Class Action filed Against Marriott International, Inc. on Behalf of Guests of Marriott Hotel Properties in Russia

16 May 2005

The Cullen Law Firm, PLLC announces that a consumer class action lawsuit was filed on May 13, 2005 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia against Marriott International, Inc., on behalf of all guests of Marriott's hotels in Moscow since May 13, 2002. The complaint, filed under the District of Columbia Consumer Protection Procedures Act, alleges that Marriott made deceptive and misleading representations through its worldwide, internet based reservation system on the rates that would be charged at its hotel properties in Russia.

According to the complaint, Marriott quotes rates in U.S. dollars knowing that the final hotel bill will be paid in Russian rubles in amounts that are higher than those calculated at the official exchange rate. Hotel guests find out about the problem when they get their credit card statement in dollars. According to the complaint, consumers generally end up paying 18 percent more than the amount quoted by Marriott when their reservations were made.

Paul D. Cullen, Sr., counsel for the plaintiffs, estimates that there have been several hundred thousand hotel guests victimized by the deceptive practices alleged in the complaint during the period covered by the three year statute of limitations.

Marriott International, Inc. is incorporated in Delaware and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. The complaint describes a, "longstanding, widespread and unambiguous" effort by Marriott to promote the fact that it maintains its headquarters in Washington, DC. The complaint alleges that Marriott's location in the nation's capital is an important part of its consumer franchise and brand identification.

"Marriott has breached the bonds of trust with the traveling public," according to the complaint, "resulting in thousands of consumers being bilked millions of dollars a year." According to Mr. Cullen, "Marriott should be held accountable under the laws of the District of Columbia to the full universe of patrons it has set out to attract because of its deep roots in the nation's capital."

The complaint seeks statutory damages of $1, 500 per violation of the D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act, plus injunctive relief restraining Marriott from continuing the alleged conduct.

Source: Arrivenet

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