I've been thinking that Priceline guests might help even out room usage patterns. From the point of view of regular renovations and repair, you would want all rooms to be used approximately the same amount.
For example, a less desirable room near the elevator might rarely be used (since hotels are usually not at full capacity, at least from what I've seen so far). But if the hotel regularly uses Priceline, this room will get as much use as the others.
A smoking room (even though Priceline is allegedly supposed to request nonsmoking rooms, this does not always seem to be the case) that has guests who refrain from smoking will not be as stinky as a smoking room used for such a purpose every night.
In different situations, I've gotten a room next to the elevator (it was noisy when operating, but did not run much at night) and I've gotten a smoking room (that did not smell). No big deal in either case. And of course even guests who pay full rates sometimes get such rooms.
[This message has been edited by WillTravel (edited 07-30-2003).]