Good or bad experience booking through Priceline? Please report

[tinaluis]

They did mention Priceline but I didn't feel like they treated me any differently than any other person checking in. They said something like "OK, I see you're prepaid through Priceline". We did request a non-smoking room and a crib for our youngest DD which wasn't a problem. I had to call a couple of times to get the crib sent but I think it was just because they were very busy. I don't remember if they had dataports but they did have internet access through the TV for $9.95. I think you should go in there with the expectation that you'll be treated decently and everything will be okay. If, for some reason, you get a check-in clerk who wants to be difficult, be persistent and ask that your requests be honored. For example, once, at a Hampton Inn here in Gurnee, IL I made a reservation through Priceline. When we got to the hotel they only had smoking rooms which I didn't particularly want because I have three small DDs. They sent a clerk up with us with a bottle of disinfectant spray and when we entered the room the smoke smell wasn't really too bad. They sprayed it down, and we were OK with that. However, if that didn't do the trick, I would have been down there at the front desk asking for another room, and another until we found one that was acceptable. I may have gotten a bargain basement price on the room, but that doesn't mean that entitles them to treat me as a second class citizen. In that case it was a matter of the hotel being full and us checking in late. I've made conventional reservations in the past (GASP!!!) and had trouble with them honoring my requests at check-in. If they put you in a room that is unacceptable, ask them for another room. If they say there are no others available, ask them to move you the next day when rooms become available. Be persistent if you have to be but don't anticipate trouble. You may not have any at all.

 

[icydog]

Thanks Tina!!

 

[CarolA]

I checked into the Courtyard DTD (2.5 stars $30) and the Hilton DTD (Resort $60) this past weekend.

In both cases I go the standard room types. At the Courtyard I had two double beds which is pretty much their standard bedding. The rooms was HUGE and I did peek in other rooms being cleaned and mine was identical. The only Priceline mention was the manager at the front desk to the clerk. The clerk was a trainee and did not know how to process a pre-paid room so he showed him.

The Hilton offered me a choice of two beds or a king. I took the King. Very nice room and once again it looked just like all the others and like other rooms I have stayed in at that Hilton. No mention of priceline. I extended my stay for late checkout and was suppose to be charged $55 for that, but they forgot to do it. (Who knows? It may still show up and I do owe it!)

My only problem at both hotels was a family at the Hilton who seemed to think the hall was their personal party area. I called Hilton Security around midnight and I don't know what they did, but the noise disappeared within 5 minutes. Pretty good!

Now, I agree that upgrades should be based on fare paid, just like in the airline industry. I stayed at a Hilton in Atlanta last week. The hotel was full and 99% of the guests were on a convention rate. I was on rack rate and I was upgraded to a floor with free beverages etc.... Considering the $60 difference in my room rate over the average rate that night I think that it was fair that I got the upgrade.

Personally if a hotel clerk said nasty things I would contact Priceline and let them know. IF they get real nasty I would go find the manager. I travel a lot and I am not afraid to tell off a hotel manager.

 

[lexis53]

I have never used Priceline for a hotel in Orlando but I have used it most other places we travel. Every time, I call the hotel beforehand to make sure that they know I have severe asthma and suffer from anaphylaxis (important if traveling alone). Since I require a nonsmoking room, I make the request with the hotel before I even arrive. Then I don't worry about every nonsmoking room being booked.

I have been treated with professionalism every time. I have checked into most southern cities like NAshville, Atlanta, St. Louis, etc. I only bid 4* or Resort depending on what is available. I think a hotel that trains the employees properly will treat all guests with courtesy. I actually have been treated so well in some hotels (I often sightsee alone and see staff constantly while I am in and out) that I have commended them for their service.

I think some of it is attitude. There are some bad hotel employees but then again, if you go in feeling combative, you will get served by someone on the defensive. Most of the time (not always) you reap what you sow. I walk in with a smile on my face and thank everyone for giving me a nonsmoking room. And I have been upgraded many times for being nice. I also get upgraded more on priceline flights than on regular ones. I have ended up in first class and I have also ended up getting a direct flight instead of one or two connections.

But I think that like anything, there are jerks out there who want to make your day as cr@ppy as theirs. Sometimes we will check into hotels with those employees, see the clerk at the drugstore, meet the checker having a bad day, etc.

Good luck! Enjoy your vacation

 

[Lewisc]

I was not referring to you. I don't think a 1st floor request is unreasonable. I suspect many PL customers before you have asked for a free Tower upgrade. I suspect that accounts for the hotels rigid policy. No reason for them to be rude.

Originally posted by A Mickeyfan
I want to clarify what I am saying about the Grovsenor. I am not saying that I should have been upgraded to a Tower room.