This article’s recommendations may include affiliate links.
By now you’ve probably heard about Priceline Express Deals. You know, those “mystery” hotel deals that offer deep discounts (up to 60% off) with one catch: you only know the location, rating, and amenities. The exact hotel name is revealed after booking. So I decided to try it out…
Disclosure: This Express Deals hotel reveal features discounted “mystery” Priceline hotels I stayed at. Partnered with Priceline.
A lot of people are afraid of booking “the unknown” – I was too. But the more I think about it, the more I realize I hardly ever book a hotel based on its name. When I book a hotel, what matters most to me is the reviews, location, and amenities.
So, to show you the kind of hotels you can book by focusing on location, rating, and amenities, I booked four hotels using Priceline Express Deals for my summer road trip. While Express Deal hotels can range from 1-5 stars, I filtered my choices to 4+ star rating and 8+ guest review rating.
Keep reading to reveal the Priceline hotels I booked (and see real pictures):
Priceline Express Deal Reveal: The Westin Buffalo
Right after booking the first hotel for my Great Lakes road trip, preferring only 4 or 5-star hotels, Priceline revealed my Express Deal saved me 22% on two nights with The Westin Buffalo. This is a 4-star hotel right in the heart of downtown Buffalo and walking distance from bars, attractions, and yes — famous Buffalo wing spots.
We were greeted upon check in with champagne and a smile, and sent on our way to our amazing king room. After a tiring couple of nights camping and hiking in Letchworth State Park,
The Westin Buffalo was just what we needed. The upscale room offered a comfortable bed and plenty of natural light, a sofa, a refrigerator, and upscale bathroom space.
What I loved most about this hotel was the striking city view from floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in the fitness center, and its impeccable guest service. No matter their professional grade, someone was always asking how we were doing.
Priceline Express Deal Reveal: The Westin Buffalo Hotel deal details
Coincidentally, our weekend in Buffalo, NY overlapped with the famous Garden Walk (the largest garden tour in the United States). We had no idea it was a “thing” and were shocked at how expensive the hotels were because of it.
As a result, we had trouble finding a good hotel deal for our weekend visit. Then we booked an Express Deal and got 22% off retail prices on a 4-star hotel in the downtown area. Here are the details:
- Express Deal room price: $194 per night (22% discount)
- Nights booked: 2 nights
- Rating: 4 stars, 9.5 guest review rating
- Information shown before you book: A downtown hotel that is 4 stars with a 9+ guest rating, plus a list of amenities (pets allowed, fitness center, restaurant)
After I learned I got a deal at The Westin Buffalo, I went to The Westin’s website to see if I did in fact get a good price. If I would’ve booked the same room directly, it would’ve cost more than $590 for our stay.
Priceline Express Deal Reveal: The Royal Park Hotel
After spending a gluttonous three days/two nights in Buffalo, NY we roadtripped through Canada (for a shortcut) to explore Detroit for the first time. Because Detroit is slowly getting back on its feet, we had trouble pinpointing a good hotel that fit our preferences.
We had a week-long camping road trip ahead of us after this spot so needed to be as relaxed and well-rested as possible.
We used Priceline Express Deals to find a hotel just 20 minutes from Downtown Detroit, in Rochester, Michigan. This Detroit Metro Area destination is a city known for its shopping district, art galleries, festivals, and parks — but also a convenient area to stay if you want to explore Detroit without staying in the city.
Our hotel was the Royal Park Hotel, which I’d never heard of but was immediately excited about once I checked out their website and reviews (you see, it really is all about the hotel rating!) Their service was great and they had an amazing restaurant onsite (with outdoor seating and fire pits). On top of it all, they were right on the creek with access to plenty of walking trails.
- Express Deal room price: $135 per night (17% discount)
- Nights booked: 2 nights
- Rating: 4 stars, 9.3 guest review rating
- Information shown before you book: A Rochester hotel that is 4 stars with a 9+ guest rating, plus a list of amenities (fitness center, restaurant)
When I checked the Royal Park Hotel‘s website for these dates, I found our stay would’ve totaled $359 if booked directly. The best part about this 4-star hotel? Their luxury bathroom (with all the amenities a woman could wish for — black makeup towel included), restaurant, and library. It is also walking distance from downtown Rochester.
Priceline Express Deal Reveal: W Hotel Minneapolis Foshay
Foshay, fo-sho! That’s pretty much what I said when I saw that the 4.5-star hotel we’d secured with Priceline Express Deals would be at the W Hotel Minneapolis Foshay.
