If I was a regular traveller and not a Priceline cheapskate, I would always choose Kimpton whenever possible. Rates are usually comparable to major chains, and they have way more personality. Service is nearly always better.

I took my mother on a trip to San Francisco a few years back (the last trip she was able to take before becoming ill, so I am very glad I did it), and got the Hotel Monaco on Priceline. Normally, you get the dinkiest rooms on Priceline rates. I emailed ahead of time, explained it was my elderly mother's first trip there, and could we please have 2 dbls? I had a positive confirmation of 2 dbls for my Priceline room in hours.