Priceline Hotel: 5* Milan Le Meridien

[harrism]

Starting Bid $100. Won at $125. Now concerned after reading reviews on tripadvisor.com that hotel is really not 5* quality (even under European standards), in a seedy area, poor service, and room badly in need of renovation. Would appreciate advice on whether I can get a refund from Priceline.

[WillTravel]

I don't think a refund is likely. The hotel is in the Milan zone as shown by Priceline.

If you can prove to Priceline that this hotel doesn't have the following features, you might be in luck:

5 Star-Luxury Hotels

Luxury hotels meet the highest international standards throughout with emphasis on highly personalised service and guest comfort. Many of these hotels have earned a widespread reputation for excellence. A fine dining restaurant is offered for breakfast, lunch and dinner and in-room dining is available as well. Professional and attentive staff along with luxurious accommodations and lavish amenities make these hotels the finest in the world. Luxury hotels will have the following amenities:

24 Hour Front Desk

Bellman

Concierge

Restaurant (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Bar/Lounge

Room Service

Twice Daily Maid Service

Remote Control Television

2 Direct Dial Telephones with Voicemail

High Quality Bath Amenities

Private Bath

Bathrobes

In-room Refreshment Center

The first few sentences are just fluff, so you have to focus on the concrete items. I did read in the reviews that there weren't any bathrobes. Maybe you could complain on that point. Otherwise I am doubtful.

The zones for Italian cities are such that I wouldn't want to use Priceline.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

I dont think a refund would be in order unless you can show that the hotel does not offering something that is promised by Priceline to be included in a 5 star property. Remember that a lot of the reviews you read are from people paying a lot more than you... and as a result they expect more.

You didn't provide the dates of your stay (please do as a reply to this post) but the one random night i looked at the cost is $215/nite... so my guess is that you will likely leave this hotel feeeling that you received a good value.

Please let us know how it was upon your return.

[harrism]

We are booked at Le Meridien in Milan at $125 a night on Nov. 6, 2004 for one night. I don't think we got a very good deal as the hotel is offering superior rooms that have been refurbished at $174 a night on those dates. We will probably be put in a standard room, that was the subject of the reviews, which probably costs close to what we paid. The poor reviews were posted by Priceline bidders as well. It is not worth trying to get a refund. We will just use it as an overnight night stop before flying home, and will be sure not to walk around the area.

Thanks for your help.

[DeltaPurser]

Hi there Harrism!

I've personally never stayed at the Meridien in Milan, but I know the area fairly well from many layovers, and I can tell you that I have had no problems walking around the area... even at night.

Your other winning bid, though... In Rome... sounds to me that hotel is close Termini (the main trainstation), and THAT, on the other hand, is an area I avoid at all costs! I got pickpocketed there a few years back, and it left a bad taste in my mouth.

Other than that, enjoy both cities, and bring me back a Panettone!

DeltaPurser :)