Oregon DOJ Investigates Nine Hotels Over Eclipse Bookings
Ryan Boyd April 05, 2017
Due to the eclipse taking place over Central Oregon in fewer than five months, hotel rates in the region have skyrocketed, and authorities are investigating the expulsion of early renters by hotels in what could be an effort by hoteliers to rebook customers for higher rates. Several customer complaints of the alleged practice have come to light, and the Department of Justice is investigating the issue.
One customer complaint, lodged in relation to a Motel 6 in Madras, Oregeon, read: “The rate was high ($275 a night), but the hotel is ideally located for the solar eclipse, so i was fine with paying the rate. i just got a call from Amanda at the motel saying they are overbooked and they have canceled my reservation.”
To read more on this story, go to News Channel 21.
[Photo: Shutterstock]
@Allan38103 The bigger issue according to the linked article is that many customers had their confirmed reservations (at prices that are no longer available) canceled without warning or reason.
You can't be gouged against your will. If you're willing to pay the price pay it; if not, don't.
I have two rooms booked in Albany for $70/night. Less than a week after the motel started charging $500. They are still asking that much according to the website and I keep checking to make sure my reservation hasn't been cancelled.
You can't even find a hotel or campsite near Yellowstone for that weekend before the 21st of Aug.
Yikes... From the linked article, a Days Inn was charging $1600. Any reports of this happening elsewhere? We're going down to Kentucky to see the eclipse, and it looks like the rates around Bowling Green are still pretty reasonable.