Priceline review: Is it right for your hotel?

Priceline is a well-known online travel agency (OTA) and is part of Booking Holdings Inc., which also owns Booking.com and Agoda. It’s a platform that offers a variety of travel services, including flight bookings, car rentals, and crucially for our discussion, hotel reservations.

Priceline has made a name for itself with its innovative features such as ‘Express Deals’ and ‘Name Your Own Price’, which allow travellers to secure hotel rooms at discounted rates. But the question on many small hotel owners’ minds is “Is Priceline legit for hotels?”. Let’s dive in.

Is Priceline legit for small hotels?

If you’re asking if Priceline is reliable for hotels, then the short answer is yes. Priceline is a legitimate platform for hotels of all sizes, including small hotels. It offers a vast customer base and a variety of features designed to attract a wide range of travellers.

However, like any distribution channel, it’s essential to understand how it works, its benefits, and potential drawbacks to make an informed decision about whether it’s the right fit for your hotel. For a comparison, you might want to check out how other platforms like Expedia are reviewed by small hotel owners.

Who owns Priceline?

Priceline is owned by Booking Holdings Inc., a leading provider of online travel and related services. The company’s portfolio includes other well-known brands such as Booking.com, Agoda, Kayak, and Rentalcars.com. This means that when you list your hotel on Priceline, you’re partnering with a global leader in the travel industry.

For a broader perspective, you might want to check out reviews of other platforms like Booking.com.

How does Priceline work for hotels?

Known for its unique features and vast customer base, Priceline has the potential to be a valuable distribution channel for your hotel. But how does Priceline work for hotels? Let’s break it down and explore the various features and functionalities that Priceline offers, and how they can benefit your hotel business.

Bidding on hotel rooms

How does Priceline bidding work for hotels? One of Priceline’s unique features is the ‘Name Your Own Price’ tool, which allows travellers to bid on hotel rooms. As a hotel owner, this means you have the opportunity to sell rooms that might otherwise remain vacant. However, it’s important to note that this feature may attract price-conscious travellers and may not be suitable for all hotels.

Express deals

How does Priceline express deals work for hotels? Priceline’s ‘Express Deals’ is another feature that can help increase your hotel’s occupancy. These are pre-negotiated rates that are typically lower than the standard rate and are not revealed to the customer until after booking. This can be a great way to attract last-minute bookings.

Flexibility

Priceline offers flexibility in how you list and price your rooms. You can choose to list all your rooms or only a portion, and you have control over your pricing strategy. This flexibility can be beneficial for small hotels that need to adapt quickly to changes in demand.

Huge savings

For travellers, Priceline can offer significant savings, which can be a strong draw for price-conscious customers. However, as a hotel owner, it’s important to balance these potential savings for customers with your own revenue and profitability goals.

Last minute deals

Priceline is known for its last-minute deals, which can be a great way to fill rooms that would otherwise go vacant. However, this can also lead to a reliance on last-minute bookings, which can make revenue management more challenging.

Priceline review: Should I use it for my hotel?

Deciding whether to use Priceline as a distribution channel for your small hotel involves a careful evaluation of your hotel’s specific needs, target audience, and strategic goals. Here are some additional factors to consider:

Target Audience

Priceline’s user base is diverse, but it’s particularly popular among budget-conscious travellers and those looking for last-minute deals. If these groups align with your target audience, Priceline could be a beneficial platform for your hotel. However, if your hotel is more upscale or relies on advance bookings, you might want to consider other platforms that cater more to these demographics. For more information on other booking sites that could be part of your distribution strategy, check out our article on hotel booking sites.

Competitive Landscape

Priceline is a highly competitive platform with a vast number of hotels listed. This means your hotel will be competing with many others for visibility. It’s essential to consider whether your hotel has the unique selling points and competitive pricing to stand out in this crowded marketplace. Remember, even if competition is high, small hotels shouldn’t fear bad reviews, as we discuss in our article on TripAdvisor reviews.

Commission Rates

Like most OTAs, Priceline charges a commission for each booking made through its platform. These rates can vary, so it’s important to understand the commission structure and factor it into your pricing strategy. While these commissions can represent a significant cost, they should be weighed against the potential benefits of increased visibility and bookings.

Integration with Your Existing Systems

If you’re already using a property management system (PMS) or a channel manager, you’ll want to ensure that Priceline can integrate smoothly with your existing systems. This allows you to manage your Priceline bookings alongside your other distribution channels, helping to streamline operations and avoid overbooking. 

Customer Support

Finally, consider the level of customer support provided by Priceline. Good customer support can be invaluable, particularly when dealing with issues such as disputed charges or problems with listings. Look for reviews from other hotel owners to gauge the quality of Priceline’s customer support. Just as it’s important to respond to Airbnb reviews, it’s crucial to address any issues that arise on Priceline promptly and professionally.