Watch out for Priceline!!
Oct 9th, 2004, 12:24 PM
#61
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 338
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Someone asked if Febreeze really worked -- in my experience, it can really freshen up a room. (No, I am not employed by whoever makes Febreeze!) I have done a lot of business travel and got in the habit of carrying Febreeze after a couple of bad experiences in rooms that were supposed to be "nonsmoking", but obviously the last occupant didn't comply. Sometimes the hotel can switch you, but sometimes the alternative is not great. Febreeze has saved me several times.
Oct 10th, 2004, 07:42 AM
#62
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,334
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
HI--just my 2 cents on the febreeze point. Chances are that someone who is bothered by smoke residue in a room could/would be bothered by any chemical residue. We have had the bad fortune of getting rental cars in the past that were treated w/some febreze or febreze-like product and driving down expresswayw w/open windows and an outdoor temp of zero could not rid the car of the smell!! So I am not sure it is such a great idea for anyone sensitive to a room that smells of smoke.
One hotel we stayed in had some kind of electronic ionizer that they placed in the room while we were out for several hours and that helped somewhat along w/our leaving the windows open at all possible moments. Luckily that particular trip was the only time we ever got a stinky smoking room.
On a separate note, I am 100% w/kimamom--no way would I gamble on a service like priceline. I am much too particular *and* I want some leverage, if necessary for dealing w/the hotel. I also never ues Orbitz or Expedia for airline tkts--always buy direct from carrier for the same reason.
One hotel we stayed in had some kind of electronic ionizer that they placed in the room while we were out for several hours and that helped somewhat along w/our leaving the windows open at all possible moments. Luckily that particular trip was the only time we ever got a stinky smoking room.
On a separate note, I am 100% w/kimamom--no way would I gamble on a service like priceline. I am much too particular *and* I want some leverage, if necessary for dealing w/the hotel. I also never ues Orbitz or Expedia for airline tkts--always buy direct from carrier for the same reason.
Oct 11th, 2004, 10:42 AM
#63
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For those of you who have kindly asked, let me fill in some of the details:
We needed a hotel room in Bel Air/Brentwood area because we were attending a wedding. I did not know about biddingfortravel.com at the time, but I did search around on this site and found that people looking for hotels in Bel Air had gotten either the Holiday Inn or the Luxe Summit Hotel via Priceline. People hated the Holiday Inn, and loved the Luxe. While I was prepared to bid on a 4 or even 5 star hotel, none were offerred. They had 2 hotels, both 3*, one described as "moderate" and the other as "upscale." First mistake: I assumed they were describing the HI and the Luxe. Since the person who had written about the Luxe had gotten it for $81.00, I put in a bid of $75.00. It was immediately accepted -- by the Holiday Inn! As I wrote above, they told me it would be in a smoking room, but Priceline did intervene and said they had booked it as a non-smoking room (interesting factoid!) Not trusting that I would want to stay there, anyway, however, I was able to find a young couple also attending the wedding to stay there, and I made a reservation at the Luxe (for $159). I wasn't sorry when I stopped by to see the Holiday Inn, which, IMHO, is a dive. The Luxe was ok. Three stars seems about right, if you dont mind long hairs on your pillow and outdated furniture (found out it used to be a UCLA dorm). I admit that I am fully fussy, and now understand that I probably should never even consider using Priceline, unless it is for a 5* hotel (especially since I am seriously allergic to feathers, smoke (and scents, as in Febreze). In my past experience with Priceline, I was disappointed in the shabby place I got that they claimed was 4*. The Holiday Inn in BelAir should not be more than a 2*. (BTW, to the person who wrote that TripAdvisor doesn't have a rating system, you can average out the ratings that others give a hotel on TripAdvisor -- that's how I got 2.8 for the Holiday Inn). So that's my story. I've learned a lot from the replies here, and again, I thank you all.
