I'm also amused at Priceline horror stories. My experiences have been exceedingly positive.

I recently returned from from a four-night stay in London. Couldn't seem to get 4 successive nights in the same place, so I bid two and two. In both cases I got 4* hotels with decidedly mixed reviews on BFT but which in both cases were extremely comfortable.

As has been mentioned previously, I think a lot depends on whoever is on duty at the time and how full the hotel is. I think a lot also depends on your attitude as you register. I try to behave as a guest in someone else's country. I often cringe as I overhear "Ugly Americanism" at its worst.

As the FAQ's on BFT clearly state, there are some times you just shouldn't use Priceline, if you need a specific hotel, if you want a smoking room, and in some cities if you need more than one bed. Bottom line for me is that I'll put up with a little bit of uncertainty for a great deal. At the Novotel Euston, I paid about the same for my room as it cost for two people to have the breakfast buffet!

TTT.

I am also surprised to hear about poor treatment for Priceline customers. I've used them several times for rooms in the United States -- once for a room at the Radisson in Boston for $55/nt, twice at the Renaissance Hotel in Austin for $55/nt, and once at the 5-star Westin La Cantera resort in San Antonio for $80/nt!!! These were all really good deals, especially at the Westin. I never received second class treatment and each time I was put in a fine room.

Do you think there's a difference in treatment by European hotel staff?

Susan