We reached Minneapolis exhausted. Like, run down “I just want to take a real shower and sleep in a real bed” type of exhausted.
After hiking in Sleeping Bear Dunes, camping on Indian Lake, cruising the Pictured Rocks, and kayaking the sea caves at Apostle Islands, the W Hotel Minneapolis was heaven-sent with a 36% discount.
Just like The Westin Buffalo, W Hotel also offered us a welcome drink. This time a tasty vodka punch. This hip, purple and black-themed hotel stole our hearts with its skyline room view, observation tower and museum, complimentary Bliss products, and luxe bedding.
W Hotel Minneapolis deal details:
- Express Deal room price: $113 per night (36% discount)
- Nights booked: 2 nights
- Rating: 4.5 stars, 8.6 guest review rating
- Information shown before you book: A Downtown Minneapolis hotel that is 4.5 stars with an 8+ guest rating, plus a list of amenities (pets allowed, spa, fitness center)
When I checked the retail pricing on the W Hotel website (because as you’ve noticed, I always want to check), I saw that booking my weekend stay directly would’ve cost $427! 😱 This deal was a huge steal, for sure.
Priceline Express Deal Reveal: Viceroy Chicago
You wouldn’t believe me if I told you it was possible to get nearly half off a stay at the Viceroy, let alone in Chicago! But I was able to using Priceline Express Deals.
This 4.5-star Chicago hotel surpassed my wildest hospitality dreams. Viceroy Chicago was the perfect end to our midwest road trip loop and ideally located in a bustling downtown scene.
From the fitness center’s view overlooking the restaurant strip (I literally imagined myself running to the steakhouse) to the detailed Art Deco design and decor, and rooftop pool, Viceroy Chicago screams essential summer.
Viceroy Chicago hotel deal details:
- Express Deal room price: $183 per night (48% discount)
- Nights booked: 2 nights
- Rating: 4.5 stars, 9.8 guest review rating
- Information shown before you book: A hotel on Magnificent Mile-Gold Coast that is 4.5 stars with a 9+ guest rating, plus a list of amenities (swimming pool, fitness center, restaurant)
After my booking revealed Viceroy Chicago, I’ll admit I was confused as to why they’d give such a huge discount. That is truly when I realized the reason why these Express Deals don’t show the name of the hotel. The deals are just so great, it’d probably ruin their brand if they publicized it!
In order for hotels like Viceroy Chicago to retain its luxurious image, they can’t have people knowing they can score a hotel deal like I did. Well THE SECRET IS OUT: affordable luxury is real and Priceline Express Deals can help you achieve it. Oh, and it would’ve cost $696 for the aforementioned stay if I’d booked directly.
What to know about Express Deals before booking your hotel
My Priceline Express Deal insider tips for the best experience booking hotel deals.
Whether you are just looking for a well-rated 2-star property near a specific attraction or searching for the best luxury deal you can afford, Priceline Express Deals offers all kinds of great properties.
Before you book, make sure you know these details:
- Express Deal hotel bookings are non-refundable, so pay close attention to the star rating, guest rating, and location to ensure you score the right hotel for your vacation.
- If specific amenities are necessary, be sure to filter your search! Even in 2018, for instance, some hotels still don’t offer free internet, so be sure to add that to your filter if it would be a deal breaker.
- The Priceline app features extra Express Deals. If you aren’t finding the deal of your dreams, try downloading the app for deeper discounts. It’s great for last-minute bookings too!
- Express Deals are based on the average price of similar hotels. Occasionally, after booking, you might find you saved even more than the percentage indicated after the Priceline hotel name is revealed. This is because the projected discount was based on the price of similar hotels, and the Priceline hotel you got happened to be more expensive than its direct competition (or vice versa).
What do you think of the Priceline hotels I booked?
Let me know how much you love these Priceline hotels I scored (and their discounts!)
Have you ever tried Express Deals? While I was Instagramming about my hotels, someone following me mentioned they immediately took note and booked a Marriott in New Orleans for just $88. She scored about 50% off her Express Deal listing and booked her accommodations in a prime location!
Enjoy!
xx, O.
* * *
Hey Pinterest Fam!
Share this guide to Using Priceline Express Deals by pinning the image below to your planning board.
Thankyou for helping out, great information.
I got a good deal on my Atlanta visit. The trick is to avoid weekends or occasions like valentines day. Select the option where all hotels are of similar ratings.
