SocialAdept

Is this a problem mostly isolated to LV or are there other resort fee heavy places that are on PL?

mbstone

I did get a response from the FTC. It was a page and a half of impenetrable bafflegab. I wish I had saved and posted it.

hedoman

My advice is to avoid PL for LAS hotels. Too many bad experiences long before resort fees hit the front page.

mbstone

LAS is a different animal than other cities as far as PL is concerned, and it's not just the damn resort fees. You also have the problem of wildly differing rates depending on whether you are bidding on a weekday (Su-Th), a weekend, or a stay that overlaps weekdays and weekend days. Then there is the fact that you can't get your PL room comped once you've paid for it.

Nevertheless, the resort fee-on-PL/HW issue is a scam, and it's worth raising a stink over.

ijgordon

I'm not sure the rate differential on weekend vs. weekday qualifies it as a "different animal." Maybe just a different color fur. Many cities have different rate structures, though usually it's the opposite (weekend is cheaper). Is the magnitude of the differential in LAS larger than other cities? Probably, but the concept is the same. As with any hotel bidding on PL, you have to check what the published rates are for the dates you want to get a good idea of what bids might be accepted. There's another wrinkle - big conventions can often make published mid-week rates very expensive (and PL bids unlikely to be accepted at any discount to the published rate). Though that can happen in Chicago, New York, San Diego, etc. as well.

IMHO, these issues are not a reason to avoid using PL in Las Vegas.

I wouldn't consider the inability to get a room comped either. It's kind of a moot point in almost every other city, since generally hotels don't comp rooms. If you think you're going to gamble enough to merit a comp, then book through the hotel or even better, book through the casino. It won't matter what you pay since you're going to get it comped anyway...

Well, "scam" may be a bit strong, but definitely the uncertainty of the resort fee given the commitment made at booking is a good reason to not use PL in Las Vegas. And perhaps, more importantly, to make a stink and let PL know you won't be using them in Vegas until they sort this out. HW is fine, you'll know the total price before you commit. The unfortunate aspect of this is that there are still meaningful savings from using PL in LV, it's just really frustrating that they can call it "name your own price" when in reality you're not naming your price.

mbstone

I stand by my use of the word "scam." The resort fees aren't disclosed until you've paid for the room. And this is also true of Hotwire, which is otherwise also a fine way to purchase hotel rooms in LAS and elsewhere.

"Scam" is defined by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission as:

A fraudulent business scheme; a swindle. By "fraudulent", we include misleading, misdirected or exaggerated claims in advertising.

Scam scam scam scam.

DJGMaster1

Doesn't Hotwire disclose the resort fees nowadays before you commit to the room? IMHO, this is a pretty major advantage over PL in markets where resort fees are prevalent - BTW, Palm Springs area is another such market, especially Indian Wells-Palm Desert-Rancho Mirage. Hawaii is another such market.

ijgordon

Yes, they do. The disclosure is completely reasonable, IMHO, so this is absolutely not a scam. Priceline covers their legal a55es by disclosing in the fine print that there may be a resort fee of $10-40/night. Hence I don't think it qualifies as a scam (perhaps deceptive advertising w/r/t "name your own price"), but it's certainly not a good business practice.

rasheed

I am in agreement with others that Hotwire (in this particular area) does it right. Before committing to their price, they indicate the resort fee amount (which varies depending on the hotel). Because of how they do their product, it is something they could do. As for Priceline, they could definitely do it as indicated by others which is require the bid to include the per night rate plus resort fee. Then, break it out in the winning accepted display page.

So, as listed, Priceline has lost a lot of competitiveness in a number of markets as mentioned including Palm Springs (and surrounding), Las Vegas, Hawaii, Florida, etc. I also find it bizarre how many higher-end properties have required resort fees. As if it was not bad already to charge higher for every add-on optional service than normal.

In general, we have seen Hotwire have higher prices than Priceline, but I think the resort fee could be a deal breaker.

As an aside on Las Vegas, I believe Hotwire is also more particular on telling you if the hotel is on strip or of it is vicinity while Priceline still keeps that South Strip Vicinity label because of that one property which tends to be the one you get as well too often it seems.

Of course, I have to also give props to Harrahs. I really do hope this drives them business if they have a decent room rate. They do have some good properties, and I do not think I would mind sticking it to MGM Mirage.

Rasheed

niftypkg

Bid rigging is illegal! When is the class action suit.

niftypkg

I don't mind paying a resort fee.....IF I REQUEST A RESORT!!! Lately no matter what you select on the bid sheet you end up with a resort. Apparently Priceline has a distain for their clients and intends to screw them evey chance the get! For example: I placed a bid of $40 for a 3 star hotel. The trip wasn't necessary. OK if I get it: if not forget it. What happens: I'm upgraded to a Resort and win the bid! Answer to that: I'll bid even less. Priceline is pushing clients to add on mandatory services. Parking fees, room upgrades, etc. to increase earnings and to hell with the clients. The hotels also want us to tip room service ie pay them. Forget about that now.The same thing occurred again when I bid on their "best deal". I made a complaint to BBB and today to Master Card under vendor disputes. In Phoenix hotels and resorts are empty because temperatures are over 100 degrees. Priceline wants to steer clients in the direction of Resorts. Probably get a bonus from them! What good is making a selection on the bid sheet if Priceline is going to do whatever they want. That is called bait and switch and bid rigging. Complaining to PL is a joke.

niftypkg

Sounds like we have a Hotel cartel on our hands. Well their are alternatives to Priceline: use them! Some chains offer good rates to club members. Eventually Priceline will be caught in a class action suite.

niftypkg

From hence forth I will book directly with the Phoenix hotels I use. My trips to Phoenix are optional. No loss if I don't go. I don't mind paying a resort fee if I chose a resort but only if I chose one. Priceline latest gimmick is to have you sign away your rights when you arrive. Asking for a credit card for incidentals is probably illegal it's like giving them a blank check! Priceline is very un American but money trumps patriotism . This is the best I can do. o!

Often1

Any idea what this guy is talking about? Four posts in a row over a short period of time with zero facts.

niftypkg

Twice now I have ended up with a resort. I first went the HELP way.( 2nd time). Customer service is non -existant. I filed a complaint with BBB. We'll see what happens. Don't mind paying a resort fee if I request a resort however one resort I stayed at the Hyatt Regency in Phoenix charged a resort fee and wanted more to sit on a lounge!!!! The room was OK but not ****. The had upper class facilities that were not included in the resort fee. Bid $50 for that + 20. Now I won't bid more than $40 or walk. I did get some outstanding resorts at that price in Phoenix. What is the Tele# for Priceline?