Priceline "beware"

[kenish]

Kevin- Most of the hotels around SNA have great rates for Friday-Sunday nights since they cater to business travelers. Also a lot of cruise pax on a night arrival into SNA would rather go to a nearby hotel than worry about getting up to the cruise port. That's especially true for east coasters where an 10pm arrival into SNA is 1am at home.

 

I'm down in RSM by the way.

[Fattony]

I stayed at the Crowne Plaza near SNA last January. It was fine. Not all of the Tripadvisor reviews are totally negative (I posted one). Parking is high ($12) for being in an office park, and there is a death of restaurants in the area (but plenty if you drive a bit), and when I was there one elevator was out. But the room was fine. I didn't hear noise from I-405. It's almost certain you will survive your stay.

 

You get a lower fare through Priceline based on the risk you take. If you buy a non-refundable airline ticket and then do research and find bad reviews, you can't get your money back or switch to another airline. The lower rates on Priceline and Hotwire are based on being non-refundable. The sites state that. Priceline also lists hotels you can book directly, at a higher rate. Hotwire is starting to do that, showing hotels (identified) from Hotels.com. When you bid, you do not, in fact, know the hotel you will get in advance, but you can get an idea, as noted here many times, on Betterbidding.com (based on what others have gotten; you could get a different hotel since the hotels the services use can change). I did once get my money back from Hotwire based on terminal illness of a relative (had to fax a doctor's note).

 

My one bad experience with Priceline occurred when I bid, and got, a 4-star hotel near LAX. Three weeks before the trip, I was told I had a room at the Sheraton Gateway. The day before our arrival, after we'd already left home, Priceline sent me a message saying the Sheraton had discovered they were overbooked, and that the nearest hotel with an available room was the Radisson (3 1/2 stars), and we'd be there. No 4-star hotels available. They also sent a number I could use for a $10 discount per night on a hotel stay of up to 5 nights, but this was only for a future stay (no discount for the current reservation), and could be used only for one hotel stay (if we stayed for 3 nights, we'd get a $30 discount and could not use the other days later). When I phoned Priceline and complained, I was finally told they'd refund the full reservation if I wanted and I could start over, but since we were arriving tht day after an overnight flight, I gave up and took the Radisson.

 

Note: be careful and look at the maps and geographic designations when using Hotwire and Priceline. They use different area designations. In general, I've found Hotwire to have more specific designations (i.e., you could have a better idea of where you'll end up). And with Betterbidding.com you can get an idea of the specific hotels others have gotten.

[KAYEF]

I stayed at the Crowne Plaza near SNA last January. It was fine. Not all of the Tripadvisor reviews are totally negative (I posted one). Parking is high ($12)

 

We got "free night" at the Five Star Olympic in Seattle before our AK cruise. Having grown up in Seattle, I was hot to stay in a "Five Star" there. Good news: we were upgraded to a corner suite...........sweet!

Bad news: parking was $36. and in a lot not owned by them AND across the street and up the hill. They "advertise" parking either by valet or self.

I had NO idea the parking lot they use is a public one even though I called and asked about the safety of our luggage in "their" lot.

Valet was even more............. $12. sounds good to me.;)

Location............location...........

[Putterdude]

We have always had good success with Priceline. I think we get a bit spoiled, often when we bid a 3.5*+ hotel we end up with a 4 or 5* property and when we do get a 3.5* we are disappointed. I will also say that we have had good experience in dealing with the hotel after the fact requesting an h/c room and a nice, view, king bed and so forth.

[CPPADILLA]

mabdns40 - don't be too discouraged. It may not be that bad. The first time we ever tried Priceline for a NYC stay all of our cruising friends were getting a certain hotel, unfortunately we got something else. I was so bummed. The reviews for the hotel were disappointing, I was not happy. All of the reviews said getting a taxi was next to impossible, there was not one positive comment.

 

Well, we stayed in that hotel we got via Priceline, it wasn't great, but it wasn't as bad as the reviews it was getting either and getting a taxi was so easy. Seriously, maybe a three minute wait if that wait. I figured okay, the last day when we are trying to get to the cruise terminal that's when we won't be able to get a taxi, ha, we barely walked out of the hotel and there was a taxi.

 

Everything worked out fine and we have been using Priceline ever since. The best though was getting Sutton Place last year in Vancouver. Don't give up on Priceline, give it another try.

[KevinR]

Kevin- Most of the hotels around SNA have great rates for Friday-Sunday nights since they cater to business travelers. Also a lot of cruise pax on a night arrival into SNA would rather go to a nearby hotel than worry about getting up to the cruise port. That's especially true for east coasters where an 10pm arrival into SNA is 1am at home.

 

I'm down in RSM by the way.

 

Though I'd rather be much closer to the port for an overnight stay... I hear what you are saying.

