Nine hotels accused of false advertising, marketing

PORTLAND – Officials are investigating nine Oregon hotels who travelers claim canceled their room reservations and inflated prices ahead of a summer solar eclipse.

More than a dozen people filed complaints against nine hotels to the Oregon Department of Justice.

Consumers said on TripAdvisor they had made advanced reservations at the Stafford Inn in Prineville, east of Portland, for about $170. The reservations were later canceled because of new ownership or rebranding claims. The rooms’ price was updated to $600 to $635.

Stafford Inn manager Laurie Romine said the same thing is going on all over the place.

Department spokeswoman Ellen Klem said hotels are allowed to charge any price, but should not be deceptive in their advertising or marketing.

Klem said the hotels could face a $25,000 fine.