Any input on how often this happens?

1) Book hotel on Priceline (not bidding).
2) Immediately call hotel to confirm reservation. Although they can see the Priceline transaction, they inform me that there are no rooms available.
3) I receive an email from Priceline telling me I am a no show and will be charged anyway.

I have worked with Priceline to have the charge removed so am not asking for counsel on that, but specifically want to know if this was more of an exception or if this is commonplace. Any input is welcome.