Priceline Hotel: 3* Albany (Airport ALB) Marriott

[Scandalous]

I was in a hurry so I just bid $47 for 3* Albany (Airport ALB) which was the lowest price I see others getting. First bid was accepted. $47, Albany Marriott

Your Offer Price: $47.00

Number of Rooms: 1

Number of Nights: 1

Subtotal: $47.00

Taxes & Service Fees: $13.08

Total Charges: $60.08

For the sake of comparison, I had looked at the Motel 6 website for cheap accommodations. On the same night, Motel 6 was $45.59 plus 13% tax which would be $51.52. I think an extra $8.56 for the Marriot over a Motel 6 is a pretty good deal ;-) The room list for $159.00 plus tax on Marriot's web site so $179.67.

[dahammer]

I think an extra $8.56 for the Marriot over a Motel 6 is a pretty good deal ;-)

that's BetterBidding when you can get a Marriott with the comfy bed and all the bathroom goodies at the price of Motel 6 hard-as-rocks-bed and a bar of soap :)

[Scandalous]

An interesting side note.

I looked up my reservation on Marriott's web site. Everything is fine, but it also divulges the following info.

Guest & Billing Information

Guest Information

* 800 CONNECTICUT AVE

* NORWALK, CT 06854

Billing Information

* Credit card type: MC

* Credit card number: ************8411

* Expiration date: December 2008

Holding Your Reservation

* To insure that you receive this special advance purchase rate, we will charge your credit card a prepayment of 51.98 USD (your full room charge plus tax) when you make your reservation.

The credit card is certainly not mine and I've never even been to Connecticut, so I assume this is simply how Priceline pays Marriott and that they accually paid $51.98.

The $51.98 amount listed is EXACTLY $46 plus the 13% local tax. I bid $47 for the room. It looks like Priceline paid $46. I'd say I hit that one pretty close. I wonder if it would have hit at $46?

[dahammer]

WOW, that is close! PL is headquartered in Norwalk, so they made about $8 (or about 15%) on this reservation, a very low margin. Several of my stays have been in the 20-25% margin for Priceline.