Priceline Hotel Coupons & Promo Codes for December 2025

Priceline has a storied history as a disruptor in the travel industry. For decades, the brand was synonymous with the "Name Your Own Price" bidding model, a revolutionary tool that allowed users to negotiate directly with airlines and hotels. While that specific bidding feature has been retired to streamline the user experience, the company’s DNA remains rooted in securing the absolute lowest prices possible.

Today, Priceline has evolved into a sophisticated, comprehensive travel marketplace designed for the modern, savvy saver. It has successfully transitioned its "opaque" booking model—where the identity of the travel provider is hidden until after the purchase—into the faster, more user-friendly Express Deals as well as Priceline promo codes. By shifting focus to mobile-first technology and instant booking gratification, Priceline has cemented its status as the premier destination for travelers who want deep discounts without the hassle of a bidding war.

Priceline operates differently than standard booking sites, including things like Expedia that offers promo codes plus rewards. Think of it as the "outlet store" for the travel industry. Hotels, airlines, and rental agencies often have unsold inventory that they need to move, but they cannot publicly advertise rock-bottom rates without damaging their brand image or upsetting full-price customers. Priceline solves this by acting as a discreet clearinghouse.

• The "Deal Hunter" Experience: Priceline gamifies the booking process. Through Express Deals®, you are presented with a hotel's star rating, neighborhood, and list of amenities at a price up to 60% lower than retail. Through Pricebreakers, you are shown three potential top-rated hotels and guaranteed one of them for a heavily discounted rate. This approach turns travel planning into a rewarding "hunt" where flexibility unlocks premium experiences for budget prices.
• A Full-Service Marketplace: While famous for hotels, Priceline is a true one-stop-shop. The platform aggregates millions of flight routes, rental car fleets from every major provider, and cruise itineraries. Whether you need a convertible in Miami, a last-minute flight to New York, or an all-inclusive cruise to the Caribbean, Priceline’s inventory rivals any major competitor.
• The Power of "Bundle & Save": This is perhaps the most underutilized money-saving tool on the platform. When you book a flight and hotel (or car) together in a single transaction, Priceline can offer "private rates." Because the price of the flight and the hotel are combined into one total figure, airlines and hotels are willing to cut their rates significantly lower than they would if you bought them separately. This allows you to access wholesale pricing that is otherwise unavailable to the general public.

Target Audience: Who Benefits Most?

Priceline is designed for a specific type of traveler: the Value-Conscious Optimizer.

• The Flexible Adventurer: If you are open to staying at any 4-star hotel in downtown Chicago rather than requiring a specific Marriott or Hilton, you are Priceline's ideal customer. By trading brand certainty for savings, you can often upgrade your trip—staying in a luxury property for the price of a budget motel.
• The Last-Minute Traveler: Business travelers or spontaneous vacationers often face sky-high prices for booking late. Priceline’s inventory of unsold rooms makes it the best resource for finding affordable rates within 48 hours of travel.
• The Mobile-Savvy Shopper: Priceline heavily incentivizes app usage. Travelers who are comfortable booking on their phones gain access to "Tonight-Only" deals and app-exclusive coupons that aren't visible on the desktop site.

Priceline Value Programs & Benefit Integration: The "Deal-Negotiating" Experience

To truly unlock the potential of Priceline, you must look beyond the standard search bar. The platform operates on a tiered ecosystem designed to reward engagement. Unlike other travel sites where the price you see is the price everyone gets, Priceline allows savvy users to "negotiate" better rates simply by using the right tools and combining loyalty benefits.

Priceline VIP Loyalty Program (The Core Value Engine)

The Priceline VIP program is the backbone of the savings structure. Unlike airline or hotel loyalty programs that require thousands of dollars in spending to see a return, Priceline’s program is designed for rapid advancement. It is completely free to join, and membership is automatic upon account creation. The program is structured into four distinct tiers, each unlocking a new level of "Insider" access.

VIP Member (Blue) — The Entry Level

Requirement: Just sign up. No booking required.
• Benefit: Immediately upon verifying your email, you gain access to "Member Only" pricing. This isn't a marketing gimmick; it unlocks hotel rates that are up to 10% to 50% lower than what a non-logged-in guest sees. You also get a "Best Price Guarantee" on retail bookings.

VIP Silver — The Casual Traveler

• Requirement: Complete just 2 trips in a calendar year.
• Benefit: This tier introduces "Add-On" savings. Once you book a flight, you instantly unlock steeper discounts on hotels and rental cars for that trip. You also begin earning coupon codes for 5% off Express Deal® bookings, which can be stacked on top of already discounted rates.

