I’ve actually used Priceline’s Express Deals quite a few times, and one thing I learned early on is that they are usually not refundable. I found that out the hard way during a trip I planned to Las Vegas a couple of years ago. I spotted an amazing Express Deal for a four-star hotel right on the Strip at a price that seemed too good to pass up. The catch, of course, was that I wouldn’t know the exact hotel name until after I booked — but I figured, “What’s the worst that could happen?”
Everything went smoothly until, just two days before the trip, my plans completely changed. I tried to cancel the reservation, thinking maybe I could at least get some of my money back. When I called Priceline’s customer service, the representative kindly explained that Express Deals are deeply discounted because they’re non-refundable and non-changeable. Basically, once you hit that “book” button, you’re locked in.
At first, I was frustrated — who wants to lose money on a hotel they can’t use? But after that experience, I started using Express Deals more strategically. I only book them when I’m absolutely certain about my travel dates. To be fair, every time I’ve followed through on those bookings, I’ve gotten excellent hotels for way less than standard rates.
So while Priceline Express Deals can save you a ton of money, you have to treat them as final sales. If there’s even a chance your plans might change, it’s better to go with one of Priceline’s regular listings that offers free cancellation. Lesson learned: amazing deals come with a trade-off — flexibility isn’t one of them.
