A HOLIDAYMAKER who said a visit to a Mexican tourist resort was spoiled by illness and bed bug problems has described the experience as a “nightmare”.

Matthew Quinn, 52, has revealed how his all-inclusive break at the 5 Ocean Coral & Turquessa by H10 Hotel in Cancun, Mexico, was spoilt by problems with his hotel room and illness that he suffered when he developed symptoms including stomach cramps and diarrhoea a few days into the holiday.

The problems proved so severe that he went on to seek medical advice when he got back from his holiday.

Even now he continues to experience abdominal cramps and days when he goes to the toilet more often with his doctor diagnosing him with gastroenteritis.

Mr Quinn's week-long holiday at the Ocean Coral and Turquesa by H10 Hotel with his son Robert, 23, and his nephew Anthony, 26, began on October 1 last year.

He booked through tour operator First Choice.

Mr Quinn said: “We had all been really looking forward to the break, so it was hugely disappointing when I suffered bed bug bites. It was the last thing we expected.

“Falling ill just made matters much worse and I really struggled to get much enjoyment out of the holiday as a whole.”

Looking back on his stay at the resort, Mr Quinn added: “The bed bugs were not the only issue we encountered, as I had to take meat dishes back to the kitchen to be cooked again on a number of occasions as they were not done properly.

“Some of the food was not very warm when it was served to me and I also saw the same utensils being used for both raw and cooked food. I also saw dirty cutlery and plates.”

Mr Quinn, an engineer from Gateshead, has instructed specialist lawyers from Irwin Mitchell’s international personal injury team to investigate.

He said: “The holiday was just a nightmare. I just want to know whether all of this could have been avoided.

“I feel I deserve some answers. I wouldn’t want this to happen to anyone else.”

No-one at First Choice was available for comment when contacted by The Northern Echo.