VIP Gold — The Frequent Saver

• Requirement: Complete 5 trips or hold the Priceline VIP Rewards™ Visa® Card.
• Benefit: This is the "sweet spot" for most travelers. Gold members see significantly more inventory for Express Deals® and Pricebreakers. You receive significantly higher-value coupons (often up to 8-10% off) and gain access to exclusive rental car rates that can shave $20 - $30 per day off standard prices.

VIP Platinum — The Elite Status

• Requirement: Complete 25 trips in a calendar year.
• Benefit: Designed for the road warrior. In addition to the deepest discounts on the platform, Platinum members receive priority customer support. This means bypassing general queues and speaking directly to agents empowered to resolve complex travel issues—a massive value add for frequent flyers.

Priceline VIP Rewards Visa Card (The Accelerator)

For those who want to "hack" the system without booking 25 separate trips, the Priceline VIP Rewards Visa Card is the ultimate shortcut. It is specifically engineered to work in tandem with the VIP Loyalty Program.

• Immediate Status Jump: The moment you are approved for the card, your account is automatically upgraded to VIP Gold Status. You bypass the requirement to book 5 trips, instantly gaining access to the higher-tier inventory and better coupons mentioned above.
• The 5X Point Multiplier: The card earns 5 points for every $1 spent on Priceline bookings. This is one of the highest earning rates in the travel credit card market for specific brand spending.
• Flexible Redemption: Points are not locked into a confusing chart. They work as simple statement credits. If you book a $200 hotel room, you can use your points to erase that charge from your bill.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: A crucial feature for international travelers, ensuring you aren't hit with the standard 3% surcharge when using the card abroad.

Unique Deal Formats (Where the Real Savings Are)

Priceline differentiates itself by offering "opaque" inventory. This means they sell travel from premium providers who want to remain anonymous until the sale is final to protect their public image.

Express Deals (The Deepest Discount)

This is where the 60% off savings live. Priceline strips away the marketing fluff and shows you the raw data: Star Rating, Neighborhood, Guest Review Score, and Amenities.

If you see a "4.5-Star Hotel in Downtown" with a 9/10 user rating, you are almost guaranteed a stay at a major luxury brand like Hyatt, Sheraton, or Omni. You trade the ability to choose the specific lobby for saving hundreds of dollars.

Pricebreakers (The Middle Ground)

Recognizing that some users are too nervous for the total mystery of Express Deals, Priceline introduced Pricebreakers. The system displays three specific hotels.

All three are highly rated. You pay one low price. Once you click "Book," an algorithm assigns you to one of the three. This reduces the risk while still offering a substantial discount compared to the retail rate of any of the three options.

Bundle & Save (The "Private Rate" Loophole)

When you book a flight and a hotel together, Priceline stops displaying the individual price of each item. Instead, they show you a "Total Trip Price." Because the individual component prices are hidden, airlines and hotels allow Priceline to undercut published rates significantly.

An airline might never sell a ticket for $200 publicly, but they will sell it to Priceline for $200 if it is buried inside a $600 vacation package.

Email & App-Only Coupons

Priceline is aggressive with email marketing. Subscribers frequently receive "Mystery Coupons" ranging from 5% to 99% off. Furthermore, the Priceline App features "Tonight-Only" deals for mobile users, catering to travelers who need a bed immediately and are willing to take whatever inventory is left for a fraction of the cost.

Product Categories & Offerings: The Priceline Travel Marketplace

Priceline is often misunderstood as solely a hotel booking site. In reality, it is a comprehensive travel engine that aggregates inventory from virtually every major supplier in the global travel industry. The platform allows users to mix and match different booking types—from standard retail purchases to opaque mystery deals—across five distinct product categories. Understanding the nuances of each category is key to maximizing your savings.

Hotels: The Core Product

Hotels are the crown jewel of Priceline’s ecosystem, offering the widest variety of booking options and the deepest potential savings. The inventory is divided into three distinct "modes," allowing you to choose your own level of risk and reward.

Retail Bookings (Standard View)

• What it is: This works exactly like Expedia or Booking.com. You see the hotel name, photos, and exact location upfront.
• Best for: Travelers who have specific requirements (e.g., "I must stay at the Marriott because I have a conference there") or who need flexible cancellation policies. While discounts here are modest, Priceline’s "Best Price Guarantee" ensures you aren't overpaying.

