I actually might try a priceline stay sometime in the near future-If there are no promos going with any of the chains I do buisness with-just to see what is what.
"Points schmoints"Got me over $5,000 worth of free lodging this year in some very nice hotels.I am a very moderate spend as far as my paid stays.Most come in well under $150 a night.I would be hard pressed to have saved that much using Priceline/Hotwire on my stays in 2007(which paid for the stays in 2008)That would mean I would have had to have saved over $125 a night for my 2007 stays.using PL/HW. I don't know much about the current savings but back when I was using PL those savings were not happening.

Also,some hotel loyalty programs(Marriott,Hyatt are the ones I know about-may be others)offer member only/elite only rate specials on certain properties at certain times.This coming week I have to be in Las Vegas-ther is a huge event and rates are very high or hotels are sold out.I got the Ren LV for $129 a night-(a savings over $100 for ther BAR)Plus I will earn 2 $100 Bonus bucks for future FS Marriott stays.

Now I know priceline/Hotwire is sweet for some folks-but for others(such as myself)who have learned to game the systym to our advantage the savings/non-status treament is just not worth it.