Motels Settle Accusations of Price Gouging During Hurricane

Five motels accused of jacking up the price of rooms as people sought refuge as Hurricane Dolly was bearing down agreed to settle charges they gouged consumers during a disaster.

Five South Texas motel operators have signed settlement agreements on price-gouging charges, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said in a statement. They are: Motel 6 in Harlingen; Best Western Las Palmas Inn; Comfort Inn in Edinburg; Comfort Inn in Pharr; and Country Hearth Inn & Suites in Pharr and McAllen.

They admitted no wrongdoing, but agreed to not charge consumers exorbitant prices. Under the settlement, the motel operators agreed to pay civil penalties to the state and change their business practices during a declared disaster.