Hey thanks, aren't you supposed to be yelling at me for going off-topic? Maybe I've been trained too well <grin> For those of you who are interested, here is the thread on Flyertalk that I started -- there has been no consensus, actually, very differing viewpoints, which is always welcome: I asked: Any frequent PLers stop using PL recently? My own view, in summary, is this: Before I started using Priceline I would be happy to pay $100 a night to stay at a nice Marriott. It was even sweeter to pay $40 a night with Priceline and still get treated well. Now, the Marriott is available at $80 a night through its own discounting, and Priceline is up to $60 a night, and on top of that, you are not treated as well if you go through Priceline. So for me the price difference is shrinking, and I will agree that's only partially Priceline's problem (less bonus money, less inventory at higher prices) .. the flip side is that hotels are discounting themselves, offering very decent promotions or prepay rates. An example would be I am considering a hotel in LAX, 3*. The Four Points has a prepay rate of $62 and I get my full SPG perks as a Platinum. With Priceline's fees, I'd expect to pay around $42 for the same hotel (if I get lucky) or maybe get a slightly better 3*, or a slightly worse. So for a $20 difference, I get the hotel I want and the perks I deserve. So I'll book the Four Points directly. It also came down to what's most important to you. Back in the days when I paid $100 a night for the hotel, yes, I felt I was getting a good deal even then. But I also got good service and was able to expect certain things from a Marriott, for example. With Radisson, Holiday Inns, and Best Westerns being considering 3* by Priceline, I don't know what to expect for a 3* with them in many zones. So the extra $20-$40 a night seems worth it to me. I think Priceline is great for people who price is still the primary and almost only object .. as was the case in the person I made this bid for. But as a frequent traveller, I also value service, quality, upgrades and selection, and the price difference between Priceline and other available rates seems to be smaller and smaller every day. Just my $.03 (inflation) PS - If this thread garners any interest, feel free to move it accordingly, thereuare