I have used priceline several times for hotels in NYC. I have stayed at both the Hyatt and the Marriott Courtyard East. Even though Marriott Courtyard is only ranked a 2 1/2 star, I actually prefer it over the Hyatt and others (the rooms are immaculate, larger and it has individual coffee maker, free local phone calls, free newspaper etc.) My question if you know is...if you bid on a 2 1/2 star, is there anyway to insure that you don't get a hotel that is rated higher than 2 1/2 star? I know this may sound bizzare but I really do want this hotel if possible, not one that has more stars such as the Hyatt which is also on the East side. I feel some of the "snazzier" hotels really rip you off with the phone calls (even 800 numbers), etc. Is this possible or do I just take my chances? Thanks, Keli

When you select a "star rating", that is the MINIMUM star level you are willing to accept, so there is a chance that you can get "upgraded".

Here's an idea. If you want the Courtyard, make a reservation directly through them. What an interesting concept.

I use Priceline often, but when I want greater control over where I stay and my experience, I suck it up and make a reservation where I want to stay. For instance, I am off to NYC soon but didn't want to play Priceline Russian Roulette and stay at a huge, Business hotel so I made my own reservation.

You can't plan on getting anything from priceline and there really isn't anything you can do to keep them from upgrading you. If you have problems with this, I suggest you book the hotel of your choice and skip priceline. Sometimes peace of mind is more important than the money you save.

This is one reason why I wish we could get more info about the hotels hotwire uses in different cities and how they are ranked. Then you could choose the 2 1/2 star hotel over the 3 star.

Keli, try and determine if the Courtyard works with hotwire. You can compare the amenities, look at the scant info in biddingfortravel.com on hotwire, etc.

Also, have a look at quikbook.com and see if you get a decent rate with the Courtyard. Good luck and let us know what you do!

The best general advice for Priceline is on't expect ANYTHING SPECIFIC. Not a specific street, not a specific room especially not a specific hotel. There are often situations where a lower rated hotel has a better location or even better pool facilities, or whatever, but that's not what Priceline is about. If you can live with some incertainty (and sometimes I can, sometimes I can't) as a tradeoff for lower prices, go for it. But You can pretty much be sure that just when you're counting on one specific hotel, you'll get a different one!

Thanks guys!