Priceline Hotel: 3.5* Northern Virginia (Tysons Corner-Falls Church) Marriott Fairview

[snoqualmie7]

Just got this for Monday and Tuesday nights. Great deal? Sure. But it really highlights my main frustration with Priceline.

I was bidding on 3-star hotels. Priceline "upgraded" me to this 3.5-star property. Unfortunately, since this upgrade is to a full-service hotel, it will cost me $12.95/day for internet access, and $10-15/day if I want breakfast. Call me simple: I realize this is a much nicer (fancier?) hotel, but I would have MUCH rather preferred a Spring Hill Suites, Residence Inn, or Hampton Inn, etc., with free wifi and and free continental breakfast...

I realize most business travelers are expensing these costs, but for an independent contractor like myself, I am paying these extra expenses, and it's a little frustrating. Full service hotels and limited-service hotels (like those mentioned above) are like apples and oranges; I really think Priceline should re-evaluate this before continuing to automatically upgrade to full-service hotels.

Thoughts?

snoqualmie7

[yellowdog]

Thank you for sharing your result with the board!

Sorry to see that you don't like the upgrade :) But there's isn't much you can do since this is very clear in the PRICELINE rules. But i do understand your frustration.

Enjoy your stay.

Please use the site's HOTWIRE and PRICELINE links to start future purchases.

Yellowdog.

[thereuare]

... you could use HOTWIRE and choose a hotel with a complimentary breakfast or any of the other amenities you're seeking. It will likely cost you a little more than a winning PRICELINE bid, but your total cost could be less vs. an upgraded PRICELINE win such as you experienced above.

So that's the trade-off... pay a little more now to know what's included OR go for the less cost upfront but not know what will ultimately be included. I understand not the ideal scenario you'd like, but both services provide deep discounts in exchange for being flexible in your plans, and this is part of the flexibility.

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

Enjoy your stay.