Karen,

I've used the Priceline forum for over 14 properties in the past 7 months, and have probably saved over 1300 dollars. To me, that's extra money for additional travel for the year. The quality of the hotels I stayed at with Priceline were at the same level I normally stay at (3-4*), I just didn't have a choice of the exact property. Which is okay with me when I am travelling to a place I am quite familiar with, staying somewhere less than 12 hours (ie mileage run), or planning a trip with people on a budget.

Sheryl's forum is great, and I wish more people would post their strategies and successes, because that helps the rest of the readers. When using Priceline for hotels, you pay for the hotel at the time the bid is accepted, and cannot change your reservation dates. Nonrefundable. Same as with airline consolidator tickets, etc. You don't use it, you lose it. The 40-80% savings is worth it to me. The Starwood properties have posted towards Free Friday's promotion, and I have received points.

Do the hotels treat you different because you're a Priceline customer? I haven't noticed any difference, if you're nice, they're nice. Sometimes I've gotten really crappy service from hotels I've paid over $150/night for. I'm not the highest status level for any hotel chain, and at this rate would prefer to save hundreds of dollars rather than "hope" to get upgraded or have a free breakfast. Give it a try, and remember to post your results. Good luck.

Linda