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Attorney general secures refunds for canceled hotel bookings during solar eclipse

LEGAL NEWSLINE

Thursday, November 28, 2024

Attorney general secures refunds for canceled hotel bookings during solar eclipse

State AG
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Attorney General Letitia James | Official website

New York Attorney General Letitia James has secured refunds for consumers whose hotel reservations at the Aloft Buffalo Airport Hotel were unexpectedly canceled before a total solar eclipse. The cancellations occurred in March 2024, prompting complaints to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) from individuals who had booked months in advance to witness the eclipse in Buffalo.

The OAG initially issued a consumer alert and managed to reinstate some reservations. However, additional complaints emerged regarding further cancellations by the hotel. An agreement reached requires Aloft Buffalo Airport Hotel to pay $9,000 in refunds to nearly a dozen affected consumers who had to find alternative accommodations at higher rates due to the last-minute cancellations.

Attorney General James emphasized the disappointment caused by these cancellations: “Many people were excited to see the total solar eclipse in the Buffalo area and booked their stay months in advance, but the Aloft Buffalo Airport soured their experience with last-minute cancellations.” She added that her office worked diligently with consumers to secure refunds and ensure improved customer service from Aloft.

The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, drew thousands of visitors to Buffalo as it was in the path of totality. Some tourists had made reservations over a year prior. However, many found out about their canceled bookings only upon checking their accounts. The OAG intervened by reinstating some reservations without cost but noted continued issues with communication from the hotel staff.

Assistant Attorney General Chris Boyd led this matter with support from Senior Consumer Fraud Representative Karen Davis under Deputy Attorney General Michael Russo's supervision. The Division of Regional Affairs is headed by Chief Deputy Attorney General Jill Faber and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

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