I have done great with hotels. But YMMV. It really depends on the homework you are willing to put in.
Informed bidders are rarely disappointed bidders.
We follow PL NYOP Bidding for the City of Amsterdam. IMO that is the only way to book a hotel in AMS unless you are very rich or you want a stoner hotel.
$250-$325 a night hotels that for most dates will be won at $75 or less. And we know which of the 3 hotels you might get at the 4*.
Why book any other way?