I've got a great Priceline story I thought I'd share.

Last week I successfully bid $160 (after lower bids were rejected) for a 4 star hotel in the Michigan Ave. Chicago zone for a 1 night stay 11/8. Rates I was finding at comparable hotel websites were $275 and up. Several hotels were completely sold out. We got the Renaissance Chicago. I immediately checked their website and the only availability for 11/8 was a $489 suite, so I was quite pleased with what I got for one of my co-workers.

Yesterday (11/8) was his birthday. When he checked in, he told the clerk it was his birthday and asked if he could be upgraded to the concierge floor. The clerk was extremely professional and very receptive. Not only did he upgrade him to the c floor, he gave him a suite!!!

Turns out, they already knew it was his birthday, because his wife had called the hotel earlier in the day to order chocolates to be delivered to his room with a Happy Birthday card attached.

He said the suite was spectacular.

Now I'd say that was a deal

The same guy is staying at the Wyndham Boston tomorrow night (via Expedia's Hotel Price Matcher, a competitive product to Priceline) for $147. Lowest available rate is $265 which is an AAA rate. Corporate rate is $295. This is the second time he's gotten that hotel through Expedia's Hotel Price Matcher. Last time was for one night during fall foliage, and the best we could do was $200 vs. the lowest available rate of $295.