Priceline Hotel: 4* Budapest Marriott

[Rhine-and-Roses]

Tried a five star at $90 which was rejected. Added 4* at $78 and was accepted.

Your Offer Price Per Room, Per Night: US$78.00

Subtotal: US$156.00

Taxes & Service Fees: US$44.05

Total Charges: US$200.05

Used your PRICELINE link. Thanks again for the great site. I would have bid over $100 if I hadn't been able to check previous wins.

[thereuare]

Congratulations on your win!

Glad to hear the information on the board was helpful in determining a starting point and bidding strategy :)

Thank you for sharing your win with the board and for using our PRICELINE link to begin your bidding.

Enjoy your stay.

[XT600]

I hope that all of the Marriott Budapest Hotel rooms have been recently remodeled and you'll get a Duna-view (view to the Danube) rooms :)

[Rhine-and-Roses]

Marriott's web site says I will have to pay them an additional 23% tax, in addition to what I've paid Priceline. Priceline was absolutely unhelpful with resolving it. I asked them why they charged me $44+ in taxes and fees if there was still a 23% to pay. Jeramiah says I will not have to pay the 23% stated on my Marriott version of the reservation. I asked for that in writing, and he told me to take a copy of the contract. How useful is that? I don't have a access to the Priceline-Marriott contract, just the one I have with Priceline. We'll see... If I do have to pay, suddenly a "deal" is a mere $10 savings per night. The Rewards points are worth that, plus the hotel's reservation is flexible and refundable.

Anyone have a problem in Budapest? I cannot imagine what the 23% is for- I don't believe VAT can be this high and still comply with EU monetary regulations...

Priceline's site does say you might have to pay VAT in certain foreign countries, but it is in embedded links, if I recall correctly, two layers deep. What is the $44 taxes and fees for if they don't pay the VAT/sales tax????? I feel a lawsuit coming if I have to pay this.

Phone calls and messages to Priceline are 100% unproductive. THey cut and paste from their contract, and not once has the cut and paste addressed my questions.

[thereuare]

I dont' recall anyone having an issue in Budapest before, and since you're not really supposed to "see" the Marriott reservation, it's likely it's something internal and not something you will have to pay, and i would go with an open mind and not be looking for or expecting a problem.

If they do try to charge you explain that the taxes were included in the amount you paid PRICELINE and if the hotel won't budge and you ultimately have to pay, let your credit card company deal with it.