Originally Posted by
alanh
The gotcha with the Priceline star levels is that they aren't really about quality; they're just about the hotel's amenities. If you click on the star level name on the bidding screen, you'll get a popup of what those are.
The only difference between a 2.5* and 3* is an on-site restaurant, which is why a Holiday Inn with a coffee shop outranks a Residence Inn without one.
That's the way it
used to be, but no longer.
In my local zone, we have the following brands, all now rated 3 stars by Priceline.
Hilton (full service)
Marriott (full service)
Crowne Plaza (full service)
Marriott Courtyard
Marriott Residence Inn
Summerfield Suites by Hyatt
Before last Fall when Priceline added the 3.5 level, the requirements of 3 star were on site dining and room service. It has since been changed to on site dining, however not necessarily serving all 3 meals. And no more room service requirement, either. That is how breakfast-only brands like Residence Inn and Summerfield Suites are now rated 3 stars.