For a long time, Priceline was known for one thing: its “Name Your Own Price” tool. Travelers would bid on a hotel without knowing its name, hoping to score a huge discount. That feature has changed, but the spirit of finding a secret deal lives on in Priceline’s most powerful tools today.
If you’re looking to get a great hotel for a low price, here’s how to use the modern-day features that have replaced the old system to get a great deal.
Priceline’s Express Deals
Think of Express Deals as a direct descendant of the old bidding tool. The idea is simple: Priceline offers a big discount on a hotel, but they don’t reveal the name until after you book. While that may sound risky, Priceline gives you enough information to feel good about your choice.
Before you book an Express Deal, you can see all the important details:
- The star rating (e.g., 3-star, 4-star, 5-star)
- The general location (like a specific neighborhood)
- A list of amenities (such as a pool or gym)
- The customer review score
- The original price you would have paid
This way, you know you’re getting a hotel that meets your standards in the right area. The trade-off for the deep discount is that Express Deals are not refundable and can’t be changed. They’re a great option when you’re sure about your travel plans and you’re ready to trade a little certainty for a lot of savings.
The Priceline Pricebreakers Tool
If you want a great deal but feel a bit nervous about a completely unknown hotel, the Pricebreakers tool is a fantastic middle ground.
When you search for hotels, you’ll sometimes see a Pricebreakers listing. This shows you three specific, well-known hotels—for instance, a Hilton, a Hyatt, and a Marriott—at one single, low price. All the hotels in the group have a similar rating and are in the same area. You are guaranteed to get one of the three hotels, but you won’t find out which one until you book.
This tool is perfect for travelers who want the savings of a hidden deal but still want the comfort of knowing they’re going to get a reputable, high-quality hotel.
Adding Another Layer of Savings
Using Priceline’s tools to find a great price is a smart move on its own. But you can get an even better result by pairing it with the right credit card. A card that offers travel rewards is an excellent way to turn your booking into a way to save even more on future trips.
A card like the Priceline Rewards Visa Card is a great tool for this. It helps you earn points on every purchase, and it also gives you a head start right from the beginning. You can get a $150 statement credit after meeting a simple spending requirement, plus 5,000 bonus points to use on your very first booking. It’s a straightforward way to take a great deal and make it even better.
