It isn’t though. Fraud requires you (paraphrased) lie in order to deprive someone of money, property or rights. That isn't happening here. Journalist is getting a refund, there was no property loss, and staying at a hotel isn’t a right.

Again, they are pieces of shit, but the closest this could get to being illegal is harassment. And honestly if this is a one time thing I doubt it would even fall into that.

You’ve got more chance of going after the hotel for breach of contract but I honestly doubt this type of thing isn’t covered in their legalese.