Had a 20% discount voucher to use which brought the total with taxes and fees down to $71.95. The advance non-refundable rate with the hotel was $201.82 with taxes so this is a decent price. Mods - the Priceline zones in Cincinnati changed a few days ago. South Kings Island and North Kings Island have been merged into Kings Island - Mason. Northeast - Blue Ash is now just Blue Ash. University - Norwood is now University Area. ETA: there were no amenities listed for this PRICELINE EXPRESS deal.
I'd been bidding in this area for a week or so, gradually upping the bid. This was my final attempt as it was getting close to the rate for booking direct with the Best Western Norwalk (the only 2.5* which had been reported in the area).
This hotel must have released inventory to Price.line overnight. The total with taxes and fees was $174.20. Problem is, the rate on Expe.dia for the hotel is only $149.72.
I called up Priceline to make a claim under their Best Price Guarantee. They agreed to refund the difference plus a further 20% of the retail rate and gave me a 20% discount coupon for a future Express Deal booking.
Mustn't grumble too much I suppose, although it doesn't appear to be as nice a hotel as the Best Western.
Total with taxes and fees was $159.30. Not the greatest of savings once you factor in the Price.line fees as the average nightly rate direct with the hotel was $83.24. I didn't want to bid in this area for fear of being "upgraded" to the 3-star Monte Carlo Inn.
Was bidding for a 2.5* in the Grandville/Grand Rapids North/South-Wyoming areas and was upgraded to this 3* hotel. Total with taxes and fees was $77.76.
