The man was visiting in May to attend his granddaughter's graduation.
It happened at Marriott's Fairfield Inn and Suites San Jose Airport, according to a lawsuit obtained by ABC San Francisco affiliate KGO.
SEE ALSO: Trio wearing Halloween masks caught on camera terrorizing family, trying to break into Virginia home
The wrongful death lawsuit says 77-year-old Terril Johnson of Riverside, California was exposed to scalding hot water, measuring 134-136 degrees Fahrenheit.
That is far above the safe and lawful maximum of 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
KGO reached out to Marriott for a response, but has not yet heard back.