I love Priceline.com

Parent Cafe
1

<p>Since we seem unable to STOP going on college visits…</p>

<p>I got some great deals on Priceline hotels for our next round (oh please let it be the last) of visits.</p>

<p>Rensselaer Polytech $55 Albany Marriott (We’ve stayed there before - it’s great.)</p>

<p>Worcester Polytech $45 Residence Inn (Also stayed there before - did I mention this is round 2? - it’s brand new, 2 room suites! Includes breakfast.)</p>

<p>Springfield OH (Stopover on way to Rose Hulman) Marriott Courtyard $38</p>

<p>Rose Hulman (Terre Haute) - bid of $45 rejected. </p>

<p>Not bad, 3 out of 4!!!</p>

<p>If you are tempted be sure to read up on Betterbidding.com or Biddingfortravel.com.</p>

2

<p>For renting a car: get the lowest price from Hotwire; take 18% off and round up to the next dollar. Bid on Priceline. In 100% of cases, I’ve gotten my car. (and lower bids wouldn’t have.)</p>

3

<p>I am not so happy with Priceline
Our last trip to Portland a week ago, we ended up getting two hotels
During midwinter break- I had the RedLion convention center in Portland which was great- nice roomy room, and I could have brought the dog.
Nice location too-
So I figured if I put in everything the same- I could get the same hotel again.</p>

<p>Nope-
We got the Waterfront Marriott.
Not only were pets not permitted, but it was valet parking and double the fee as at the RedLion.
No microwave or small fridge in the room- which we always utilize to save money & time on dining out.
Very fancy lobby and elevators & the halls were much wider and brighter than the RedLion, however the rooms at the RedLion were nicer and more spacious.
Since we had already planned on taking the dog- I arranged for the two girls to stay at the Marriott & H & I stayed at the RedLion with the pet.
I ended up using my new AARP membership to get a discount ;)</p>

<p>So Priceline is fine- but not if you have special requests & need to know just how much they are charging for parking ( & if it is secure)</p>

4

<p>^ That is so true EK! I would never use Priceline if I had any “requirements.” They won’t even guarantee you two beds for instance. Sometimes you can tell with 99% certainty what hotel you will get. But, yeah, flexibility is the key. For one night stopovers? Perfect.</p>

<p>I think in general Priceline is trickier in big cities. Parking is definitely one issue, although you usually get stuck paying that no matter where you stay. But sometimes the hotels are just less known, whereas every sprawl Fairfield or Hampton Inn is pretty standard these days.</p>