K Allie
We needed a hotel room in Bel Air/Brentwood area because we were attending a wedding. I did not know about biddingfortravel.com at the time, but I did search around on this site and found that people looking for hotels in Bel Air had gotten either the Holiday Inn or the Luxe Summit Hotel via Priceline. People hated the Holiday Inn, and loved the Luxe. While I was prepared to bid on a 4 or even 5 star hotel, none were offerred. They had 2 hotels, both 3*, one described as "moderate" and the other as "upscale." First mistake: I assumed they were describing the HI and the Luxe. Since the person who had written about the Luxe had gotten it for $81.00, I put in a bid of $75.00. It was immediately accepted -- by the Holiday Inn! As I wrote above, they told me it would be in a smoking room, but Priceline did intervene and said they had booked it as a non-smoking room (interesting factoid!) Not trusting that I would want to stay there, anyway, however, I was able to find a young couple also attending the wedding to stay there, and I made a reservation at the Luxe (for $159). I wasn't sorry when I stopped by to see the Holiday Inn, which, IMHO, is a dive. The Luxe was ok. Three stars seems about right, if you dont mind long hairs on your pillow and outdated furniture (found out it used to be a UCLA dorm). I admit that I am fully fussy, and now understand that I probably should never even consider using Priceline, unless it is for a 5* hotel (especially since I am seriously allergic to feathers, smoke (and scents, as in Febreze). In my past experience with Priceline, I was disappointed in the shabby place I got that they claimed was 4*. The Holiday Inn in BelAir should not be more than a 2*. (BTW, to the person who wrote that TripAdvisor doesn't have a rating system, you can average out the ratings that others give a hotel on TripAdvisor -- that's how I got 2.8 for the Holiday Inn). So that's my story. I've learned a lot from the replies here, and again, I thank you all.
K Allie
Oct 11th, 2004, 12:06 PM
#65
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The star rating isn't for how nice a hotel is, just the level of ammendities. A total dive that has room service will rank higher than a really nice hotel that doesn't offer room service. I think it's the same with AAA ratings.
Just think, you could have paid a whole lot more than $75 for that hotel.
Just think, you could have paid a whole lot more than $75 for that hotel.
Oct 11th, 2004, 12:13 PM
#66
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The lesson for Kallie is she probably is too particular and inflexible a traveller to be using Priceline. That's fine, since when I need to control my environment for a trip I don't use Priceline. But if you are someone who tends to be unhappy in hotels and quickly finds faults or complaints, the Priceline is definitely not for you.
Rule of Thumb: If you've every moved hotels or asked for a different room, the don't use Priceline.
Rule of Thumb: If you've every moved hotels or asked for a different room, the don't use Priceline.
Oct 11th, 2004, 12:39 PM
#68
Guest
Posts: n/a
Allie, for what it is worth, even though I use priceline quite often, I don't use it all of the time if my perameters are grey.
You may find yourself in a situation where a priceline room would be perfect such as a quick overnight at an airport hotel before an early flight.
Being formerly in the hotel business, I can support ncgirl in the hotel ratings. They are about the amenities and not how nice the hotel is.
Thanks for the update.
You may find yourself in a situation where a priceline room would be perfect such as a quick overnight at an airport hotel before an early flight.
Being formerly in the hotel business, I can support ncgirl in the hotel ratings. They are about the amenities and not how nice the hotel is.
Thanks for the update.
Oct 11th, 2004, 12:48 PM
#69
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,749
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I can identify with that "being particular" idea, which is why I'm usually afraid of Priceline.
Combining several thoughts from above, I've only used Priceline once -- for a single night in NYC before catching a plane (we were using an apartment and wouldn't have time to clean and remake the beds etc. in the morning). I gambled and got the Times Square Hilton at an OK rate (I forget now, but something like $150 to $170) -- and it was a very busy time with virtually no vacancies anywhere. But despite what people say, we were clearly given what ended up being a "handicap" room -- which meant among other things, our hand held shower was a joke -- I removed the head on it to receive a tiny trickle of water at all if I held it up in the air. I was told they couldn't move us and we got that room because it was one night and because we did it through Priceline.
My lesson? I'm glad it wasn't for a week -- we'd have left if they wouldn't move us. But would I use Priceline again? Yes, if I got what was considered a super rate, and if it was a short stay and if I wasn't particular. But putting all those "ifs" together means I probably won't use Priceline regularly.
Combining several thoughts from above, I've only used Priceline once -- for a single night in NYC before catching a plane (we were using an apartment and wouldn't have time to clean and remake the beds etc. in the morning). I gambled and got the Times Square Hilton at an OK rate (I forget now, but something like $150 to $170) -- and it was a very busy time with virtually no vacancies anywhere. But despite what people say, we were clearly given what ended up being a "handicap" room -- which meant among other things, our hand held shower was a joke -- I removed the head on it to receive a tiny trickle of water at all if I held it up in the air. I was told they couldn't move us and we got that room because it was one night and because we did it through Priceline.
