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Craigslist Ads Gouge Storm Victims: $700/Night

'We aren't charging them extra,' says hotel manager

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 3, 2012 4:04 PM CDT

(Newser) – People dislodged by Superstorm Sandy in New York state saw some dandy deals on Craigslist—like a 1-bedroom apartment for a "mere" $700 a night, the New York Post reports. "Escape the hurricane in a luxury 1-BR with full power and Internet," the ad read. "Stay in style and comfort until the power comes back on." If that seemed high, area hotels were renting rooms for $500 or $600 a night.

In Bushwick, the Red Carpet Inn boosted its nightly price from $99 to $500, and a room at Manhattan's New York Palace Hotel went up from $489 to $600. "We aren’t charging them extra," a manager said. "It’s just because of the hurricane we had high occupancy, and when we have high occupancy, the rates go up." A few reasonable offers were out there, though—like $65 a night for a three-bedroom in Astoria, or a small Manhattan studio that someone was willing to share for $350 a week.

Johnny Jones watches the Indian River rise as he stands under the longtime family homes where he and his brother David have lived their entire lives, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Sussex, Del.
Johnny Jones watches the Indian River rise as he stands under the longtime family homes where he and his brother David have lived their entire lives, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Sussex, Del.   (AP Photo/The Wilmington News-Journal, Robert Craig)
A family walks along a flooded street in downtown Annapolis, Md,  Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012, after superstorm Sandy passed over the area.
A family walks along a flooded street in downtown Annapolis, Md, Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012, after superstorm Sandy passed over the area.   (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 69 comments
al123
Nov 5, 2012 6:46 AM CST
"It’s just because of the hurricane we had high occupancy, and when we have high occupancy, the rates go up." Ahh, yet perfect explanation!!!!! I am not a nasty person, but I wish these scumbags crooks spend these STOLEN money on their ENDLESS medical problems!!!!
2poor
Nov 4, 2012 1:25 PM CST
WOW!  My wife and OUR modest contribution to the Salvation Army for those New York Hurricane victims won't go very far at those terms. We are thinking of contributing more and pledge to match Joe Biden's same amount to those in need.  What do you say, Joe?  Where is your heart?  LOL
samurai1833
Nov 4, 2012 12:48 PM CST
And that is the definition of capitalism.
 

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