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.

Not only can you call, but you can use a page on the GoldPassport site to add it online. Try this link (you have to be signed in though).

Since there are no attractive promos from 12/31-1/9 and I already made an Diamond for the next year, I guess I will play around with priceline bits. It is nice that we get diamond benefits for priceline stays.
Anyone got upgrade?

If you're new to priceline, i'd suggest you troll around on the following two boards. This can really help on getting the best bang for your $$ with PL...

http://biddingfortravel.yuku.com/

http://www.bidontravel.com/

Just a few key things to get down, then you'll be a pro. And, if you repeat travel destinations, you can get really familiar with rates, strategies, etc.

Makes a BIG diff if you're traveling on your nickel.

Hyatt and Marriott have been generally very good in granting me status benefits on my Priceline and Hotwire stays.

http://www.betterbidding.com too.

Does a priceline reservation show up in the GP-account after the hotel adds the GP-number?

Yes, they normally do, although you cannot change anything on the reservation

The link to add your GP number doesn't work for me. Not the link, but the Reservation Confirmation # I got from Priceline. May be because I booked via Priceline a couple of hours ago. I put the reservation number, click on submit and get this message: No active reservations found.

Nada. I'm trying to add the reservation to the Hyatt account.

Probably just need to give it some time. I think I have had it happen to me before and worked later.

I could be wrong but I think you will need to call CS to add your GP # to PL bookings, unless things have changed.

Have things changed?
 

I had a recent PL stay at a Hyatt property, you could not do anything online to GP associate it, and I am not sure that any perks are provided for opaque travel booked (nor would the reservation show up online). I did not call though.

Does anyone with GP higher status have a recent PL stay that indicates such perks and/or incidental points were awarded?

Rasheed

You get all your elite benefits, and points on incidental charges for PL stays. If you have a problem at the hotel, call the diamond line and it should be taken care of.

100% correct. Also I always had to call to attach my # to the reservation. Definitely worth doing in advance if you have status.

1) I tried it online several times to not avail. Yeah, I waited a couple of days, just in case the info was going to be updated later. No.

2) Since I'm in Buenos Aires, I called Hyatt reservations here, Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt Buenos Aires.
A nice lady answered my called, said yes she could handle it, I provided both my Gold Passport number and reservation number. That was yesterday, nothing happened. So that call was a waste of time.

3) I sent them an email. And their reply today was sorry, we can't do it from here, you should call. Well, actually this:


-----------------------------------
Dear Starlanet:

Thank you for your message to Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. I appreciate
the opportunity to assist you.

In regards to confirmation number xxxx,any revisions to this
reservation must be handled by the hotel's in-house Reservations
department. Unfortunately, I will not be able to make these changes
for you. The hotel contact information is as follows:

Hotel: Andaz West Hollywood
Phone: 323-656-1234
Fax: 323-650-7024
E-mail: N/A

While I regret that it is not possible to correspond directly with
the hotel via e-mail, it is our intention to offer this capability in
the future.

I apologize for any inconvenience. Please let me know if I may
assist you further. Thank you for choosing Hyatt.

Sincerely,

Lesa
Hyatt Gold Passport Representative

For further assistance you may reply to this message or e-mail us at
[email protected] or [email protected], or access us 24/7
via http://twitter.com/hyattconcierge

Our goal is to provide exceptional quality service. If you have any
comments regarding the quality of this interaction, please e-mail us
at [email protected]


---------
:eek:Well, I don't have Hyatt status at all, this is going to be my first stay ever with them, but I was interested in seeing my actual reservation, and to have it linked with my info and profile.

Also I hear that other people with no status who bought via Priceline got nice rooms, for example 12th floor room which I'd rather prefer. I don't pretend elite privileges, since I just booked a regular room but if something is available, like the aforementioned higher floor room, etc. it would be nice if they could link it with the info already on my profile. And...Andaz doesn't have an email address, and the Hyatt online system is only useful is you book on their website :rolleyes: I also wanted to inform them about my late check in :td:

I'll try to call them from Canada, but I'm not there as of now, calling from Buenos Aires to the reservations number didn't work. :td:

Am I right in assuming that the electronic Diamond suite upgrades can not be used with Priceline/Hotwire stays?

No they can not.

HW rate @ Princeton Hyatt Regency
 

Needed a last minute stay near a local hospital. Booked @ 20 minutes before I walked in. $65+ fees, 4* with tennis as one of the icons. The people in front of me were also on a hotwire stay...and asked for a suite-to no avail. I only asked about my Diamond benefits, and received them with no issue. Guest service agents are quite nice. Took advantage of the free shuttle into Princeton for dinner...didn't feel like finding a parking spot.

Asked for, and got a king on a high floor. Didn't ask for an upgrade-frankly all I want to do is crash! Room fine, a/c kind of bad-it is set on 65 degrees, and if it's 65 in here, I am the president!

Internet is free for Diamonds, and it fairly quick. Had no problems connecting. Breakfast tomorrow is continental, but free! Not sure if I am entitled to the food & beverage amenity, but I'm happy enough for the price.

Plenty of free parking....quiet enough. Food is ridiculously overpriced! I ate here when I stayed in January....for the money, the quality is so-so...looks nice, but there wasn't much there!

You should get the diamond amenity and also full breakfast, not just the continental.

ok thanks...i shall check.

thanks bbbb the wine and snacks are coming, as is the correct breakfast coupon! whee! i need a snack! (yeah right, had a big old thing of ice cream in princeton...but free is a good thing!)

Just an update:

Got a full bottle of merlot and chocolate covered strawberries...

Breakfast coupon for full buffet was under the door when I woke up.....

Breakfast buffet was fine...waffles, blintzes, oatmeal, pastry, eggs, bacon, potatoes, smoked salmon....service was pretty bad. Never got more coffee-and the server was annoyed when i asked for milk instead of half & half....(this hotel has big carafes of milk for cereal...i usually just get a container...) Possibly this is because the gratuity and tax are included? His loss, he'd have earned a couple extra bucks....oh well.

When I told the FD about this (couldn't find a restaurant manager) he got me a cup to go from the little coffee break they set up in the lobby (coffee, tea & pastries-i suppose for sale but by the time i got there the attendants were gone. Good idea though if you're in a rush)

Other than that, it wasn't bad. Considering the HW price was 1/3 of the lowest non-cancellable rate i could find, i was pretty happy. Might wind up there again tonight:eek: (i don't like being too far away when a relative is in a hospital)


eta: decided to stay another night.....got nice atrium view room (i actually like it better)....and the usual amenities....

Also, i am posting photos on webshots....my user name over there is megr1125

Thanks everybody for great info. Couple questions: 1. Is it the same policy if you book through a third party, but you can see the name of the hotel before booking (Expedia, etc)? 2. Do your 4 a year Diamond confirmed upgrades apply?

You would get you diamond benefits but not the option to use a suite upgrade.

Thanks!

Platinum Benefits on Priceline Stay
 

Does anyone know whether one would be granted Platinum benefits (i.e. free internet) on a stay booked through Priceline.

Just checked in this morning at the Hyatt Bethesda and was denied the free internet platnium benefit.

Should be yes - perhaps your Plat number is not entered into the reservation?

Thanks.. my Platinum number was in the reservation, but I guess the initial checkin agent didn't know that Platinum benefits applied.

I spoke to another check-in agent and they confirmed the Platinum benefits applied, so I ended up getting the free internet.

Thanks.