My lesson? I'm glad it wasn't for a week -- we'd have left if they wouldn't move us. But would I use Priceline again? Yes, if I got what was considered a super rate, and if it was a short stay and if I wasn't particular. But putting all those "ifs" together means I probably won't use Priceline regularly.
Oct 12th, 2004, 07:05 PM
#70
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,776
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi,
I can understand one avenue through which Kallie could have landed a Mission Bay locale when she was hoping for Coronado. It was a small detail about which she may not have been aware. Practice would overcome that.
Nowthen, I basically have to give Priceline GREAT reviews with a teeny-tiny exception I'll get to in a minute.
For a miserly traveler like myself the use of Priceline is akin to just getting an upgrade in establishment for the same price I'd normally pay for some Super-8 type place.
For travelers who cruise at the altitude that is the $150-400 per night vacation, Priceline can be the source of deep, deep savings!
As mentioned here a few times the website at www.biddingfortravel.com is incredibly helpful with very useful, strategic details about how to increase your chances for Priceline success.
With regard to the smoking/non smoking issue, best things you can do are check in early, or at the very least call or fax a REQUEST for whichever you prefer. No guarantees for what you want either way.
Nowthen, my recent Priceline problem concerns the use of Priceline for Canadian hotels where the Priceline website stated that "G.S.T. (tax) is not charged by Priceline because U.S. residents are exempt from G.S.T." (that isn't the exact quote, but it gives the gist of what Priceline's website stated as of late June, 2004)
Point being that Priceline is """"supposed to be"""" for U.S. residents only (it isn't, as it is practiced, but still...) and thus U.S. travelers to Canada get a break in not even having to fuss with paying the G.S.T. and then try to get a refund upon departure. (and mind you, I never said it was illegal for foreigners to use our Priceline)
So I go to the Sheraton Hotel in Surrey, BC, Canada... stay 2 or 3 nights... get my bill at checkout... and there is the G.S.T. charge !!!
I go screaming at the nitwits at the counter about the fact that they charged a "point of sale" tax to my credit card when in fact the "point of sale" happened when they charged PRICELINE, INC.'s credit card for the room (after my successful bid).
I explained to the woman that what she was doing was akin to charging some random guy at the gas station across the street for some arbitrary G.S.T. price simply because "Priceline won't pay that".
... well hello! - Priceline won't pay that because those (U.S. residents) using Priceline are all eligible for refunds or exemptions, so it's a wash anyway.
Finally the clowns at the counter took away the G.S.T. charges and threatened me that "if the head accounting guy deems me responsible for them, then they'll put them back on my card".
(It hasn't happened yet)
And the beef with Priceline over this is that their webside clearly stated (at least in late June) that "U.S. Citizens don't have to pay the G.S.T. so Priceline doesn't charge it".
I've used Priceline for numerous rooms all across Canada and this is the only time I've ever been charged G.S.T.
Of course Priceline's terrible customer service was unhelpful in this matter telling me at some point that "future correspondence from me on this matter would be ignored".
So yeah, Priceline is great if you don't have to contort your plans one iota to put Priceline to good use.
Priceline still gets at least an 85 of a possible 100 from me, in the way of a rating.
I can understand one avenue through which Kallie could have landed a Mission Bay locale when she was hoping for Coronado. It was a small detail about which she may not have been aware. Practice would overcome that.
Nowthen, I basically have to give Priceline GREAT reviews with a teeny-tiny exception I'll get to in a minute.
For a miserly traveler like myself the use of Priceline is akin to just getting an upgrade in establishment for the same price I'd normally pay for some Super-8 type place.
For travelers who cruise at the altitude that is the $150-400 per night vacation, Priceline can be the source of deep, deep savings!
As mentioned here a few times the website at www.biddingfortravel.com is incredibly helpful with very useful, strategic details about how to increase your chances for Priceline success.
With regard to the smoking/non smoking issue, best things you can do are check in early, or at the very least call or fax a REQUEST for whichever you prefer. No guarantees for what you want either way.
