Using Priceline if you have kids?

[poohfriend77]

We're going to Chicago in a few weeks, and I'm looking for a good deal on a hotel downtown. Several people have suggested I use Priceline. I've never used it before (partly because I'm a huge control freak, so it's terrifying to me to commit before I know exactly WHERE I'll be staying. )

I thought I'd try it, but the site says rooms are for double occupancy, and there is no guarantee you'll get the type of room you want (king bed, two beds, etc.) So what happens if I book a room with one bed, and DH and I show up with our two kids at check-in? Does anyone have experience with this? It looks like there's no way to "back out" once you book the room. DH is very tall and doesn't fit well on double beds. Ideally we'd like two queens or a king with a sofabed. But do I have to stop being so picky in order to get a good deal? Thanks for any advice you seasoned Priceline users can offer!

 

[rdevine10]

It is true you might end up with just one bed, especially if you are traveling to cities (other places like orlando area, which caters to families you have a better chance of 2 beds). That being said, check out the betterbidding and biddingfortravel for help with priceline/hotwire. Hotwire you can choose a room that will accommodate 4 people (and it will say 2 queens or 2 doubles).

Also, check out travelzoo, I have seen deals for Chicago there before, although I cannot recall what time of the year they were for.

I have used priceline several times, as well as hotwire. Do your research 1st and you just might get a good deal!

 

[daisy2jae]

I've used priceline and so far not had problems. I'm a control freak. The first few times I used it I was nervous but it passed. I've only been disappointed once in the numerous times using it. I got a hotel which was a 4 star but it was out dated and dirty. I usually name my own price and get my room for $50-$60. That beats paying $90-$120. I use priceline only if we're using the room for a quick night stay. I look other places to get a good deal and pay a little more if we're using it for an extended trip. That way I can be sure I get what I want. (room, location, pool, etc...) My experience with staying in larger cities in the downtown area 3 star hotel is always nice. The hotels have always allowed us to get 2 beds but I know this is not a set thing we've just gotten luck.

I have also called the hotel direct after booking with priceline to ask for 2 beds and that has helped when I check it to get the room I was looking for.

 

[kristin1724]

I've used Priceline A LOT and have gotten 3 star rooms for as little as $25 a night. I've only been disappointed once (in Memphis) and it was a pretty bad experience but I will still continue to use Priceline especially in the Chicago area. That is where I've primarily used it since we usually go up several times a year for a weekend stay. I've always had good luck calling the hotel once the reservation has gone through and requesting what type of room I wanted. I've never had a hotel tell me no that I couldn't request something.

 

[lizabu]

It all depends on where you're going an how busy the hotel is. Hotels give preference to people who booked directly through them. Even if Priceline lets you choose 2 beds the hotel doesn't have to honor it. The problems come when the hotel is very full. Customers who book directly are guaranteed what they book and people who book through a 3rd party get what's left. Hotels also book 3% more than actual rooms they have because they know people will cancel. Every once in a while everyone actually shows up. When that happens the 1st people to get bumped to other hotels are people who book through 3rd parties. If it's not a busy time you will probably have no problems but if you are trying to stay downtown in a city where theres a hockey play off or other big event you're just asking for trouble