Karen, no one could have gotten the Westin in Costa Mesa on a 4* bid because Priceline does not offer 4* bidding in that zone.

AAA ratings are an abomination. Case in point: AAA rates a Westin and a Days Inn in the same city as a 3 Diamond. Does that help?

If you don't want a Holiday Inn, then don't bid 3* on Priceline, because Priceline does rate some Holiday Inns 3*.