Though I suspect Greendevil74 created an account here for this one rant, I'll extend the usual "Welcome to FT".

Having said that, I'm sorry you had problems, but 1) There's no such thing as a 5* hotel to bid on in the Riverwalk area, as pointed out above, and 2) I've stayed at the Marriott Plaza twice, once within the last year, and it certainly meets the requirements for 4*. While not a luxury hotel, it has triple sheeting and premium linens, marble fixtures in the bath, and decent furnishings. The rooms, while not huge, are by no means small. As to the location, it is at the intersection of two major streets about 2 blocks south of the Riverwalk. There are few people walking the area at night (the Hemisfair park, across the street to the east, is closed at night), but that does not make it unsafe. My wife and I enjoyed several excellent Mexican restaurants in the area (El Mirador is a 2 minute walk SW, Rosario's is 5 minute walk S).

Were you looking for a room large enough to accommodate a large family? Your fault if you didn't know that Priceline only guarantees sleeping accommodations for 2. You should read the rules. And what, exactly, are the "amenities" you were missing? There is a concierge, a bellman, room service, and all the shampoos, soaps, and shoe cloths any normal couple could use. You were expecting the Four Seasons, maybe? And BTW, as for free wireless, it has been my experience that the moderate business and extended stay hotels offer this, but it is almost never free at high-end hotels.