TravelManKen

I called the Priceline customer service line and said that I made a mistake and didn't want what I had won. They refunded my reservation, minus a fee of $125 ($25/night reserved). They then told me that if I won a bid in the same geographical area, for the same number of days in the next 7 days, I would be refunded $100 of the $125. So it only cost me $25 for the rebook.

I bid over the course of a few days, starting at $40 and moving up slowly. For 4-star, my bids were $40, $55, $70 and $75.

You can also add the "First Hotel" www.firsthoteltaipei.com/english.html to the list of 3 star properties in Taipei West. I actually won a bid for it at $70 for the same 5-nit stay, but rejected it and paid a $35 cancellation fee because the hotel didn't look so 3-star, and it was available for $79 (U.S.)/nt online.

Ambassador Hotel, Taipei, Taiwan (west)

5 nts - 11/24-11/29

$75/nt

Lowest price was $135 with one night sold out

Lowest average 4-star on Expedia/Travelocity was $165

- First bid $45

- Added free area, 2nd bid $50

- Added free area, 3rd bid $55 - won

- Lowest rate was $169/nt at Hilton.com

- 2 nights, Friday and Saturday, June 24-26