Priceline Hotel: 3.5* Boston (Copley Square-Theater District) Sheraton

[sy_base]

Extensively searched past 5 days for 4 star hotels in Boston Downtown Easter week 4/26- 5/1. I did not want to pay more than $145 for a 4* anywhere in Downtown nothing came up on PRICELINE (you need to bid more if you want 4 star hotel for Easter). I did book Sheraton @ Copley Square 3.5 * for 100 a night cheapest 3.5* anywhere in downtown (when this is written 2/9) Sheraton has over 1200 rooms not a big surprise...

BEWARE, I called Sheraton Boston hotel direct (as PRICELINE instructed me) asking Sheraton for 2 double beds (since I do not want to sleep with my brother in a King). Sheraton Boston was NOT NICE!!! When they found out it was a priceline/hotwire reservation.... Told me that I had to book direct with them if I want any sort of guarantee... I called later in day got same rude answer from someone else at the desk. ALL PRICELINE ROOMS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY (LEFTOVERS) When you check in... YES, you may think this room is cheap... but if I have to sleep on floor it IS NOT that great of a deal, I could have booked a 2.5 star hotel 5 blocks away for $75 a night and get guaranteed room and free breakfast... So, if you

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Sorry to you feel you didn't get a great deal, but just as PRICELINE suggests calling the hotel to request a specific room configuration, they also state that all room requests are not guaranteed, subject to availability and at the discretion of the hotel. I'm surprised you didn't see this during the course of your research. Feel free to ask for help before your next 'opaque' hotel purchase... we'll likely be able to save you some time as well as help you avoid any unexpected situations.

Thank you for sharing your win and experience with the board and hope it all works out fro you in the end.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

Enjoy your stay.

[sy_base]

Thanks for reply,

My previous post is not about priceline rules... it is to show how Sheraton Boston and other hotels treat the less than desirable priceline/hotwire guests and the great effort that is needed to make a proper decision.

It is important to share the experiece, huge effort that may be needed not to get ripped off by priceline and it's "PARTNER HOTELS". Your entire trip could be ruined and save next to nothing or could cost you tons more.

Shearton Boston treated me like a lowlife on the phone as if I was asking for a handout (just by simply asking for 2 double beds). This could easily ruin your pleasurable travel anywhere when you arrive at hotel. This is what priceling told me to do... pricelines rules... my monies upfront but no guarentees... sounds great huh...

I believe that this forum " BETTER BIDDING" is ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT, THE BEST in helping in not getting ripped off. I give 10 stars to the people that created it to help the consumer... it is tuuly a GREAT resource. But it is not all sunshine in Kansas.... Truth needs to be told.

What happens you bring any children with you to the hotel (nore than 2 occupants)... Will hotel make you buy another room at rack rate?

IMPORTANT LAST WORD: Priceline/Hotwire is Risky and Unpredictable for anyitng BUT single travelers and couples traveling. Cuz, there are no guarantees on anything besides room for 2. (probably next to loading dock if hotel is full)

[Liset]

Sy,

I'm sorry you are upset with your PRICELINE win but hope that my experiences at the Sheraton Copley might calm you down. I've stayed at the Sheraton on PRICELINE bids several times and at check-in they have always accommodated my bed request. In fact, they had already booked me into a room with two doubles. While it does depend on availability, the same can be true when you book direct with a hotel; occassionally people do not get the room they booked. While I have never called the Sheraton in advance, upon arrival I was never treated as a second-class guest and no mention was ever made of PRICELINE.

PRICELINE rules only guarantee occupancy for two and that can be one bed. Those of us who use PRICELINE assume that risk in exchange for tremendous savings. In your case, you saved approximately $200/night -- $1000 for your five night stay.

But your HOTWIRE complaint is unwarranted. HOTWIRE does allow for multiple guests in a room, addressing the situation with children which you mentioned. In fact, HOTWIRE shows what appears to be the Sheraton for your stay for $108 and for $114 you could have had your bed choice.

You already noted the size of the hotel, and odds are you will have the two beds you desire. In any event please try to enjoy the stay -- you will be in a nice hotel in a great location at incredible savings.

[thereuare]

sy_base,

Your room is booked 'run of house' which means it will be assigned based upon what is available at check-in. This makes it easier for a hotels to manage inventory since your room is a 'flex' room which can go either way, making it easier for the hotel to accommodate full paying guests who have specific needs. Hotels take the added flexibility you give them in assigning your room into consideration when setting opaque prices, which is part of the reason we're able to get such good deals.

With the above noted, some hotels are more accommodating in assigning rooms before check-in and at check-in itself, but if you're not able to get the bedding/room type you request, it's hardly getting "ripped off" (as you call it) since the hotel is abiding to their end of the deal.

As noted by Liset above, if you need to ensure more than double occupancy, or separate beds (by searching for quad occupancy), then HOTWIRE is an available option since they allow you to search for up to four per room, and on some listings offer a "Bed Choice" option which allows to confirm the bed type before purchase.

If you can't accept the conditions of a PRICELINE purchase for a particular stay (one of them being that two beds in the room isn't guaranteed and can only be requested at check-in based upon availability) then booking direct, thru HOTWIRE, or thru an non-opaque channel may be a better option.

PS- please read your messages (2nd request)

[sy_base]

Guys, thanks for your replys...

I do understand your points they are well taken. Hotwire may be a better bet for me.

Just so you know ... The savings are not really that deep as made out to be. ANYONE can always get corprate rates call the chain 800 number rattle off some fortune 500 companies. It was 129 for corprate rate at Sheraton Boston... so saved $30 a night + the taxes... I guess beats sharp stick in eye... but not worth my all time on priceline. Anyone can book corprate rates... Hotels never check...

[thereuare]

<irony>

Truth needs to be told.

Anyone can book corprate rates... Hotels never check...

</irony>

:)

When you do get a hotel that does check and you're stuck at the check-in desk with the decision of finding a room last minute or paying rack rate we'll hear about their poor customer service and how they treat guests of non-fortune 500 companies as second class citizens.

[9222]

I believe you may upgrade to the "club floor" directly with the hotel for $40.00 per night and choose your bed type now.