I think you're correct with regard to the applicability of price gouging laws and hotel. I can't comment on Texas, but here in Florida the price gouging laws only apply to essential commodities. These are two pertinent statements:
"Florida Statute 501.160 states that during a state of emergency, it is unlawful to sell, lease, offer to sell, or offer for lease essential commodities, dwelling units, or self-storage facilities for an amount that grossly exceeds the average price for that commodity during the 30 days before the declaration of the state of emergency, unless the seller can justify the price by showing increases in its prices or market trends."
"A “commodity” means any good, service, material, merchandise, supplies, equipment, resources, or other article of commerce, and includes, without limitation, food, water, ice, chemicals, petroleum products, and lumber necessary for consumption or use as a direct result of the emergency."
Source:
http://myfloridalegal.com/pages.nsf/...256F03006AA2C5
Although I'm not a lawyer, I have played one on TV (seriously). But I don't think that a hotel room would be considered an essential commodity because of the existence of government-run shelters. More specifically, Florida statutes use the term "dwelling unit" for long-term residences and "transient public lodging" for hotels/motels.
Regardless, price gouging laws only apply to the areas having the emergency. They wouldn't apply to a hotel in Atlanta.
That said, if anyone feels they are being gouged, contact the State Attorney General.