Class action filed against New Orleans hotel over $7.95 fee

A class action has been filed against a New Orleans hotel for allegedly hiding a $7.95 daily resort fee and not disclosing it until it is too late and customers receive their bill at check-out time.

Bayou Internet Inc. field suit against Royal St. Charles Hotel on Sept. 22 in federal court in New Orleans.

Bayou Internet states that it is among hundreds, if not thousands, of customers who have paid to stay at Royal St. Charles Hotel. When one of the plaintiff's representatives called to make reservations, the defendant quoted a price that did not include a resort fee, the lawsuit claims.

Due to the alleged lack of disclosure of the resort fee customers are being denied the opportunity to fairly compare the hotel's true total price with prices of competing hotels, the lawsuit claims.

The defendant is accused of violating the Louisiana Unfair Trade Practices Act, breach of contract and unjust enrichment.

Bayou Internet is asking the court to issue an injunction to prevent the defendants from further improper conduct and for an award of actual damages, treble damages, restitution, disgorgement of profits, interest, court costs, attorney's fees, costs and expenses.

The plaintiff is represented by Jeffrey P. Berniard of Berniard Law Firm in New Orleans.

U.S. District Judge Helen G. Berrigan is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-02385