Ghosts Or What? Client Sues Sheraton Hotel After Deadly Bat Attack In His Bedroom

By Swift Reporter

A commercial airline pilot has sued the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel and its parent company, Marriott International, after a terrifying overnight encounter with bats in his hotel room allegedly left him requiring emergency rabies treatment costing more than $100,000 (about Shs370 million).

The lawsuit, filed in the United States, claims the 46-year-old California-based pilot was attending work-related training in Denver when what began as a routine hotel stay turned into a nightmare.

According to court documents, the pilot checked into the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel on August 29, 2025, but was abruptly awakened at around 2:30 a.m. by bats flying around his room.

Hotel maintenance staff reportedly responded and removed some of the animals. However, the lawsuit alleges the pilot was not relocated to another room despite the apparent infestation.

The pilot says he later discovered a hole around the room’s air-conditioning unit, which he believes allowed the bats to enter. He attempted to block the opening with a towel before returning to bed.

When he woke up later that morning, another bat was reportedly found clinging to the room’s curtains.

Animal control officers removed the remaining bat and advised the pilot to seek immediate medical attention after informing him that several bats recently captured in the area had tested positive for rabies.

It was only then that the pilot noticed what appeared to be a bite mark on his foot.

Doctors immediately began a series of emergency rabies vaccinations and treatment, resulting in medical expenses exceeding $100,000, according to the lawsuit.

Rabies is a viral disease transmitted through the saliva of infected mammals, usually via bites or scratches. Although preventable if treated promptly, it is almost always fatal once symptoms develop.

Beyond the financial burden, the lawsuit says the incident has had a lasting emotional impact on the pilot.

The married father reportedly lived in constant fear that he had contracted the deadly virus and worried he could die, leaving his wife to raise their child alone.

His attorney, Edward Lomena, said the psychological effects continue to affect his client, particularly because his profession requires frequent overnight stays in hotels.

“Imagine you’re sleeping in a hotel room and you wake up and see bats flying around. That’s scary,” Lomena said.

The lawsuit further alleges that settlement negotiations with Marriott International failed after the company offered compensation the pilot considered insufficient to cover his medical expenses and emotional suffering.

He is now seeking damages for his medical costs, emotional distress and other losses arising from the incident.

The unusual case has drawn widespread attention, raising fresh concerns about hotel maintenance standards and guest safety at one of the world’s largest hospitality brands.