada Health District reports also documented bed bug discoveries at The STRAT in October 2024 and again in February 2025 Bed bugs do not discriminate between budget motels and luxury resorts, and infestations can occur anywhere guests unknowingly bring the insects into a property The STRAT also appeared multiple times in the Southern Nevada Health District's records, with separate reports documenting bed bug discoveries in October 2024 and February 2025. Treasure Island was also listed after bed bugs were reportedly found there in November 2024. The reports were not limited to the Las Vegas Strip. According to the health district records, inspectors also documented bed bugs at Oasis at Gold Spike in downtown Las Vegas in October 2025 and at Grandview Las Vegas, near South Point Hotel and Casino, in April 2026. Los Angeles attorney Brian Virag, who represents clients in bed bug cases, told 8 News Now that hotels have a duty to provide guests with clean and safe accommodations. 'They have an obligation to provide a safe room, free from bed bugs, free from vermin, free from filth,' Virag said. He added that many infestations likely go unreported because not every guest contacts health officials after being bitten. 'Most people don't call the health department when they're exposed to bed bugs, and they get all chewed up,' he said. For many visitors, a Las Vegas vacation is meant to be an unforgettable getaway - but experts warn bed bugs can leave lasting memories for all the wrong reasons A March 17, 2026 health report states a Horseshoe guest found 'two live nymphs on a polo shirt and one inside a shoe' Virag urged travelers to inspect mattresses and bedding as soon as they enter their rooms, regardless of the hotel's reputation or nightly rate. 'Bed bugs don't discriminate,' he said. 'It doesn't really matter if you're paying $100 a night for the room, or you're paying $1,000 a night for the room. At the end of the day, it's about guest safety.' He also advised anyone who believes they have encountered bed bugs to immediately photograph both the insects and any bite marks, alert hotel management and seek medical attention to document the incident. The STRAT was the only hotel to respond to 8 News Now's request for comment. 'Providing an exceptional guest experience is our highest priority,' the property said in a statement. 'While incidents like this are rare, they can occur at any hotel property and in any city. When we were made aware of the incidents, our team acted immediately, conducting a thorough inspection, and treating the affected area following strict protocols.' The Daily Mail has reached out to Caesars Palace, Horseshoe and Treasure Island for comment.  The comments below have not been moderated. 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