Showing posts in category Priceline General

Maximizing Your Priceline Hotel & Car Bookings

By Don Nadeau, on August 27, 2009, in Car Rental Tips, Hotel Tips, Priceline General, Travel

You’ve booked a Priceline “Name your own price” hotel room and car rental. Hopefully, you’ve paid a lot less than others for these. But, does that leave you vulnerable to whatever comes?

Well, yes and no.

At the rental car counter

If you’ve reserved a car or better hotel, I urge you to present its frequent traveler card or at least its number.

With the rental car, you probably won’t get points or the ability to bypass the counter, but you may receive special service with the card.

For example for a recent “Name your own price” Priceline Hertz reservation, the agent appreciated being able to use my Hertz #1 Club Gold number to pull up easily my credit card and other personal information. He then assigned me a vehicle in the #1 Club lot that was nearly new.

At hotel check in

You may find the same with hotels. You may not be upgraded from the standard room you normally receive with a “Name your own price” or Hotwire reservation, but you are unlikely to receive an inferior room last on the list to be renovated.

In addition, the guest clerk will probably try to do more to fulfill any special requests you may have. (See “Hints to help your hotel stay go smoothly” below.)

Dressing for success

I also believe that you should dress appropriately for these interactions. Like it or not, the people who monitor the gateways to the best establishments judge us by our appearance.

That does not mean that you need to dress in a business suit to check into the New York Hilton, but you shouldn’t arrive looking as if you just hiked the Appalachian Trail—for 10 days.

Even Ewan McGregor, the actor who played Obi-Wan Kenobi in three Star Wars films, insists he was turned away from a Holiday Inn Express in Oklahoma because it didn’t recognize him in dirty motorcycle garb. If he can be treated like that, what about the rest of us hoping for a little more comfort as we travel?

Presenting a “power” credit card

The credit card you present represents you. An American Express card, the Citibank AAdvantage® MasterCard, or similar card indicates, rightly or wrongly, that you are a frequent traveler who will likely return if satisfied.

See additional tips, such as how to get a free upgrade, at “Hints to help your hotel stay go smoothly.”

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Priceline Rocks Another Financial Quarter

By Don Nadeau, on May 11, 2009, in Priceline General

On May 11, 2009, Priceline reported another great financial quarter, in spite (or likely in part because of) the current recession. This “Name your own price” outlet may be benefiting greatly from consumers placing increased emphasis on spending wisely.

Profits were up 43% from a year ago, well above Wall Street estimates, in part because of a hefty boost in European and U.S. travel bookings. Sales rose 14.6%.

For 10 straight quarters, Priceline has exceeded financial firm profit estimates by at least 10 cents a share.

Moreover, a weak travel environment actually helps Priceline in another way. With more hotel rooms and rental cars available at rock bottom prices, a greater percentage of “Name your own price” bids get accepted.

Priceline proves that you can make money with bargain prices, in spite of unstable energy prices and a weak economy.

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Priceline Remains Financially Strong

By Don Nadeau, on January 26, 2009, in Priceline General

Priceline survived the dot com crash with prudent money management and those habits continue. Low on debt and strong on cash, with low operating costs, Priceline stands ready for the current era.

Priceline does better when it has lots of low cost inventory. That gets “Name your own price” offers accepted.

With travel generally down, you have the greatest chance of getting low prices. That’s good for you and good for Priceline.

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Priceline shares hit 7-year high

By Don Nadeau, on August 9, 2007, in Priceline General

Not since the dot com implosion have Priceline shares reached $79.73, as they did Wednesday.
Strong demand and earnings have more than doubled Priceline share prices during the past year.
It’s interesting how companies like Priceline and Southwest that offer good values are making a profit, while many of those that charge much higher prices are not.

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Hotwire Versus Priceline

By Don Nadeau, on November 19, 2006, in Priceline General

Wondering which is better: Hotwire or Priceline?
I discussed the pros and cons of Hotwire and Priceline in an interview with Rick Archer.
This information should help you make an informed travel decision.

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