5 Resorts With The Worst Safety Violations
1. Soneva Kiri Resort – Koh Kut, Thailand
Soneva Kiri Resort, known for its luxury on Koh Kut Island, shocked guests and the public in March 2022 when a major fire destroyed one of its villas. The intensity of the blaze forced guests to evacuate quickly.
Investigations soon found that the resort had skipped crucial fire safety inspections and did not have the proper licenses to operate. This discovery led to charges against three executives for negligence and putting guests at risk.
The incident drew sharp criticism toward the resort’s management for not following safety regulations and emphasized the critical need for safety compliance in luxury hospitality.
2. Smugglers’ Notch Resort – Vermont, USA
Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Vermont came under serious scrutiny in July 2023. A heartbreaking incident occurred when a 3-year-old boy fell into an unsecured water storage tank and drowned.
Investigations uncovered that the water tank did not have secure coverings or clear warning signs. These gaps showed that the resort did not follow important safety protocols.
The Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Administration responded by fining the resort over $21,000 for six serious violations. These findings sparked big changes at the resort.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort quickly replaced the tank cover and improved employee training. This effort aimed to prevent future tragedies and create a safer environment for visitors.
3. Grand Kartal Hotel – Kartalkaya, Turkey
In January 2025, the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya faced a major tragedy that shocked holidaymakers across Turkey. A terrible fire broke out in the kitchen and swept through the hotel at lightning speed.
The building’s wooden exterior and a lack of working fire alarms made the situation even worse. Many guests had no warning about the fire until it was too late, leaving them to find exits in dark, smoke-filled hallways.
Tragically, 78 people lost their lives, including 36 children. The local community was heartbroken by the loss and outraged over the safety failures. Authorities quickly responded and detained 14 people, from hotel staff to local officials, as part of their investigation.
4. Polynesian Beach & Golf Resort – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The Polynesian Beach & Golf Resort has caught attention for some major safety complaints. Guests have commented on issues like water leaks, broken doors, and even roach sightings. These problems can make any vacation feel less relaxing.
Feedback often points to unfriendly staff and a lack of prompt maintenance. When combined with reports of room cleanliness problems, this can be a big concern for families.
Travelers have posted about their experiences with poor room conditions and safety concerns. Some online reviews call it one of the worst hotels in Myrtle Beach. Complaints have even made it to the Better Business Bureau, highlighting just how many people have faced these problems.
5. Occidental Tucancún Hotel – Cancún, Mexico
The Occidental Tucancún Hotel in Cancún made headlines for a major safety event in November 2019. A fire broke out on the seventh floor of the hotel, causing panic among guests. People were quickly evacuated as thick smoke filled the halls.
Witnesses reported that fire alarms did not activate during the emergency. Many guests had no warning about the growing danger. As a result, 21 guests received treatment for smoke inhalation.
The cause of the fire was traced to a malfunctioning ice machine. Local authorities started investigating if the hotel followed basic safety protocols.
Concerns about these failures have been raised in online reviews, with some guests advising others to “stay away” due to negative experiences with the property’s safety and guest care.
