I stay for business, so I have to use our travel agent, hence I get to keep my points. I use the points to take my family to places like New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii, DC, NYC, etc. This is the least I can do for being away during my travels.
As for Priceline, it is a great tool for personal travel when I dont have points. I taught my Mom how to go to biddingfortravel.com and she was able to book a $60 Westin LAX room (yea i know, not the best) where the lowest cost is $199.
But, for where I stay, like the W Newark, where you can find $59 - $99 weekend rates when visiting family, I do stay at this hotel. Great Hotel for the price. I just wish more Hotels that are this nice had great weekend rates.