How Does Priceline Work for Hotels?
Looking for a great deal on hotels? Priceline may be the answer you’ve been searching for!
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Priceline allows you to choose a hotel based on its star rating and location, at a discounted price.
In this article, we’ll dive into how Priceline works for hotels and what you need to know before booking your next trip.
Understanding Priceline’s Name Your Own Price Feature
If you’re looking to save money on hotel bookings, Priceline’s Name Your Own Price feature can be a great option. This feature allows you to bid on a hotel room instead of paying the listed price. Here’s how it works:
How the Name Your Own Price option works
First, you select the city and dates you want to stay. Then, you choose the star level of the hotel you want to book. After that, you enter the price you’re willing to pay per night. Keep in mind that you won’t know which hotel you’re booking until after your bid is accepted.
Once you submit your bid, Priceline will search for a hotel that meets your criteria and is willing to accept your price. If your bid is accepted, your credit card will be charged immediately and your reservation will be non-refundable and non-changeable.
Tips for using Name Your Own Price effectively
- Do your research beforehand to get an idea of what hotels are available in your desired city and star level.
- Start with a lower bid and gradually increase it if your bid is rejected.
- Be flexible with your travel dates and star level to increase your chances of getting a good deal.
- Read the hotel reviews carefully before bidding to ensure it meets your standards.
Pros and cons of using Name Your Own Price
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You can save money on hotel bookings. | Your reservation is non-refundable and non-changeable. |
| You can potentially get a higher star level hotel for a lower price. | You won’t know which hotel you’re booking until after your bid is accepted. |
| You can customize your bid to fit your budget. | There is a risk that your bid will be rejected. |
Booking Hotels Through Priceline’s Express Deals
If you’re looking for a way to save money on your hotel bookings, Priceline’s Express Deals might be just what you need. This feature allows you to book a hotel room at a discounted rate without knowing the name of the hotel until after you’ve made your reservation. Here’s how it works:
How Express Deals work
When you search for hotels on Priceline, you’ll see a list of available options that includes the hotel’s name, rating, and price. However, some hotels will also be listed as “Express Deals” without showing the hotel’s name. Instead, you’ll see a general description of the hotel’s location, star rating, and amenities. If you choose to book an Express Deal, you’ll pay upfront and then find out the name of the hotel after your reservation is confirmed.
How to make the most of Express Deals
If you’re willing to take a bit of a gamble, Express Deals can be an excellent way to save money on your hotel bookings. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this feature:
- Research the general area where the Express Deal hotels are located to ensure it’s a convenient location for your needs.
- Check the star rating and amenities carefully to ensure the hotel meets your needs and preferences.
- Use the “Pricebreakers” feature to get an idea of what hotels are likely to be included in the Express Deals for your desired location and dates.
- Consider booking an Express Deal for shorter stays or last-minute trips, as you’re less likely to be disappointed with the hotel selection.
Pros and cons of using Express Deals
Like any travel booking tool, there are pros and cons to using Priceline’s Express Deals. Here are a few to consider:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Priceline’s Standard Hotel Booking Options
How to book a hotel through Priceline’s standard options
If you’re looking to book a hotel through Priceline, you have a few different options to choose from. Priceline’s standard hotel booking options allow you to book a hotel room at a set price, with the option to choose your preferred hotel amenities and location. Here’s how to book a hotel through Priceline’s standard options:
- Visit Priceline’s website and select the “Hotels” tab.
- Enter your destination, travel dates, and number of guests.
- Select “Search” to view available hotels.
- Filter your search results by amenities, location, and price range.
- Select your preferred hotel and room type.
- Enter your personal and payment information to complete your booking.
Pros and cons of using Priceline’s standard options
There are several pros and cons to using Priceline’s standard hotel booking options. Here are a few to consider:
Pros:
- Set price: With Priceline’s standard options, you know exactly how much you’ll be paying for your hotel room upfront.
- Choice of amenities and location: Priceline allows you to filter your search results by amenities and location, so you can choose a hotel that meets your specific needs.
- Easy booking process: Priceline’s website is user-friendly and makes it easy to book a hotel room online.
Cons:
- No flexibility: Priceline’s standard options do not allow for changes or cancellations to your reservation.
- No loyalty benefits: When you book through Priceline, you may miss out on loyalty benefits offered by the hotel chain.
- Possible hidden fees: While Priceline’s standard options offer a set price, there may be hidden fees such as taxes and resort fees that you’ll need to pay upon check-in.
Priceline Rewards Program
Priceline is a popular online travel agency that allows users to search and book flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages. In addition to its booking services, Priceline also offers a rewards program that allows users to earn points on their bookings and redeem them for discounts on future bookings.
How to earn Priceline rewards
Users can earn Priceline rewards by booking eligible hotels, rental cars, and flights through the Priceline website or mobile app. Points are earned at a rate of 1 point per $1 spent on eligible bookings. Priceline also offers bonus point promotions from time to time, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for those.
In addition to earning points on bookings, Priceline also offers a Priceline Rewards Visa credit card that allows users to earn points on everyday purchases. Cardholders earn 5 points per $1 spent on eligible Priceline purchases, 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases, and receive a sign-up bonus of 10,000 points after making their first purchase with the card.
How to use Priceline rewards
Users can redeem their Priceline rewards points for discounts on future bookings. Points can be redeemed at a rate of 1 point = 1 cent, so 10,000 points would be worth $100 toward a booking. To use Priceline rewards, simply log in to your Priceline account and select the option to use rewards when making a booking.
Note that Priceline rewards cannot be used to pay for taxes and fees associated with a booking, and they cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts or promo codes.
Pros and cons of the Priceline rewards program
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Conclusion
Priceline can be a great option for travelers who want to find a good deal on their hotel stays. Whether you choose to use Name Your Own Price, Express Deals, or Priceline’s standard options, there are ways to save money on your bookings.
However, it’s important to do your research and understand the pros and cons of each option before making your reservation. By following these tips, you’ll be able to make the most of Priceline and book your next hotel stay with confidence.
