Priceline Hotel: San Francisco Hotel Strike

[BEAV]

A colleague of mine was booked via Priceline at the Westin St Francis for this Thursday night, Nov 4. After reading about the loud, 24-hr picketing, possibility of curtailed room service, etc, I suggested she call Priceline if she would like to try and book elsewhere at a hotel not being struck. After all, she had nothing to lose by asking. She agreed, saying she would like to avoid the St Francis if at all possible. To both her and my surprise, Priceline cancelled her room and is processing a refund. No questions asked.

Taking it a step further, I advised her to bid the USW zone. I figured she had a good chance to get either of the two Renaissance properties (not being struck) before the Hilton (being struck). I'm not sure what amount she bid, but she got the Hilton! So much for my advice...... She called Priceline again, and sure enough they cancelled the Hilton reservation as well. The employee on the second call said something to the effect that they have information in their daily bulletin giving them the authority to cancel reservations for hotels being struck. So by this experience, it appears that Priceline is taking a very proactive, customer-friendly approach to the situation. Hats off the them.

Needless to say, she wound up booking conventionally at a hotel (Nikko) that isn't being struck!

I wonder if Hotwire is doing the same ???