BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Western New York hotel will have to pay refunds to patrons had their reservations canceled prior to the solar eclipse.
New York State Attorney General Leticia James says her office has secured refunds for people who had their hotel reservations at the Aloft Buffalo Airport Hotel abruptly cancelled shortly before the solar eclipse in April.
Buffalo was one of the cities that was in the path of totality for the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
The Office of Attorney General (OAG) says they received complaints in March from several people that had their hotel reservations, that were booked months in advance, abruptly cancelled, forcing them to find other, more expensive accommodations at the last minute.
“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,” said Attorney General James. “My office worked with consumers to secure refunds for these canceled reservations, and now, we’re delivering this money back to them, and ensuring that Aloft improves its customer service so this doesn’t happen again. I thank the customers who came forward and filed complaints with my office on this issue, and I continue to encourage anyone who believes they were taken advantage of to file a complaint with my office.”
The OAG was able to get some of the reservations reinstated, but others said they had issues with the hotel.
Per the agreement with the state, the hotel will have to pay $9,000 in refunds to those had their reservations cancelled and subsequently had to book at higher rates.
