Priceline Hotel: 4* Savannah (Historic District - Riverfront) Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa

[trentslori]

This is in no way shape or form a "win" that I am proud of.  As a matter of fact, it really ticked me off.

That being said, I am sure it is a fabulous hotel, it just isn't what I was aiming for when I started bidding for a 3 1/2 star in this zone.  When I brought up the selections to bid on, the Historic District-Riverfront zone had the 3 1/2 star listed as a "best deal".  So I was thinking I was bidding on any 3 1/2 star in this zone.  PRICELINE decided to "upgrade" me to this 4-star. If I had wanted a 4-star I would have bid on one and done a different strategy.  When I called and expressed concern to them about how I knew it was nonrefundable, and I would have been happy with any 3 1/2 star in that zone that I was bidding on, but didn't feel it was fair that they upgraded me...I offered to immediately book a 3 1/2 star express deal at a higher rate instead,  they could have cared less.  Buyer beware.  And yes Priceline I know you have all your t's crossed and your i's dotted with fine print and legalize...be happy...you GOT me.  You are legally right.  I will happily skip off to upgraded-land, because you say I should.

 

That being said, I'm sure this is a perfectly wonderful hotel.  I could have gotten it outright without bidding for $160.  I could have also possibly gotten it for less than $140, in that my previous bid was $120.  Since 3 1/2 stars were in the $200 range in this zone, I was bidding higher, thinking I was aiming for them.  So anyone who wants a 4-star in this zone, please know that you could possibly get it for less. If you want one of the 3 1/2 stars, do know that this is NOT the way to get it.    

 

I have been one of PRICELINE's biggest cheerleader/fans for years. So much so, I even have a Priceline credit card.  Sadly, I feel something has changed with them.  Something that feels really wrong. Fortunately we all have other options out there.

 

Meanwhile, I will attend the funeral I have to go to this weekend, I will stay at this lovely 4-star that is not exactly where I wanted it to be.  I am, as always, appreciative of this website for the Hot.wire and PRICELINE links and the information that I gleam here.  Which is another reason this is so upsetting to me.  As an experienced bidder, who arms herself with info before bidding, I find it especially hurtful that that knowledge wasn't enough.  When you bid, you are at the mercy of whatever Priceline thinks is okay.

 

$140 per night for this Friday & Saturday night at the Westin.

[thereuare]

Sorry to hear you're disappointed with this win (as well as the circumstances surrounding this trip).

It has always been the case that the star rating you select is the minimum that you are willing to accept, and this is the reason when determining re-bid zones you have to use zones that not only don't have the star rating you're bidding, but only have star ratings lower than you're bidding... because PRICELINE could always upgrade your hotel to a higher level property.

Although unexpected and not in the ideal location, hopefully you'll be able to make this work well for your needs.

Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board.

[trentslori]

Just wanted to say that as much as I believe Priceline should not be "upgrading" us without our approval, this hotel ROCKED.  A wonderful resort!

[thereuare]

Glad to hear it worked out for the best and you enjoyed your stay!

Thanks for the follow-up.