Priceline Hotel: 3* San Francisco (Civic Center) Holiday Inn Civic Center

[jersguitar]

visiting SF for the first time, so selected all the downtown areas as options. first bid $65 for 3.5 star and up, no success... so we lowered to 3 star and bid $55 and were accepted to the Holiday Inn Civic Center. (Tripadvisor reviews)

Not that excited about this win, having read tripadvisor... seems like we got a bad area with what could be a decent hotel thanks to recent reno's, but some pretty poor reviews there (maybe from before the reno).

In any case, it is what it is. Used the PRICELINE link from this forum to start the bid, and will post a review when we get back.

jeremy

[AaronJB]

Sorry to hear that you're disappointed with the result, but hopefully the stay will be better than expected.

Thank you for sharing your win with the board and using the site's PRICELINE link.

Enjoy your stay.

[Colfax]

The Holiday Inn was fully renovated in 2009--rooms, lobby, and restaurant--but the bad reviews going back to 2003 are still included in its current TripAdvisor rating. (Admittedly some post-renovation reviews haven't been good either, but mostly the recent pans I read are based on parking rate, neighborhood, or customer service...not about the hotel itself.)

I've stayed there before and after renovation and the improvements are substantial.

If you don't like the neighborhood then the renovations won't matter. My personal opinion is you'll see more bums and homeless near the 4* Hilton or Parc 55 in USW than near this Holiday Inn. But the Hilton and Parc 55 are also near shopping and restaurants and nightlife, which compensates, while the HI is in sort of an isolated location with not much around.

The HI a hotel where it makes a huge difference what room you get. Some rooms look straight out at a brick wall and get no light, while other rooms on the south side have private balconies and unobstructed 180 degree views. As a Priceline guest I've been given both types.

As a Priceline guest paying less than anyone else you shouldn't expect the best room in the house. But if you're unhappy with your room assignment it doesn't hurt to politely inquire if something else is available. If you're a Priority Club member show your card. You won't get points but it can help in getting a higher floor or better view.

Good luck!