Pricebreakers (Semi-Opaque)

• What it is: A curated list of three similar hotels (e.g., three different 4-star hotels in the same neighborhood). You are shown the names and details of all three. You pay a single discounted price, and Priceline assigns you one of the three after purchase.
• Best for: Travelers who want a discount but fear the "unknown." If you are happy with any of the three options shown, this is a mathematically safe bet to save 20-40%.

Express Deals (Fully Opaque)

• What it is: The deepest discounts on the platform. The hotel name is hidden, but the star rating, neighborhood map, guest review score (e.g., "Rated 8.0+"), and amenities list are visible.
• Best for: Brand-agnostic travelers. If you simply need a "4-star hotel in Times Square with a gym," this option can save you up to 60%.
• Pro Tip: Use the amenity list as a fingerprint. By comparing the listed amenities of an Express Deal to retail listings in the same area, you can often deduce the hotel's identity before booking.

Flights: A Global Search Engine

Priceline’s flight engine connects to hundreds of airlines worldwide, from major carriers like Delta and United to budget options like Spirit and Frontier, allowing you to utilize things like American Airline promo codes with great deals to get even better prices.

• Standard Fares: You can book Economy, Business, or First Class tickets with full transparency regarding airline and schedule.
• Express Deals for Flights: Similar to hotels, you can book a flight where you know the departure/arrival windows and the airports, but the specific airline and exact takeoff time are revealed only after booking. This is ideal for travelers with flexible schedules who prioritize price over a specific carrier.
• Hacker Fares (Split-Ticketing): Priceline’s algorithm often constructs itineraries that combine two one-way tickets from different airlines (e.g., fly to Miami on American Airlines, fly back on JetBlue). This "mix-and-match" approach often results in a total price significantly lower than a round-trip ticket on a single airline.

Rental Cars: The Most Flexible Inventory

Rental cars are a hidden gem on Priceline and are much more affordable than using Uber to get around, even with discount codes. The platform aggregates inventory from all major brands including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, Alamo, and National.

• Supplier Choice vs. Specific Car
  • Specific Car: You can book a specific vehicle class (e.g., "Ford Mustang Convertible") from a specific agency.
  • Supplier Choice (Opaque): You book a car class (e.g., "Mid-size SUV"), but the agency providing it is hidden until checkout. Because the rental agencies can offload excess inventory without advertising a "sale," these rates are often 30-50% cheaper.
• One-Way Rentals: Priceline is particularly strong at finding inventory for one-way drives, which are notoriously difficult and expensive to book on other sites.

Cruises: The All-Inclusive Hub

Priceline’s cruise portal is a robust booking engine that rivals dedicated cruise agencies. It covers all major lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Disney, etc.) and destinations (Caribbean, Alaska, Europe).

• Exclusive Bonuses: Priceline often attaches exclusive "sweeteners" to cruise bookings that you won't find by booking directly with the cruise line. These often include:
  • Onboard Credit: Free spending money to use on the ship for drinks, spa treatments, or excursions.
  • Pre-Paid Gratuities: Priceline may cover the cost of daily tips for the crew.
  • Hotel Discounts: Since most cruisers need a hotel the night before departure, Priceline offers exclusive hotel discounts near major cruise ports (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Galveston) for customers who book a cruise.

Packages: The "Bundle & Save" Powerhouse

This is the strategic way to book. By combining products, you unlock a different pricing tier entirely.

• The Logic: When you search for Flight + Hotel or Flight + Car, Priceline presents you with a total package price.
• The Benefit: This shields the individual component prices from public view. An airline might be unwilling to sell a ticket for less than $400 publicly, but they will happily include it in a $700 package where the customer cannot distinguish the flight cost from the hotel cost. This opacity allows for Wholesale Pricing that can save users an average of $200 to $400 per trip compared to booking components separately.
• Customization: You are not locked into a rigid itinerary. You can select your flight, then browse through hundreds of hotel options to pair with it, adjusting your package until it fits your budget perfectly.

Change, Cancellation & Refund Policy: Understanding the Fine Print

Navigating the cancellation policies of an online travel agency can be complex, as the rules often vary depending on the specific airline, hotel, or car rental company you select. This section is critical for every user to read, as misunderstanding these terms is the most common source of customer frustration. Before you click "Buy," it is essential to understand the varying levels of flexibility associated with different Priceline products.

