Priceline

[solstice621]

Can someone talk me through bidding on Priceline? I have used Hotwire before, but the hotels that we like to get on there do not seem to be coming up as options this time. SO I'd like to give Priceline a try. I have used betterbidding.com and have read up on Priceline, but one thing confuses me - do I get a description (not the name) of the hotel they are giving me before I am charged???

 

[travelfanatic]

No, unlike Hotwire, you will not see any description prior to bidding. The only thing you would be aware of would be the area you are bidding on & the rating. I usually only bid 4* or resorts because I am particular about where I stay. I will only bid a category where I would be happy with any of the hotels given. Otherwise, it would be my luck to get the one hotel I didn't want. Having said that, I have yet to be disappointed. Good Luck!

 

[solstice621]

Thanks. That's what I was curious about. So there's really no way to choose a condo type room, like you can on Hotwire.

 

[ORMom2Four]

I've used Priceline for hotels about 10 times. I have not found a way to request a condo type of hotel on it, you can only request the general area and the star rating.

Priceline guarantees only one bed per room. A few hotels let us have a room with two beds at no extra charge. A few others told us they would give us a room with two beds but they wanted us to pay more $$$.....we just go with the room with one bed when they do that.

 

[DOOM1001]

One thing I don't like that Priceline does is supposedly "upgrade" you to a higher star hotel which in my experience isn't as good as the lower star hotel.This has happened to me a couple of times, I used betterbidding to see the 2.5 star hotels in the area,the first time I got one of the 4 or 5 2.5 star hotels listed in that particular area and was very happy with it,so I obviously tried this again on a future stay and instead was upgraded to a 3 star which I just didn't like,I tried it again on another visit same thing happened,then I told myself to stop using Priceline and stick to Hotwire.They should at least give you the option of wanting to be upgraded.