Priceline is a JOKE!!!

So, I booked my hotel for my vacation through Priceline. 9 nights at the Super 8 for $780. I called them just to make sure that the price was accurate, and to make sure it included tax and everything. They said it did.

First let me say that the Super 8 sucks. I always stay at the Ramada. They have a nice pool, good breakfast and fridge/microwave in the rooms. The Super 8 had NONE of that. They had a tiny pool, and a toast bar.

But anyway, I was going to save $100 so I figured I'd give it a try. I had a wonderful vacation, room withstanding, and then it was check out time.

How much was my bill? It wasn't $780. It was $1100!!!

I spent an hour trying to check out and argue with the manager. He said that I didn't book through priceline; WRONG! So, after bickering back and fourth he settled with me for $890... $2 more than the Ramada. Had the hotels been equal quality I wouldn't have cared.

The manager tells me to call priceline and that they would give me the difference. So, I called as soon as I got home. Their answer???

Priceline does not guarantee prices. That is up to the hotel. All they do is make the reservation.

Are you freaking kidding me?????? Then why the heck is it called "Price" line? Maybe it should be PriceLie!

So beware. If there is a price dispute they will leave you hanging. From now on I am sticking with what I have used before; the hotel's website. Most of them offer discounts online, and they almost always give you the same one if you call and mention it.

holey shamoley! Bit of a difference between $780 and $1100!!
I had a similar thing happen to me in Singapore.... quoted one thing over the phone and charged something else when we arrived after a 12 hour flight from Europe with no where else to go. They also booked us into the wrong hotel from their group of hotels. I argued with them for an hour, and then went to our substandard room and came back to argue some more.... they finaly gave in and upgraded us and billed us the quoted amount, but not before I caused a scene in front of other guests.
Good on you for causing a stink. Pity you didn't have a print out of the quoted price.
I guess there is something to be said for pre-paying your bookings.
On a side note here in OZ Priceline is a discount chemists/drugstore and they rock.

Pay your bill ahead of time, then there's no issues. We use Expedia, Priceline, Cheap Tickets or Travelocity. I usually open several windows & compare. I always travel w/ a 2 printouts(one for me & one for the hotel). I show it to them up front so they know this is what I paid & I'm paying NO MORE.
We stayed at a hotel 200 yards from the hotel FABAIC was in for $20 a night. It wasn't the Ritz, but at $20 a night, who cares
Whitney booked it 7 months in advance to get that awesome rate!

I understand what you are saying, but quite honestly, you shouldn't have to do all that. If they quote you a price, that should be good enough.

good to know, Clayton! I'll keep that in mind! Sorry the wool was pulled over your eyes!

I use a travel agent... then I let them deal with it!! And I always have my printouts, itinerary, confirmation, and vouchers if required.

Oh gosh, I am so sorry for you! That stinks. Thanks for the warning...
Barbie

I just booked a room for Bodyssey and when I phoned the hotel directly and quoted them a discounted rate from hotels.com, they said they could match the rate.

Now, if only I could find a deal on parking in Calgary!

Did you "negotiate" the price on priceline? I know either way if it was accepted it should be good...but just a thought....

I believe all the online discount companies are like priceline. While they offer the price, sometimes the hotel doesn't have to honor it(or won't if you don't have documentation).

Whoa. Scary! Glad I didn't use this!

Thats crazy. Thanks for the heads up!

They're still great to use, just watch your back w/ itinerary printouts & call the hotel to make sure they'll honor it, don't have hidden costs, etc. Make them give what they promise. I prefer to use expedia because you pay upfront & it's harder for a hotel to change the cost. I'd just wave the paper in front of them & say, "you already got paid."

Get up, get get get down, name-your-price is joking yo' town

-I'm an excellent rapper, yes, excellent.

JBax wrote:Get up, get get get down, name-your-price is joking yo' town

-I'm an excellent rapper, yes, excellent.

Well not all of them...I just know that with priceline you "Name your Price" so maybe thats why? I always booked with all of them (except priceline or anyplace i cant see the actual hotel) and it was all goose yes definitly bringing print outs work!