The Golden Rule: Priceline is an Intermediary

To understand the refund policy, you must first understand Priceline’s role. Priceline acts as a middleman between you and the travel provider, much like when you seek out Groupon promo codes - Groupon is just the marketplace. When you book a standard itinerary, Priceline passes your money and your reservation details to the airline or hotel. Therefore, the ultimate cancellation policy is generally determined by the supplier, not Priceline. If an airline says a ticket is non refundable, Priceline does not have the authority to override that rule and issue a refund. They are contractually bound to enforce the terms set by the travel provider.

The "Opaque" Trade Off: Express Deals® and Pricebreakers

The deep discounts found in Express Deals and Pricebreakers come with a strict condition: Zero Flexibility.

• The Policy: These bookings are almost always 100% Non Refundable, Non Changeable, and Non Transferable.
• What this means: Once your payment is processed, the reservation is set in stone. You cannot change the dates, you cannot change the name on the reservation, and you cannot cancel for a refund, even if you find a lower price later.
• The "Why": Hotels and airlines offer these inventory clearance rates only on the condition that the revenue is guaranteed. This is the fundamental trade off: you receive a wholesale price in exchange for waiving your right to cancel.
• Exceptions: The only common exceptions are if the hotel or airline itself cancels the service (e.g., the hotel closes due to a hurricane, or the flight is canceled by the airline). In these specific "involuntary" changes, you are entitled to a refund.

Standard "Retail" Hotel Bookings

For standard hotel bookings where you know the name of the property before you pay, the policies are much more lenient, though they still vary by property.

• Pay When You Stay: Many retail listings allow you to reserve a room without paying upfront. Your credit card is used only to hold the reservation, and you pay the hotel directly upon arrival. These bookings usually have very flexible cancellation policies, often allowing you to cancel up to 24 or 48 hours before check in without penalty.
• Pay Now (Prepaid): Some retail rates require upfront payment to secure a slightly lower price. These often have stricter cancellation windows.
• How to Check: Look for the green text that says "Free Cancellation" on the search results page. If a room is non refundable, Priceline will display this in red text during the checkout process.

Flight Cancellation & Changes

Flight rules are dictated by the airline's fare class.

• The 24 Hour Void Window: For most flight bookings, Priceline honors the Department of Transportation guideline allowing customers to cancel a booking for a full refund within 24 hours of purchase, provided the flight is at least 7 days away. This is your "buyer's remorse" safety net.
• Basic Economy: After the 24 hour window closes, Basic Economy tickets are generally "Use It or Lose It." They typically cannot be changed or canceled for any credit.
• Main Cabin and Above: Standard tickets are usually non refundable (you won't get cash back to your card), but they are often changeable. If you cancel, you will typically receive an "Airline Flight Credit" for the value of the ticket, which must be used with the same airline within one year. Be aware that you may still be responsible for a fare difference if the new flight is more expensive.

Trip Protection: Your Safety Net

Because many of Priceline’s best deals are non refundable, purchasing Trip Protection (Travel Insurance) is highly recommended for expensive itineraries.

• What it Covers: This insurance usually provides a cash refund if you must cancel for a "Covered Reason," such as a documented illness, injury, jury duty, or job loss.
• What it Does Not Cover: Standard trip protection does not cover "Change of Mind." You cannot use insurance to get a refund simply because you decided not to travel or because the weather forecast looks bad.
• Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR): Occasionally, you may be offered a premium upgrade to "Cancel for Any Reason" insurance, which offers a partial refund regardless of why you cancel. This is the only way to add flexibility to an Express Deal.

How to Initiate a Cancellation

All changes and cancellations should be managed through the "My Trips" section of the Priceline website or mobile app.

1. Log in to your account.
2. Locate the specific itinerary.
3. Click "View or Cancel."
4. The system will automatically check the specific rules associated with that booking and tell you if a refund or credit is available.
5. If you are canceling a flight for a credit, keep the ticket number handy, as you will need it to rebook later directly through the airline.

Smart Ways to Save & Maximize Value: The Art of the "Priceline Hack"

Booking travel on Priceline is a skill. While the casual user might save 10% or 15%, the "Power User" knows how to stack discounts, decode mystery deals, and navigate the fine print to save upwards of 60%. Don't just book the first price you see; use these strategic methods to ensure you are getting the absolute lowest rate possible.

Master the Art of the "Deal Detective"

Priceline’s Express Deals® hide the name of the hotel, but they leave plenty of clues behind. You can often reverse-engineer the listing to figure out exactly which hotel is hiding behind the mystery offer.