 

I'll be in HB in the morning and RSM at Tesoro HS for a Pop Warner football game in the afternoon! I hope it's not too hot!! :)

[kenish]

In RSM tomorrow it may be cool enough in the late afternoon to want a sweatshirt or light windbreaker. For some reason everyone thinks RSM is a scorching furnace, though it's certainly not HB. Sorry for being OT! :D

[serval_girl]

Priceline is awesome. I've stayed in downtown Phili at a 300$ hotel for 75. I agree-spend an hour looking at the hotels in the area to decide what star Yo bid on, and I've found checking them out on TA often gives a heads up for who is more likely to bite. The only time I don't bid is when I am willing to pay for something specific-like parking during my cruise or beach front or hot tubs. The rules are clear-the amount including taxes of your bid are shown before you hit the send button-no tricks. Silly to even call them and complain-why would this system work if people could keep calling and canceling until they got what they wanted???

And I love singing "priceline negotiator" while waiting for my deal to appear:)

[kjpabl]

We have used both Hotwire and Priceline for reservations. Please do take all reviews with a huge grain of salt. For example, we booked the Roosevelt Hotel in Seattle thru Hotwire. Then I read the reviews on TA and was terrified I had made a huge mistake. No working elevator, poor service, cramped and noisy rooms...etc. So not our experience!! Both elevators were running, very pleasant staff and while the bathrooms were small, every detail was planned to give maximum use of the area. I would gladly stay again. After the weekend we stayed I read more negative reviews about the hotel. I believe that some people would not be happy at Windsor Palace and the expectations of perfection can lead to major disappointment. I paid $45 a night and got a lovely room right in downtown Seattle. I'm sure that you will find that few people take the time to write positive reviews. Good Luck!

[AddictedtoFL]

I use Priceline and Hotwire in the past, and never a big surprised about the winning hotel that we get vs. our research

I used Priceline to book 3 nights stay in Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa last week, so I can take my kids to Lego land and Sea life after the cruise. I tell you if I had paid full price for the hotel I would be extremely upset, I was well prepare and aware of all the extra charges the hotel wanted ( resort fees, parking = total $108/night), and call ahead to make sure that they are ok with us getting a room with 2 beds, but when we check in they want additional $20 a night.

One thing I noticed about all the hotels that I booked through Priceline/Hotwire regardless of the start rating is that the front desk clerks will treat you like a beggar or some sort. For crying out loud if they don’t like receiving guess that booked through Priceline/Hotwire then don’t participate, after all we’re still paying guess, just not as much as you wanted us to pay.

[feisty_tuffy]

We use PL every cruise. Best experience was when we went to London. There was a fire at the train station and our plane arrived well after midnight. As we walked into Hilton Olympia, the staff had the "oh crap they came" look on their faces. They quickly recomposed and explained they had sold our rooms. Would we have a drink on them in the bar while "we sort this out" Next thing we knew a limo was picking us up to take us to another hotel putting us in a full suite overlooking the Eye of London. Our instructions were to come back tomorrow in a taxi, present them with taxi bill and plan on free breakfast on Hilton Olympia. We showed up as instructed with receipts, were immediately reimbursed, our luggage stowed with the concierge, and escorted to a huge breakfast buffet, where the hostess was told breakfast is free for these guests. We left shortly after breakfast for our all day tour. We came back to the hotel to find our rooms ready. We also were handed dinner buffet tickets to make up for any inconvience we might be feeling(we actually werent feeling any) but free food is free food. We asked to reserve a van from London to South Hampton (there were actually 4 of us involved in this adventure renting 2 rooms). No problem they would be happy to arrange our van. The next day we had another all day tour scheduled to Stone Henge and Salsibury and Bath. The staff was so disappointed in us when we came down for our tour, they said didnt you get your breakfast tickets for this morning? Cant you stay for buffet, we are paying for it? We thanked them and told them we were sorry our tour was leaving soon, that we had not gotten our breakfast tickets, but that was no problem. That night since we had missed our breakfast, they sent complimentary wine and fruit to our rooms. The next day we left in the van they had arranged for us and thanked the staff for all their kindness. We noticed the van charge was not on the bill, they said no worries we will add it later. They never did charge us for that either.

 

Obviously an exceptional experince but the hotel was most anxious to make up for having sold our rooms and they more than made up for it in our minds.

 

Worst part of PL for us was my getting breast cancer and having to cancel our trip last year, but we had already paid our non refundable PL hotel bills when we named our own price. We had some wonderful hotels they had given us for that trip :(

 

Good news is I am now a Warrior in Pink. Finished radiation last week. Finish all treatments in July. Have a West Coast cruise scheduled for September to test my flying/traveling stamina post cancer.

 

I love PL and recommend them to all, but only if you do your research and remember it is a calculated gamble.

