I thought it would be interesting if we compared experienced with Priceline. So...a little survey:
1. What price have you received with Priceline?

2. How does this price compare to published rates, if known?

3. Have you been able to get miles and/or points on your Priceline air tickets or hotels? Have you been upgraded on a Priceline purchase? The rules say no, but the real world sometimes follows different "rules."

My experiences:

1. Asked for hotel, 3 star, at ATL airport, for 12/3/99, 1 night, 1 room, bid of $50. Was confirmed at ATL Sheraton (from what I read it's nice, anybody have experience?). Total with tax billed to me is like $55 or so. Called reservations, and was quoted a "lowest rate" of over $100 for same night (made call same day).

2. Asked for a hotel at the BWI airport, 3 star or better, 11/11/99, 1 night, 1 room, and bid $50 again. Then got $25 bonus money (had to apply for Discover Platinum card). Total bid $75. Bid was rejected. I can resubmit it, but I must change some element like date, level of hotel, or area of city. I am thinking of adding "inner harbor" area to bid, and maybe making it $75, + the $25. But then again, am interested in the Starwood promo, and think it is unlikely I can get the Priceline stays to post to the accounts of the hotel cahins.

I would also be appreciative of any inside information, like a list of hotels that Priceline uses? What exactly happens when you submit your bid? How does the system work under the hood? Does it used published rates, or some kind of formula? Any inside data? When I call the hotel 800 number, they seem to know it's a Priceline reservation.