• The Two-Tab Method: Open two tabs in your browser. In Tab A, search for Express Deals in your desired city. In Tab B, search for standard Retail hotels in the same city.
• Match the Filters: In Tab A, look at the Express Deal's star rating (e.g., 4-Star) and neighborhood (e.g., "Downtown - River North"). Apply those exact same filters to your standard search in Tab B.
• The Review Count Giveaway: This is the smoking gun. Express Deals will show a review score (e.g., "Rated 9.0" or "Excellent 8+") and list the number of reviews (e.g., "1,000+ reviews"). Look for a retail hotel in Tab B that matches that exact review score and has a similar volume of reviews.
• The Amenity Fingerprint: Compare the amenities list. If the Express Deal lists Indoor Pool, Pet Friendly, and Free Breakfast, and there is only one 4-star retail hotel in that neighborhood with those exact three features, you have found your match.
• The Map Overlay: Click the Map View on the Express Deal. It will show you a shaded polygon representing the neighborhood. Look at the retail map and see which hotels fall inside that specific shaded shape.

Embrace the Opaque (The "Loyalty Points" Trade-Off)

To save real money, you must be willing to let go of hotel loyalty points.

• The Math: When you book an Express Deal or Pricebreaker, you typically do not earn points with the hotel chain (like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors), and your elite status benefits (like free room upgrades) may not be recognized.
• The Strategy: Do the math. If an Express Deal saves you $80 per night on a 3-night stay, that is $240 in your pocket. Is earning 2,000 hotel points (worth maybe $15) really worth paying $240 extra? For value-focused travelers, the cash savings of the Opaque model almost always outweigh the value of hotel points.

The "Abandon Cart" Technique

Priceline’s marketing algorithms are designed to close the sale. If you find a flight or hotel you like but aren't ready to buy, go all the way to the checkout page, enter your email address, and then close the browser window.

The Result: Frequently, within 24 hours, Priceline’s automated system will send you an email titled "Did you forget something?" or "Complete your booking." These emails often contain a unique, one-time-use coupon code for an extra 5% or 10% off to entice you to finish the transaction.

Beware of the "Resort Fee" Trap

This is the most common pitfall for new users. Priceline’s Total Price includes the room rate and government taxes, but it often excludes Hotel Resort Fees.

What to Watch For: In cities like Las Vegas, Orlando, and New York, hotels charge a mandatory nightly Destination Fee or Resort Fee (ranging from $20 to $50 per night) that is collected directly by the front desk at check-in.

How to Check: Before you click Book, scroll down to the Important Information or Pricing Breakdown section. Priceline is legally required to list these fees there. Always factor this pay at hotel cost into your total budget to avoid a surprise bill at the counter.

Stack Your Savings (The Triple-Dip)

The biggest savings come from layering multiple discounts on top of a single booking.

1. Start with an Express Deal: Already discounted by up to 60%.
2. Apply a Coupon: Check your email or the Priceline homepage for a promo code. These codes (usually 5-10% off) often work on Express Deals, further reducing the subtotal.
3. Use a Cashback Portal: Before going to Priceline, click through a cashback portal (like Rakuten or TopCashback) to earn 2-5% cash back on your purchase.
4. Pay with a Rewards Card: Use a credit card that earns extra points on travel.

Result: You have now saved money four different ways on a single transaction.

Download the App for "Tonight-Only" Deals

Priceline treats mobile users differently than desktop users.

Tonight-Only Deals: If you are looking for a hotel for tonight, the mobile app will often display inventory that isn't visible on the desktop site. Hotels dump their remaining unbooked rooms onto the app at 11th-hour pricing because a room sold for $50 is better than a room sold for $0.

App-Exclusive Coupons: Priceline frequently pushes notifications with promo codes that only work within the mobile app environment.

Always Check "Bundle & Save" Even if You Have Points

Even if you have frequent flyer miles to pay for a flight, check the cash price of a Bundle (Flight + Hotel) on Priceline.

Why? Sometimes the Private Rate discount on the bundle is so deep that it’s cheaper to pay cash for the bundle and save your airline miles for a different trip where they offer better value. Always compare the cash bundle price against the cost of using your miles plus paying for a hotel separately.

Key Terms & Conditions for Shoppers: The "Fine Print" Survival Guide

Before you click that final "Book Now" button, it is imperative to understand the rules of engagement. Priceline offers incredible savings, but those savings often come with strict conditions. Understanding these terms will prevent surprise fees and ensure a smooth travel experience.

The Reality of Non-Refundable Deals

The most important term to understand on Priceline is "Final Sale." When you book an Express Deal®, Pricebreaker, or any rate marked Non-Refundable, you are entering into a binding contract.

