Priceline allowed cancellation with full refund

[Liset]

I had plans tonight for theatre and a night in a hotel in Madison, WI with my daughter who is visiting home from college. Unfortunately I woke up ill -- nothing serious but not something that would make a three hour drive wise. :)

While I fully expected to eat the cost, I called PRICELINE customer service to explain the circumstances. I began by very politely stating that I am a loyal customer who understands and respects their cancellation policy, but wondered if there was *anyway* we could work together. I asked if we could work with the Sheraton to honor my reservation for next week, allow me to rebid, cancel with a penalty, etc. or anything else they might suggest. The customer service rep immediately reiterated their no-cancellation policy, said that unfortunately the reservation couldn't be changed for another, but under the extenuating circumstances they would give a full refund. I thanked him profusely, told him I understood they were making a rare exception to their policy and offered that I would never ask again. (In addition to my humility, my seven August PRICELINE nights might have helped!)

Thanks to PRICELINE and the theatre that exchanged the tickets (albeit with a far greater hassle) the mother/daughter night is on for next weekend.

[thereuare]

Glad to hear they were willing to work with you on this one... hopefully it made you feel a little better too! :)

Others should note that this is much more the exception than the rule... you shouldn't ever expect a refund.

[SocialAdept]

PL isn't made of robots. I've heard how some people have manged refunds on PRICELINE / HOTWIRE as well. If you can't honor a stay you should ALWAYS call customer service and calmly and politely explain that due to unforseen circumstances outside of your control you just can't make it. There's really nothing to lose.