NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced Feb.13 that Granite JFK LLC and Crossroads Hospitality Company, which own and operate, respectively, the Courtyard by Marriott New York JFK Airport hotel, have agreed pay $48,000 to settle allegations of illegal price gouging during the Jonas ice storm in January 2016.
The Jonas ice storm was the second biggest to hit New York since 1869. During the blizzard, the Courtyard by Marriot allegedly raised its prices by inordinate amounts. It purportedly charged consumers desperate for shelter rates ranging from 45 to 75 percent more than the normal amount it usually charged.
“The Courtyard by Marriott took advantage of hundreds of stranded people who were simply seeking the safety of shelter during and after this massive blizzard,” Schneiderman said. “This settlement holds the hotel accountable for these actions and prohibits it from happening again. I encourage New Yorkers to consult our tips to avoid cold weather scams and to report any incidents of fraud to my office.”
Handling the case for New York were former assistant attorney general Jeanna E. Hussey, assistant attorney general Stephanie Sheehan, deputy bureau chief Laura J. Levine and bureau chief Jane M. Azia of the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau. Also assisting was executive deputy attorney general for economic justice Manisha M. Sheth.