Shatner Hasn't Even Used Priceline!
Written: Oct 09 '00
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Hmmm...makes you wonder about a company when the main spokesman hasn't even used the services. William Shatner was on a new magazine show, and he was asked if he has ever used Priceline personally. "No, I haven't," he stated. "Because I only fly First Class." Well La-Dee-Da! Atleast he was honest. Well, I really don't have any beef with Priceline, to tell you the truth.
The ONLY reason that I tried Priceline in the first place, was because of all the reviews I read on Epinions. I read the good and the bad, and since I was in the market for a hotel room, I decided to give it a try. For the record, I am extremely cautious when it comes to using my credit card. Also cautious when I buy things that are "non-changeable/non-refundable".
So, off I went to their website, and I got up the nerve to plug in all the required info. To my surprise, they offered me a $25 addition to my room price if I applied for the Discover card. Ok, sounds fair enough. I did it.
I decided to start with a low price...say...$25 for a moderate room. Now, I have been pricing hotels in this specific area for a week, and I had yet to come across a flea bag room for less than $90.
Before I could finalize my submission, it informed me that the price had "very little chance of being accepted". I remember reading about this "ploy" on Epinions, so I left it at $25.
I was supposed to receive an answer in about an hour. In 10 minutes I had a hotel at the Clarion San Francisco for $25, plus a $5 Priceline fee! That $5 fee is a small price to pay, to get a good hotel room for only $25.
When we got to the Clarion, the lobby was GORGEOUS! The Priceline rooms, as I called them, were out of date, but clean and definitely served it's purpose. I mean, where else are you going to pay that amount of money, with the exception of the red light district! The hotel clerk had our reservations, and it went off with out a hitch!
The downside is that I tried to get a room for another date and location, and had a totally different experience. I didn't realize that you could not make more than one request for the same combination (dates, city). So, starting out at a LOW price, I thought I would just work my way up. NOPE. Don't try it. You will lose. Try to get it the first time.
My next experience with them, was when I tried to buy an airline ticket from them. I did my research, found out what the tickets were going for, and of course, underbid. This took several tries and several changes to my preferences. But, the end result was good. I got trans-continental tickets to my airport of preference, for exactly HALF what the rates were on Expedia and Cheaptickets.
However, I thought I had made a mistake with my dates of arrival (I really didn't) and I called Priceline to talk to someone. The man was very nice, I got through right away, explained my dilemma. And while he was sympathetic, his hands were tied. He could not change anything about my ticket.
So, moral of the story: Use Priceline only after you have researched the going rates, read all the rules and fine print, and bid responsibly. Most problems with this company are the restrictions and flexibilty factor. If you aren't a flexible person/traveler, don't use Priceline. If you can't pass up an opportunity to travel at a reduced rate, get your credit card ready and bon voyage!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
TRAVELJAM
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Location: Pacific Northwest
Reviews written: 61
Trusted by: 49 members
About Me:
Love to travel and write about it!!!
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