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Frequently Asked Questions
Priceline Hotel Bidding
- Does getting a cheap hotel room on priceline mean staying at an inferior place?
- How can I find out some hotels Priceline uses in a neighborhood?
- How can I avoid overpaying?
- What if I find a better rate for my hotel room after I bid?
- What sort of room will I get?
- Will my room be smoking or non-smoking?
- Do the hotels treat Priceline customers differently?
- Can I choose the hotel before bidding?
- Can I get a refund or change my dates?
- I'm a physically-challenged person. What if my Priceline hotel does not have a room that works for me?
- How late can I book a room on priceline.com?
- Will I get a better rate booking at the last minute?
- Who shouldn’t bid on Priceline hotels?
- Do you have any tips for getting extra savings on Priceline?
1. Does getting a cheap hotel room on Priceline mean staying in an inferior place?
No, not at all. You pick the quality when you bid.
If you want top quality, bid for 3-star or (especially in larger cities) 4-star places. You’ll usually end up at a Hyatt, Marriott, Doubletree, Hilton, InterContinental, Sheraton, Holiday Day Inn Crown Plaza, Wyndham, Westin, or similar hotel.
Typical 2.5- or 3-star or sometimes 2-star hotels include Holiday Inn Express, Fairfield Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton Inn, Four Points by Sheraton, etc.
Priceline.com Hotels may rate of some of these higher or lower based on
the amenities available, but the above listings are typical. The star ratings
are very similar to AAA's auto club diamond ratings.
2. How can I find out some hotels Priceline uses in a neighborhood?
To find out the types of hotels priceline is currently using in a neighborhood, check the hotels listed in Priceline.com Vacations (air and hotel packages).
Enter your destination and dates of travel.
Priceline.com Hotels uses many of these hotels. Your bid for a particular star rating will put you in one of these or an equivalent hotel.
3. How can I avoid overpaying?
Priceline gives you typical discounts for its most popular neighborhoods in the following extremely helpful link:
Priceline 10 most requested neighborhoods!
Of course, you may need to bid higher during large conventions or special events.
The following link compares typical winning Priceline bids for first-class or deluxe hotels to the best rates found on Expedia, Hotels.com, and Travelocity:
For other neighborhoods or quality levels, check the rates on Hotwire.com,
Priceline’s main
competitor, and make sure your bid is approximately 15 percent
below these.
4. What if I find a better rate for my hotel room after I bid?
We don't expect this, but Priceline offers an excellent “Best Price Guarantee.” (Opens in new window.)
5. What sort of room will I get?
Normally, you’ll receive a standard (regular) room with one or two beds. Typically, ocean view rooms, suites, and other special rooms cost extra, and cannot be bid on.
Standard rooms at some hotels (especially in large cities) may not have space for more than two persons—there may not be room for a rollaway bed or cot.
6. Will my room be smoking or non-smoking?
Call your hotel before arrival to help you get the type of room you want. Most hotel rooms these days are non-smoking.
For other tips on having a smooth stay, see our Hotel Check List.
7. Do hotels treat Priceline customers differently?
Where a staff is well trained, no one will mention that you are a Priceline customer in front of other hotel guests. They don't want guests who paid regular rates to feel they've overpaid!
Also, you’ll get the same type of standard room that most guests receive, unless the hotel upgrades you because it has run out of regular rooms.
One difference
is you will only have to pay when you check out if you
used room service, the room's mini bar, or any other service that is not covered
in the basic room charge.
These fees can really add up, so think twice, for example, before you decide to park at a city center hotel or use an extraordinarily expensive mini bar.
8. Can I choose the hotel before bidding?
No, but with Priceline.com Hotels you can pick a specific neighborhood and star-quality rating.
Priceline lists the amenities you’ll receive with each star rating.
In larger cities, you’ll find a wide range of neighborhoods and quality choices. BidonTravel has numerous travel guides to help you pick the best neighborhoods.
9. How can I get a refund or change my dates?
You can’t cancel or change anything once you authorize your credit card to be charged. That’s the risk you take for your excellent discount.
10. I'm a physically-challenged person. What if my Priceline hotel does not have a room that works for me?
Call 1 800-PRICELINE and have customer service book an alternate hotel without extra charge. Have your Priceline transaction number handy. Try to arrange this as soon as possible.
11. How late can I book a room on priceline.com?
For most hotels, up to 11:00 p.m. (local time) on the day of arrival.
12. Will I get a better rate booking at the last minute?
Last-minute reservations are risky, as hotels in the area may sell out.
However, if rooms are available, you can often get an even bigger hotel discount at the last minute. If you’re flexible—if your heart isn’t set on just one destination or neighborhood—a last-minute booking may be your key to the most savings.
13. Who shouldn’t bid on Priceline hotels?
- Anyone whose plans are likely to change, because Priceline does NOT give
refunds or allow you to change any particular, including dates.
- Anyone who wants a specific service at a hotel or resort, such as on-site tennis lessons, or a kitchenette, or the ability to have a pet in a room.
14. Do you have any tips for getting extra savings on Priceline?
Hotels near large international airports offer incredible values at the moment.
People have a hard time believing this, but you can often look up the
price of a double room at a nearby Motel 6 and use this as your Priceline.com Hotels bid for a
3- or sometimes even 4-star airport hotel.
Also, the biggest percentage discounts tend to come from 3- and 4-star hotels. There may be little or no difference in price between these and a 2-star place!
