Priceline Hotel: 2* La Porte Best Value Inn

[AmericaWestCMH]

Had bid $40 and $45 last night for 2* in LaPorte, Indiana and denied. Started at $48 tonight and won on first try, probably would have hit lower. Lowest website rate is $55 for no guaranteed room type and no included breakfast, so not much of a savings here.

Best Value Inn La Porte

444 Pine Lake Avenue

Laporte, Indiana 46350

Your Offer Price: $48.00

Number of Rooms: 1

Number of Nights: 1

Subtotal: $48.00

Taxes & Service Fees: $13.00

Total Charges*: $61.00

[thereuare]

An example of how sometimes not much savings are available in smaller areas.

Thanks for the post.

[AmericaWestCMH]

The only other hotels in La Porte are the Hampton ($99), Holiday Inn Express ($100), and a Super 8. 1* for this zone is probably the Super 8 due to amenities offered.

I'm surprised Priceline offers bidding in this zone with only four area hotels. Must be enough at the 2* level to maintain opacity.

[AmericaWestCMH]

This was for my parents, and they said this ex-Ramada needs a major overhaul. The only attraction for this property is the large pool/gaming area, and they confirmed the place was mostly families with children. My parents were given a smoking King room (prefer non-smoking) and the front-desk said "you're a Priceline customer and didn't request non-smoking, and we're full." My parents tell me the parking lot was very empty, and I know there was availability for a variety of room types on the hotel's website.

I'm confused as to why hotels participate in the Priceline program and then treat guests poorly because of it. I know room type is not guaranteed when using PL, but shouldn't requests be accomodated if the availability is there?