Do you remember the days when Priceline allowed you to Name Your Own Price for hotels, flights, and car rentals? It was the ultimate game-changer, revolutionizing the way people booked travel by letting them decide how much they were willing to pay. Unfortunately, the Name Your Own Price feature has been retired, leaving many customers wondering if Priceline still offers any similar deals. In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into the history of Name Your Own Price, explore Priceline’s current offerings, and compare them to other alternatives in the market. So, if you’re looking to save some money on your next trip, keep reading to find out if Priceline is still the go-to option for budget-conscious travelers.
History of Name Your Own Price
Priceline’s Name Your Own Price feature was launched in 1998, and it quickly became one of the most popular ways to book travel. The idea was simple: you could name the price you were willing to pay for a hotel, flight, or car rental, and Priceline would try to match you with a vendor who was willing to accept your offer. The catch was that you wouldn’t know the name of the vendor until after you had made your payment, and the purchase was non-refundable.
Despite the risks, many travelers found this feature to be an attractive way to save money on their travel expenses. Priceline’s marketing campaigns were filled with catchy jingles and slogans like “The Negotiator” and “Bid. Save. Win.”, which helped to fuel the feature’s popularity.
Over time, however, the Name Your Own Price feature began to lose its appeal. Vendors started to wise up to the fact that they could make more money by offering their inventory at a fixed price, rather than through bidding. Additionally, Priceline faced stiff competition from other travel booking sites that offered more straightforward ways to book travel.
In 2016, Priceline finally retired the Name Your Own Price feature, citing a decline in customer demand. However, the legacy of this innovative feature lives on, and many customers still fondly remember the excitement of trying to get the best deal through bidding.
Current Priceline Deals
While Name Your Own Price may be a thing of the past, Priceline still offers a variety of deals and discounts that can help you save money on your travel expenses. Here are some of the current deals you can find on the site:
- Express Deals: Similar to Name Your Own Price, Express Deals let you book a hotel room at a discount without knowing the name of the hotel until after you’ve made your payment. You can choose the star rating and location, but not the specific hotel.
- Pricebreakers: This feature offers discounted rates on top-rated hotels in your chosen destination. You can choose the location and star rating, and Priceline will show you a selection of hotels that match your criteria.
- Free Cancellation: Many hotels on Priceline offer free cancellation up until a few days before your stay. This can give you added flexibility in case your travel plans change.
- Package Deals: Priceline offers package deals that bundle flights, hotels, and car rentals together for a discounted rate. This can be a great option if you’re planning a more extended trip.
Name Your Own Price Alternatives
While Priceline may no longer offer the Name Your Own Price feature, there are still other travel booking sites that allow you to bid on travel services. Here are some of the alternatives you might want to consider:
- Hotwire: Hotwire offers a “Hot Rate” feature that lets you book a hotel at a discount without knowing the name of the hotel until after you’ve made your payment.
- HotelTonight: HotelTonight is a mobile app that offers last-minute hotel deals. You can filter your search by location, price, and star rating, but you won’t know the name of the hotel until after you’ve made your reservation.
- Roomer: Roomer is a marketplace for people who have prepaid hotel reservations that they can no longer use. You can find discounted rates on hotel rooms that are already paid for, and the sellers can recoup some of their costs.
- Tingo: Tingo is a booking site that offers automatic price adjustments if the price of your hotel room drops after you’ve made your reservation. You can save money without having to do any extra work.
Customer Reviews
When it comes to booking travel, reading customer reviews can provide valuable insight into the experiences of others who have used a particular service. Priceline has a section on its website where customers can leave reviews for the services they have booked, including hotels, flights, and car rentals. These reviews can be sorted by date, rating, and traveler type, making it easy to find information that is most relevant to your needs. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all reviews are created equal. Some reviews may be biased or fake, so it’s important to read a variety of reviews and use your own judgment when making a decision.
Priceline’s Express Deals
If you’re looking for a great deal on a hotel, flight, or rental car, Priceline’s Express Deals may be worth considering. With this feature, you can save up to 60% off the regular price of your travel services. The catch is that you won’t know the exact details of your booking until after you’ve made your reservation. However, you can choose your preferred location, star rating, and amenities, so you’ll have an idea of what to expect.
One of the benefits of Express Deals is that they are often available for last-minute bookings. If you’re willing to be flexible with your travel plans, you may be able to snag a great deal on a hotel room or flight. Plus, Priceline’s Express Deals are backed by their Best Price Guarantee, so you can book with confidence.
Priceline’s Package Deals
If you’re looking to book multiple travel services at once, Priceline’s Package Deals can be a great way to save money. With this feature, you can combine your flight, hotel, and rental car bookings into one package, often at a lower price than if you booked them separately. You can customize your package based on your travel dates, destination, and preferred amenities.
One of the benefits of booking a package deal with Priceline is that you can earn bonus points through their rewards program. Plus, you’ll have the convenience of managing all your travel bookings in one place. Keep in mind that package deals may have certain restrictions, such as minimum stay requirements or blackout dates, so be sure to read the fine print before booking.
How to Find the Best Deals on Priceline
If you want to save money on your travel bookings with Priceline, there are a few tips and tricks you can use. First, consider booking during off-peak travel times, such as weekdays or shoulder seasons. This can often lead to lower prices and less crowded destinations. Second, sign up for Priceline’s email newsletter to receive exclusive deals and promotions. Third, use Priceline’s Name Your Price feature, which allows you to bid on travel services at a price you’re willing to pay.
Another way to find the best deals on Priceline is to use their mobile app. With the app, you can access exclusive app-only deals, as well as track your travel plans and manage your bookings on the go. Additionally, make sure to check out Priceline’s social media channels, where they often post deals and promotions.
Priceline’s Rewards Program
Priceline’s rewards program, Priceline VIP, allows you to earn points on your travel bookings, which can be redeemed for discounts on future bookings. You can earn points by booking hotels, rental cars, and flights through Priceline, as well as by using their mobile app and credit card. The more you book with Priceline, the more rewards you can earn.
In addition to earning points, Priceline VIP members also receive exclusive deals and promotions. You can also earn bonus points by booking package deals or by booking with their recommended hotels. Keep in mind that there may be restrictions on how and when you can redeem your rewards, so be sure to read the fine print.
Priceline’s Mobile App
If you’re looking to book travel on the go, Priceline’s mobile app can be a great tool. With the Priceline app, you can access exclusive app-only deals and promotions, as well as manage your travel bookings from your mobile device. You can search for hotels, flights, and rental cars, as well as view your itineraries and check in for flights. Additionally, the app offers a feature called Tonight-Only Deals, which allows you to save up to 40% off same-day hotel bookings.
One of the benefits of using the Priceline app is that it allows you to book travel services quickly and easily, without the need to log in to a desktop computer. Plus, you can receive notifications about your travel plans, such as flight delays or gate changes. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Conclusion
Although Priceline’s Name Your Own Price feature has been retired, the company still offers a variety of ways to save money on your travel expenses. From Express Deals to Package Deals, there are plenty of options to choose from. While bidding on travel services may no longer be as popular as it once was, there are still alternatives available if you’re looking for a similar experience. By using these tips and tricks, you can still book a great trip without breaking the bank. Happy travels!