The members of the band, the Eagles, do not find it amusing that a hotel down in Baja, Mexico even has the name Hotel California. What makes it even worse is that the owners are trying to capitalize on their famous hit song. They have launched a suit against the hotel for Trademark Infringement.

As noted by the Hollywood Reporter, the lodging place might, indeed, be a “lovely place,” as in the lyrics of the Eagles’ song, but what the hotel is reportedly trying to say is that it was the inspiration for those lyrics. It just isn’t true. In the papers issued by the band’s attorney, Laura Wytsma, they accuse the owners of targeting U.S.

consumers, as well as in other communications, to make people believe the hotel in Todos Santos is associated with the band. This would obviously be a huge draw to U.S. visitors.

The song ‘Hotel California’ is the essence of the Eagles

Wytsma goes on to say that the song “Hotel California” isn’t just the band’s hit song, or even the title of the Eagles’ most successful album. It’s more than that. Wytsma argues that it is the essence of the band itself. The Eagles currently have an application pending to register a trademark for various merchandise the band has been selling since the ‘70s. This merchandise includes posters, guitar picks, bathrobes and other items.

The Eagles released their well known song back in 1976.

However, according to the complaint, while the Baja business did originally open in 1950 under the name Hotel California, it has gone through several name and ownership changes since.

Hotel California sells merchandise related to the Eagles’ song

According to the complaint, the business was bought in 2001 by Debbie and John Stewart, a Canadian couple who wished to revitalize it by making it seem like the hotel has a direct connection to the Eagles.

According to Wytsma, Hotel California plays the Eagles’ music, and has T-shirts on sale that call the hotel “legendary,” giving customers the impression that they have visited the hotel that was made famous by the band. They also have guitars labeled with the name "Hotel California."

What the Eagles are now seeking to do is to ban them from using that name, or doing anything that would imply that Hotel California is in any way connected to, or approved by, the band themselves.

They are also seeking all related profits from the alleged association, along with damages. Both the Hollywood Reporter and Page Six have tried to contact the defendant’s attorney for comment, but have had no success.
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