Are you looking for a way to save money on your next hotel booking? If so, you may have heard of Priceline’s Name Your Own Price feature. This unique tool allows you to bid on hotel rooms, rental cars, and flights at a price that you choose. But how exactly does it work?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Priceline’s Name Your Own Price feature allows you to bid on travel accommodations at your desired price point. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into how the feature works and provide tips for using it successfully.
Understanding How Name Your Own Price Works
How you can save money on travel with Priceline
Priceline is a popular online travel agency that allows you to save money on hotel stays, flights, rental cars, and vacation packages. The Name Your Own Price feature is a unique bidding system that allows you to bid on hotel rooms, flights, and rental cars. This feature can help you save up to 60% on your travel expenses.
How Name Your Own Price differs from traditional booking methods
Unlike traditional booking methods where you select a hotel or flight based on the listed price, Name Your Own Price allows you to set your own price for the hotel room, flight, or rental car that you want. You also select the location, star rating, and the dates of your stay. Once you submit your bid, Priceline will search for available options that match your criteria. If your bid is accepted, Priceline will automatically book the reservation for you.
Tips for using Name Your Own Price successfully
- Research before bidding: Do some research on the average prices for hotel rooms or flights in the area you want to travel. This will give you an idea of what a reasonable bid might be.
- Bid low: Start by bidding lower than the average price you found in your research. If your bid is rejected, you can always increase your bid later.
- Be flexible: Be willing to accept a hotel or flight that might not be your first choice. This will increase your chances of getting your bid accepted.
- Consider the fees: Keep in mind that there may be additional fees, such as taxes or resort fees, that are not included in your bid price.
- Check the cancellation policy: Make sure to check the cancellation policy before submitting your bid. Some reservations may be non-refundable.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Name Your Own Price
Creating a Priceline account
To use Priceline’s Name Your Own Price feature, you first need to create an account on their website. This is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. Once you have created your account, you can start bidding on accommodations right away.
Bidding on accommodations
To bid on accommodations, you need to select the city, dates, and star level of the hotel you are looking for. After this, you will be taken to the Name Your Own Price page where you can enter the price you are willing to pay for the hotel. Keep in mind that once you submit your bid, you are committed to paying that price if it is accepted.
It’s important to note that Priceline’s Name Your Own Price feature is only available for hotel bookings. If you are looking to book a flight or rental car, you will need to use their regular booking system.
Receiving your results and booking your accommodations
After you have submitted your bid, you will be shown a list of hotels that match your criteria and are willing to accept your price. You won’t know the name of the hotel until after you have booked it, but you will be able to see the star level and general location.
Once you have chosen the hotel you want to book, you will need to enter your payment information and confirm your booking. After this, you will receive an email with the name and address of your hotel.
It’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully before booking through Priceline’s Name Your Own Price feature. Some hotels may have additional fees or restrictions that you need to be aware of.
Pros and Cons of Using Name Your Own Price
Advantages of using Name Your Own Price
If you’re looking for a way to save money on travel, Priceline’s Name Your Own Price feature may be a great option for you. Here are some of the advantages of using the Name Your Own Price tool:
- You can potentially save a significant amount of money on hotel rooms, flights, and car rentals.
- The Name Your Own Price feature allows you to set your own budget for travel, which can be helpful if you’re trying to stick to a specific budget.
- Priceline’s Name Your Own Price can be a great way to find last-minute deals on travel, as many hotels and airlines may be willing to sell their unsold inventory at a discounted rate.
Disadvantages of using Name Your Own Price
While the Name Your Own Price feature can be a great way to save money on travel, there are also some potential downsides to using this tool. Here are some of the disadvantages of using Name Your Own Price:
- You may not be able to choose specific hotel rooms or flight times when using Name Your Own Price, as Priceline will choose the specific details for you based on your budget.
- The Name Your Own Price feature may not be ideal for travelers who have specific preferences or requirements, such as needing an accessible hotel room or a non-stop flight.
- In some cases, you may end up paying more for your travel than you would have if you had booked directly with a hotel or airline.
- The Name Your Own Price feature can be a bit risky, as you won’t know the specific details of your travel until after you have paid and the reservation is confirmed.
Tips for Using Name Your Own Price Successfully
Researching before you bid
One of the most important tips for using Priceline’s Name Your Own Price tool is to do your research before you place a bid. This means researching the average prices for hotels, flights, or rental cars in the location you plan to visit. You can use websites like Kayak or Hotwire to get an idea of the average prices. This will help you make an informed decision and avoid overpaying.
Being flexible with your travel dates and locations
Another key tip for using Name Your Own Price successfully is to be flexible with your travel dates and locations. Priceline’s tool is designed to give you the best deals possible, but this often requires flexibility on your part. For example, if you can be flexible with your travel dates, you may be able to secure a better deal on a hotel or flight. Similarly, if you are open to staying in different neighborhoods or using different airports, you may be able to save money.
Bidding strategically
When using Name Your Own Price, it’s important to bid strategically. This means starting with a low bid and incrementally increasing it until your bid is accepted. You should also consider the star rating of the hotel or the class of the rental car you are bidding on. Higher-rated hotels or newer rental cars will likely require a higher bid. Additionally, keep in mind that Priceline charges a non-refundable booking fee for each successful bid, so factor this into your budget.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Priceline’s Name Your Own Price feature can be a great way to save money on travel accommodations. Although it may require a bit of strategy and research, the potential savings can make it well worth the effort. By following our tips and using the feature wisely, you can save money and enjoy a great travel experience. Happy bidding!
