A high-end hotel in Pasadena has agreed to settle a lawsuit that accused the establishment of raising room prices for guests who were displaced by wildfires in 2020.
Allegations of Inflated Rates During Wildfires
The California Attorney General’s Office announced on Thursday that the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena was alleged to have increased room rates for individuals who had evacuated their homes during the Bobcat Fire. The lawsuit claimed that the hotel charged evacuees rates above the legal limit set by California’s anti-price gouging law, which restricts price increases on essential goods and services, including lodging, during a state of emergency.
Settlement Terms and Financial Penalties
Under the terms of the settlement, the Langham Huntington Hotel will pay $100,000 in civil penalties and restitution. According to the Attorney General’s Office, the hotel has also agreed to implement new policies and staff training to prevent future violations of price gouging regulations.
Statements from Officials
Attorney General Rob Bonta stated, “When Californians are forced to flee their homes due to wildfires or other disasters, they should not have to worry about being exploited by those seeking to profit from their hardship.” He added that the settlement demonstrates the state’s commitment to protecting consumers during emergencies.
Hotel Response
The Langham Huntington Hotel did not admit wrongdoing as part of the settlement. In a statement, a spokesperson for the hotel said, “We are committed to supporting our community and complying with all applicable laws. We have cooperated fully with the Attorney General’s Office to resolve this matter.”
Background on the Bobcat Fire
The Bobcat Fire ignited in September 2020 and burned more than 115,000 acres in the Angeles National Forest and surrounding areas. Thousands of residents were ordered to evacuate, and many sought temporary shelter in hotels throughout the region.
Further Information
Additional details about the settlement can be found at this link.
