Priceline Hotel: 3* San Francisco (Fishermans Wharf) Holiday Inn Fishermans Wharf

[parasite888]

My fault for not getting a better rate. I just put in the bid of $85 thinking it will not go through (the hotel regular price is $166 per nite so still a pretty good deal).

What I'm really upset is the parking is $41 per day which was never mentioned prior to charging my credit card. I know that there is fine print about extra costs, but 50% of my hotel rate for parking is way too much for extra costs. :)

I know that parking at Fisherman's Wharf is costly but I'm bugged at the fact that I am only informed about parking AFTER I am charged. To me, it's quite unethical and nothing can be done by Priceline Customer Service. The hotel was a little more helpful. He suggested parking 4 blocks away from the hotel which was $25.

So if you will be bidding for a hotel, research about the parking costs in that area or you will get a cheap hotel but pay for parking!

[AaronJB]

Welcome to the site. :)

Sorry to hear about parking charges, but it's that way in any big city these dates, and PRICELINE doesn't include any additional charges in the price (whether it be parking or something like a resort fee.) In Chicago, it's uncommon for a hotel to charge under $40 for parking. NYC is even worse.

Thank you for posting your win, and for using the site's PRICELINE link.

Enjoy your stay, and hopefully you can find cheaper parking nearby - hopefully someone local will be able to post a suggestion.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

It sounds like this stay was in the past, correct? If so, did you ask how much parking was when you dropped your car off or did you just give the valet the keys and walk into the hotel? You could have asked at check-in how much parking was as well as called the hotel prior to your stay to inquire how much parking is and also ask about alternate options.

They Hyatt Fishermans Wharf website shows parking at their hotel is $45/day, so it appears that the Holiday Inn rate is inline with this area. I don't think this is a "priceline issue" and more of an issue that the hotel didn't disclose the rate before you dropped the car off... but you also need to be a little pro-active, if you know parking is expensive in the area, then you should ask before leaving your car (and possibly research alternatives before your arrival)

Thanks for sharing your win with th board.

Please use these PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links to begin your travel purchases.

[parasite888]

Just as a follow-up. I complained to Priceline regarding this and they resolved this problem very promptly. I am impressed with their customer service.

Still be careful prior to bidding and make sure you research the area (I'm not sure how you would research about the area and parking if you are not from there) or else you will be surprised with the cost of parking.

[AaronJB]

Parking has gone up everywhere - $45-50 is not uncommon for parking in Chicago or NYC hotels, as well. Glad to hear that PRICELINE customer service was satisfactory.

[parasite888]

I don't blame priceline nor the hotel for the parking fee. My complaint is if you bid, and you choose multiple areas like I did (eg Fisherman's Wharf, Nob Hill, Union Square, Lombard Street) where parking prices varies (eg Lombard Street does not have any parking fees), then prior to telling me my bid has been successful, it would be nice to know that there is parking fee. Remember when I bid and am unfamilar with the city, it's really hard for me to know about parking. So unless you are familar with the city, bidding may not be the best way to get a hotel.

I stayed in Fisherman's Wharf Holiday Inn (3*) from May 17th to May20th $85