• No "Change of Mind" Clauses: Unlike retail shopping where you can return a shirt if it doesn't fit, travel bookings in this category are rigid. You cannot cancel because your meeting was moved, because the weather looks rainy, or because you found a cheaper price elsewhere.
• Non-Transferable: You cannot change the name on the reservation. If you cannot go, you cannot give your room or ticket to a friend or family member. The name on the ID presented at check-in must match the name on the booking exactly.
• The "Force Majeure" Limit: Generally, the only time these rules are waived is if the airline or hotel ceases operations or cancels the service themselves. Personal emergencies are not grounds for a refund unless you have purchased separate Travel Insurance.

Priceline as the Intermediary (Merchant of Record)

It is crucial to understand who has your money and who is responsible for your service.

• The Transaction: When you book a prepaid rate, Priceline charges your credit card. They are the "Merchant of Record." However, they do not own the hotel or the plane. They are simply a broker purchasing inventory on your behalf.
• Service Issues: Once you check in or board, the travel provider (the hotel or airline) is responsible for your experience. If the room is dirty, the Wi-Fi is broken, or the flight is delayed, you must resolve these issues directly with the provider's staff on-site. Priceline cannot fix a broken air conditioner from their headquarters.
• Special Requests: Requests for specific bed types (King vs. Two Queens), smoking preferences, or connecting rooms are passed on to the hotel, but they are requests, not guarantees. The hotel assigns specific rooms upon arrival based on what is available.

Promo Code Limitations and Exclusions

Priceline is famous for its coupons, but they do not apply to everything on the site.

• Opaque vs. Retail: Promo codes almost exclusively apply to Express Deals® (Hotels and Cars) and occasionally Pricebreakers. They rarely, if ever, apply to standard "Retail" bookings where you know the name of the provider upfront. This is because Priceline has very slim margins on retail bookings but higher margins on opaque bookings, allowing them to pass savings on to you via coupons.
• One Code Per Trip: You generally cannot stack multiple coupon codes on a single booking. However, you can usually stack a coupon code on top of an existing "strike-through" price markdown.
• Expiration Zones: Coupon codes operate on Eastern Standard Time (EST). If a coupon expires at midnight, it expires at midnight EST, which is 9:00 PM for shoppers on the West Coast.

The Financial Breakdown: Taxes, Fees, and Deposits

The price you see on the search results page is rarely the final amount you will pay.

• Tax Recovery Charges: Priceline charges you for taxes, which they then pay to the hotel to cover local occupancy taxes. However, they also include a "Service Fee" in this line item to cover their own operational costs.
• Resort Fees (The Hidden Cost): This is the most critical financial term. Priceline collects the cost of the room and taxes. They DO NOT collect "Resort Fees," "Destination Fees," or "Facility Fees." These are mandatory fees charged by the hotel (common in Vegas, NYC, and Miami) covering pool access, Wi-Fi, etc. You will be required to pay these directly to the hotel front desk with a credit card upon arrival.
• Incidental Holds: Even if your room is fully prepaid, the hotel will require a credit card at check-in for an "Incidental Hold" (usually $50 to $100 per night) to cover potential damages or room service. This hold is released a few days after checkout, but it reduces your available credit limit during your trip.

Age and Identification Requirements

Priceline allows anyone over 18 to book, but the travel providers have their own rules.

• Hotel Check-In Age: Many hotels, particularly in "party destinations" like Las Vegas or South Beach, require the primary guest to be 21 years old to check in. If you are 19 and book a non-refundable room at a 21+ hotel, the hotel can deny you entry, and Priceline is not obligated to refund you. Always check the "Hotel Policies" section before booking.
• Car Rental Age: Renters under age 25 are frequently subject to a "Young Renter Fee" charged by the rental agency at the counter. This fee is not included in your Priceline quote.

The Best Price Guarantee

Priceline offers a Best Price Guarantee, but the terms are specific.

• The Match: To qualify for a refund of the difference, the lower price must be for the exact same itinerary: same hotel, same room type, same dates, same cancellation policy, and same currency.
• Public Availability: The lower rate must be available to the general public online. It cannot be a private member rate (like AAA or AARP) or a corporate discount.
• Time Limit: For VIP members, this guarantee extends for 24 hours after booking. For Express Deals, the guarantee often extends to midnight before travel, offering 200% of the difference, but the burden of proof is on you to send screenshots verifying the lower rate.