 

Linda

[goodml]

We use PL every cruise. Best experience was when we went to London. There was a fire at the train station and our plane arrived well after midnight. As we walked into Hilton Olympia, the staff had the "oh crap they came" look on their faces. They quickly recomposed and explained they had sold our rooms. Would we have a drink on them in the bar while "we sort this out" Next thing we knew a limo was picking us up to take us to another hotel putting us in a full suite overlooking the Eye of London. Our instructions were to come back tomorrow in a taxi, present them with taxi bill and plan on free breakfast on Hilton Olympia. We showed up as instructed with receipts, were immediately reimbursed, our luggage stowed with the concierge, and escorted to a huge breakfast buffet, where the hostess was told breakfast is free for these guests. We left shortly after breakfast for our all day tour. We came back to the hotel to find our rooms ready. We also were handed dinner buffet tickets to make up for any inconvience we might be feeling(we actually werent feeling any) but free food is free food. We asked to reserve a van from London to South Hampton (there were actually 4 of us involved in this adventure renting 2 rooms). No problem they would be happy to arrange our van. The next day we had another all day tour scheduled to Stone Henge and Salsibury and Bath. The staff was so disappointed in us when we came down for our tour, they said didnt you get your breakfast tickets for this morning? Cant you stay for buffet, we are paying for it? We thanked them and told them we were sorry our tour was leaving soon, that we had not gotten our breakfast tickets, but that was no problem. That night since we had missed our breakfast, they sent complimentary wine and fruit to our rooms. The next day we left in the van they had arranged for us and thanked the staff for all their kindness. We noticed the van charge was not on the bill, they said no worries we will add it later. They never did charge us for that either.

 

Obviously an exceptional experince but the hotel was most anxious to make up for having sold our rooms and they more than made up for it in our minds.

 

Worst part of PL for us was my getting breast cancer and having to cancel our trip last year, but we had already paid our non refundable PL hotel bills when we named our own price. We had some wonderful hotels they had given us for that trip :(

 

Good news is I am now a Warrior in Pink. Finished radiation last week. Finish all treatments in July. Have a West Coast cruise scheduled for September to test my flying/traveling stamina post cancer.

 

I love PL and recommend them to all, but only if you do your research and remember it is a calculated gamble.

 

Linda

 

:)Wow that's a great PL story!. We also use them regularly.

 

Here's wishing you continued success in your battle. Be strong against the beast! If your west coast cruise happens to be on the NCL Star in September, please come join the roll call:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1242003&page=11

[foureyedbuzzard]

...One thing I noticed about all the hotels that I booked through Priceline/Hotwire regardless of the start rating is that the front desk clerks will treat you like a beggar or some sort. For crying out loud if they don’t like receiving guess that booked through Priceline/Hotwire then don’t participate, after all we’re still paying guess, just not as much as you wanted us to pay.

Wow, I've never had that experience. I've stayed in many NYC hotels using Priceline and was always treated very well and on par with any other guest.

 

One thing to add to the conversation though.

 

While the fixed costs remain the same whether the room is occupied or not, there are variable costs not being mentioned, such as servicing the check-in / check-out, preparing the bill, housekeeping (the room has to be cleaned and remade), laundering of linens and towels, water / hot water use, etc. Labor and supplies aren't cheap - even housekeeping. From an accounting standpoint, even other items like electric usage, wear and tear on furnishings, etc are all factored in if you were to do an in-depth per guest cost analysis. There is a bottom number where a hotel will lose money on a room by renting it too cheap. They have to at minimum cover the variable costs to break even. And breaking even isn't a good business practice. I would venture that most minimum rates are at about 200 to 300% of variable costs as an absolute minumum rate to PL bidders. I don't know if they actually do such an analysis, but I'd bet they have a very good idea (EWAG) of what that number is and apply it to discounting.

 

Generally, I only use PL for NYC hotels as I have a lot of Hilton and Marriott rewards points that I use elsewhere. Typically I've booked rooms at 35% to 40% of rack rate. Getting a room at a Sheraton or Marriott or Hilton in the Midtown or Times Square area of Manhattan for $100 to $125 a night isn't a bad deal.

[vbmom87]

One thing I noticed about all the hotels that I booked through Priceline/Hotwire regardless of the start rating is that the front desk clerks will treat you like a beggar or some sort. For crying out loud if they don’t like receiving guess that booked through Priceline/Hotwire then don’t participate, after all we’re still paying guess, just not as much as you wanted us to pay.

 

We have maybe 20 or so Priceline wins and I have to say, we were always treated very well. There were a few rooms we got by the elevator and we often get a lousy view out of our window, but the rooms themselves have always been great and the staff was always professional and pleasant.

 

I will say, I only book 3* and up hotels. To me it seems like the ratings are way too generous for what you get. I would never go down to 2 star.

[peachpeeps]

If you cant book directly with the hotels, try Hotwire.

Have had good experience with them in the past.

[Happy ks]

Count us in as persons who have been well treated by desk clerks when using Priceline. I worked in a hotel for 7 years long ago. One thing I always noticed was how terribly rude the front desk was to guests, it was embarrassing to me (I was behind the scenes the first 3 years). I then worked in the banquet department and had to deal with the rude room reservations clerks, these were my co-workers.

 

So...I'm always a bit surprised when desk clerks are actually nice to me upon check in. We've only used PL about 5 times, but every single time has been a positive experience. We've had rooms in Vancouver, San Diego, Palm Springs, San Pedro...never once have we been treated as "beggars" or less than anyone else. We've even been congratulated on our price!

 

I work part time in retail and when we have a sale, especially an extra 25 - 40% off, I'm happy for the consumer. I don't consider them cheap, I consider them smart shoppers.