Using Priceline - Do I understand this?
 

I've just signed up for GP and learning the ins/outs of this program. As part of my FT education, I'm trying to determine the pros/cons of using Priceline for Hyatt stays. This is a summary of what I have gleaned from other threads and would appreciate if the GP experts here could verify the accuracy of the following.

When using PL for a Hyatt stay....

1. The stay does not qualify for FFN, thus no need to use MasterCard.
2. Incidental charges are eligible for GP points, but I should retain my folio for proof.
3. The stay does not generate 5 GP Points/$ nor bonus points (aside from incidentals).
4. Those with Diamond status should not expect Amenity points or upgrades.

And, a few additional questions...

5. Can I earn G1-G3 bonus points with a priceline stay?
6. Do priceline stays count toward earning status?
7. What is a "stay credit" ?
8. Other ways to maximize benfits from PL stays?

When using PL for a Hyatt stay....

1. The stay does not qualify for FFN, thus no need to use MasterCard.
Correct

2. Incidental charges are eligible for GP points, but I should retain my folio for proof.
Correct, add your GP # at check in

3. The stay does not generate 5 GP Points/$ nor bonus points (aside from incidentals).
Correct

4. Those with Diamond status should not expect Amenity points or upgrades.
Incorrect, diamond benefits apply on all stays.

And, a few additional questions...

5. Can I earn G1-G3 bonus points with a priceline stay?
No

6. Do priceline stays count toward earning status?
No

7. What is a "stay credit" ?
Qualifying stay (for status, promos etc)

8. Other ways to maximize benfits from PL stays?[/QUOTE]
Bid low. ;)

While not to disagree that in any way the above answer is historically correct, several posters and I are having a current issue with Diamond Amenity points and incidentals not being posted and have been formally turned down by GP. Don't know if I got a rote answer from somebody who didn't really look at the question or there has been a policy change.

I have not had any luck getting them to post Diamond Amenity Points, so I just choose a food option instead on PL stays. Incidentals are hit or miss for me as well.

Thanks for the replies. As there is some uncertainty in the area of incidentals and Diamond benefits, I thought I'd look into the T&Cs.

Here is what they say concerning incidentals. This seems crystal clear to me. So, what explanation was given when incidental points were denied?

Regarding Diamond benefits, the T&Cs are not so clear. It does seem that if they were intending to exclude PL users, they would have used the term "Ineligible Rates" in this text, rather than exclusively referring to airline crew rates.

I think technically you SHOULD get the 1000 pt Diamond Amenity during PL stays (at least according to the T&Cs). However getting them to post is another matter. The stay won't post, therefore you'll have to call in to GP to get the Amenity specially posted. They probably will have to go to a supervisor who might deny you or might not. Basically, its more trouble than its worth to choose the points as a Diamond Amenity, that's why other posters here have learned to just take the easy way out and choose a food and beverage option for the Diamond Amenity....................^

I'm at the Hyatt DFW and I asked about the Diamond breakfast certificates, and the front desk agent said since my stay was a priceline stay, I don't get Diamond benefits.

It's no biggie, and I didn't pursue it. But I'm going to the Hyatt Downtown Dallas tomorrow. I hope I don't get denied Regency Club privileges.

You could be denied, I believe that PL bids don't get the Gold Passport privileges.

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8703e/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/104)

The terms and conditions of Diamond membership do not exempt Priceline stays from the Diamond upgrade/breakfast benefit. Priceline stays do not, however, qualify for points or stay credit.

when dealing through Priceline, you're best off assuming you get -nothing- other than a basic room(often the 'Priceline room', with views of garages, brick walls, etc).

Anything on top of that is a plus.

Extraneous points, such as for incidentals, seem to be hit or miss. Read up on that one for more info.
If you're after elite status, be sure and monitor 'stay credit' vs. no credit for PL.

All that said, PL can often worth putting up with. Before they went snobbish, I used to book the Tahoe Hyatt through PL for great rates, during off season.
I still love the resort, but it just costs more, now.

Since I continue to see erroneous info posted in this an other threads I am going to post this link to Karen's clarification.

Karen, if anything has changed in Diamond recognition on non-eligible stays please update us.

In my experience I have ALWAYS received all benefits and points (although the latter often required a follow up call)

I was able to get Club access at the Hyatt Regency Dallas. But it was a bit of hassle. The front desk agent didn't think I was supposed to get them. But finally she put it in.

When I got my bill, I saw that a surcharge had been added for the Club Access. I had to go down and get that charge removed.

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8703e/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/104)

I checked into the DFW Hyatt Regency tonight on a 3-night Priceline stay. I had previously called Hyatt reservations to request that my GP number be added to the record.

Upon check-in at the hotel, I presented my GP Diamond card, and was given the free breakfast coupons, and my choice of Diamond amenities, without having to request either. The desk clerk stated that my GP number was already in the record.

Way 2 go, Guv! ^ Maybe that's what it takes! From now on, everybody should call to have their GP#s added to PL stays!

It's been that way for years - Hyatt has a policy that you get all status perks for EVERY stay including Priceline / Hotwire.