Challenges Faced by Hurricane Beryl Victims Seeking Shelter in Houston Hotels
After Hurricane Beryl wreaked havoc in Southeast Texas, leaving many homes without power and in a state of destruction, residents sought refuge in hotels. However, the journey to find temporary shelter was not without its challenges.
Several individuals reported making hotel reservations in hopes of escaping the heat in their powerless and damaged homes, only to discover that the hotels themselves were also without power. One viewer shared their experience of arriving at a Houston hotel, only to find out that there was no electricity. The desk clerk’s response: “You didn’t specify that you wanted a room with AC.”
Timothy Loving drove 250 miles in search of a functioning hotel room, only to encounter the same issue at a Holiday Inn Express in the Galleria area. Sherry Lane’s sister faced a similar situation at a Holiday Inn Express in Spring, despite requesting a room with air conditioning.
Surprisingly, some hotels like the Hampton Inn and Suites in Cypress openly displayed their lack of power online, while others, such as the Holiday Inn Express in the Galleria area, did not provide that information upfront.
When contacted, the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association acknowledged the lack of communication between some hotels and their parent chains regarding power outages. They advised affected guests to escalate their complaints to the respective hotel brands for potential compensation.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, you can also reach out to the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association for assistance. Unfortunately, Holiday Inn Express’ parent company, Intercontinental Hotels Group, has yet to respond to inquiries.
In times of crisis, navigating hotel reservations can be challenging, but it’s crucial to advocate for your rights as a guest. Your safety and comfort should never be compromised, especially in the aftermath of a natural disaster like Hurricane Beryl.