Super 8 Motels complaint: Incompetent employee and buck passing

I made a reservation for two nights at Super 8 in Abilene in November. I cancelled it more than 24 hours before the stipulated cancellation time by phoning the hotel. I asked the man at reception is it cancelled now? He said yes. I left it at that. Checked my statement that week. I was charged for both nights. The reservation was booked on the Expedia site.
Never did the receptionist informed me that he couldn’t cancel it and that it had to be done only through Expedia. I was misled to believe that I did the right thing.
The manager is either never available or refuses to speak to me. I contacted Expedia. They tried to reach the manager and informed me that he didn’t return their emails/calls. The hotel states Expedia is responsible for the refund and Expedia says Super 8 is responsible. Passing the buck at the expense of the customer.
So $175 later and we are getting nowhere. How is it possible that nobody is accountable?