Nowthen, my recent Priceline problem concerns the use of Priceline for Canadian hotels where the Priceline website stated that "G.S.T. (tax) is not charged by Priceline because U.S. residents are exempt from G.S.T." (that isn't the exact quote, but it gives the gist of what Priceline's website stated as of late June, 2004)
Point being that Priceline is """"supposed to be"""" for U.S. residents only (it isn't, as it is practiced, but still...) and thus U.S. travelers to Canada get a break in not even having to fuss with paying the G.S.T. and then try to get a refund upon departure. (and mind you, I never said it was illegal for foreigners to use our Priceline)
So I go to the Sheraton Hotel in Surrey, BC, Canada... stay 2 or 3 nights... get my bill at checkout... and there is the G.S.T. charge !!!
I go screaming at the nitwits at the counter about the fact that they charged a "point of sale" tax to my credit card when in fact the "point of sale" happened when they charged PRICELINE, INC.'s credit card for the room (after my successful bid).
I explained to the woman that what she was doing was akin to charging some random guy at the gas station across the street for some arbitrary G.S.T. price simply because "Priceline won't pay that".
... well hello! - Priceline won't pay that because those (U.S. residents) using Priceline are all eligible for refunds or exemptions, so it's a wash anyway.
Finally the clowns at the counter took away the G.S.T. charges and threatened me that "if the head accounting guy deems me responsible for them, then they'll put them back on my card".
(It hasn't happened yet)
And the beef with Priceline over this is that their webside clearly stated (at least in late June) that "U.S. Citizens don't have to pay the G.S.T. so Priceline doesn't charge it".
I've used Priceline for numerous rooms all across Canada and this is the only time I've ever been charged G.S.T.
Of course Priceline's terrible customer service was unhelpful in this matter telling me at some point that "future correspondence from me on this matter would be ignored".
So yeah, Priceline is great if you don't have to contort your plans one iota to put Priceline to good use.
Priceline still gets at least an 85 of a possible 100 from me, in the way of a rating.
Dec 29th, 2004, 06:24 PM
#71
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
travel is good but think of your health also..
a simple suggestion made from herbs..
We know that heart disease is the leading killer of Americans today; with heart attack is its most visible sign.
Read this carefully:
Healthy lifestyles play a big part in reducing your risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Better lifestyle habits can help you to reduce your risk for heart attack. You have to learn what you can do to help prevent heart disease and stroke. If you have more than one risk factor for heart disease or stroke, you could and should make lifestyle choices that can reduce your risk.
Smoking
Cigarette smoking is the most preventable cause of premature death in the United States . That’s important! Want evidence of the dangers of smoking? Consider these statistics: A smoker’s risk of heart attack is more than twice that of nonsmokers. Cigarette smoking is the biggest risk factor for sudden cardiac death -- smokers are looking at two to four times the risk of nonsmokers. Studies have shown that cigarette smoking is also an important risk factor for stroke. The evidence also indicates that chronic exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke, passive smoking) may increase the risk of heart disease.
In 1 week in habit of smoking and poisoning release!
“ 7 day NOSMOQ program was incredible!!! I have tried every other was possible to quit smoking…only 7 day NOSMOQ program has worked!!!
Check the website now:
http://www.nosmoq.com
thank you for posting my message in your website:
[email protected]
a simple suggestion made from herbs..
We know that heart disease is the leading killer of Americans today; with heart attack is its most visible sign.
Read this carefully:
Healthy lifestyles play a big part in reducing your risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Better lifestyle habits can help you to reduce your risk for heart attack. You have to learn what you can do to help prevent heart disease and stroke. If you have more than one risk factor for heart disease or stroke, you could and should make lifestyle choices that can reduce your risk.
Smoking
Cigarette smoking is the most preventable cause of premature death in the United States . That’s important! Want evidence of the dangers of smoking? Consider these statistics: A smoker’s risk of heart attack is more than twice that of nonsmokers. Cigarette smoking is the biggest risk factor for sudden cardiac death -- smokers are looking at two to four times the risk of nonsmokers. Studies have shown that cigarette smoking is also an important risk factor for stroke. The evidence also indicates that chronic exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (secondhand smoke, passive smoking) may increase the risk of heart disease.
In 1 week in habit of smoking and poisoning release!
“ 7 day NOSMOQ program was incredible!!! I have tried every other was possible to quit smoking…only 7 day NOSMOQ program has worked!!!
Check the website now:
http://www.nosmoq.com
thank you for posting my message in your website:
[email protected]
Dec 29th, 2004, 06:31 PM
#72
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,330
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
when I read that post about smoking.