Agreed! The best deals are on less popular dates and filtering hotels to match the ratings you want help tremendously.
I use Priceline Express Deals regularly. I have gotten really good at figuring out the name of the hotel before booking by comparing the ratings, amenities and price of the Express Deals to the regular Priceline offerings. The key is to look at the percent discount on the Express Deals page, then look at the regular prices and deduct the percentage to see if I come up with the correct discounted price. Even when there are lots of possible matches, like in Vegas or Chicago, I can almost narrow it down to two or three possibilities. It takes some effort but it’s worth it. I’ve rarely been wrong! By the way, if you visit a certain destination regularly, Priceline Express will often give you a “hint” that you’ve stayed a particular location previously.
Exactly! I actually name this tip and some others in a second article on Priceline express deals. I still use those tips to this day (just booked one last month) and it makes the "guessing game" so much easier.
I spent 2 weeks watching hotel prices in Manhattan in September. I was about to book a refundable holiday inn Express, when I checked the express deals one more time. There was a 4.5* hotel with a 9 rating in the Rockefeller center area for $190 per night! Booked it immediately. It was the Omni Berkshire! Rooms are $355 at best! I have been watching the deals since, and have not found anything close. I called the Omni myself, to make sure of the booking because the deal is too good. I love Priceline! They saved us $350 over the holiday inn express!
Omg what a steaaaaaal! That’s amazing. And totally down my alley: anything over 4 stars and 8 guest rating has never disappointed (in my experience!) Enjoy your Omni experience in such a prime location.
I agree with the previous poster about the problem with express deals. I recently booked an express deal for a week long stay in San Diego. I was guaranteed a Wyndham, Radisson, or Holiday Inn. I got a Wyndham in a very sketchy neighborhood, with homeless people in the parking lot, drug use outside my room, non-existent security and bugs in the room. The hotel management was conveniently not available and did not respond to my coming to the desk or any phone calls until I contacted Wyndham Customer Service. When I pressed the matter with Priceline who advertised this hotel as 3 star with high customer reviews they attempted to contact the hotel to get the refund the management finally promised. After two weeks with no response from hotel management, Priceline denied any refund at all despite providing documentation and pictures. It is still listed as a 3 star hotel.
Thanks for sharing your experience. Which Wyndham was it? I couldn’t find any high rated ones there, but maybe i missed it.
for the future I definitely recommend you filter the neighborhoods in your search, which could help. I prefer 4 and 5 star hotels only (with 8-10 guest ratings), personally!
Here are more tips on how to narrow down a mystery hotel you’ll love! Many of my readers and friends have all used this tips with much success…
https://ochristine.com/blog/how-to-get-a-great-hotel-on-priceline-express-deals
I use Priceline Express in conjunction with betterbidding.com and they have NEVER been wrong on the hotel. Just booked a stay in Nashville and save 50%. Love it!
interesting tip!
I noticed just in time that express deal rooms are only guaranteed to sleep two people. Have you added after confirming the res??
I’ve only ever traveled with two people so I never had to add. Most of the time when I bring multiple people to hotels I don’t check in with them, they just come upstairs. I will say, though, all of our express deal rooms were just one bed so maybe that’s why there was a 2-person guarantee. Maybe inquire about cots?
I have only used once, in West Virginia. We are a family of 4, but were staying one night so planned to suck it up if only one bed (2 adults, 2 young kids). The check in people were so sweet, saw us 4 and without a concern asked if we’d like two queens. Zero problem. However this was April in WV, not a hopping city in tourist season. This rule is actually what keeps me from using it more often sadly.
Thanks for chiming in, Ry! That hotel staff sounds lovely! I think if it is available they will give it to you, but if it is a busy season they’ll probably prioritize people who booked directly at a higher price (understandably so). That’s me guessing, though! I will say, you should consider asking for a cot for the kids to share if ever in a pickle — those are often free with no questions asked, from my experience.
Be aware that it’s not always as wonderful as your previous experiences.
I booked one night at a 3 1/2 star hotel in Tulsa for my husband and our 3 year old grandson and me. We were so excited for an overnight adventure in a fun town for fall festivities.
We have used Priceline express deals in the past and had great experiences! This time, however, once I found out which hotel, I checked it out via travel reviews (same as I’ve done in the past). The reviews of the Tulsa Wyndham Hotel are beyond startling and there is an abundance of similarities in the complaints and photos!!
I realize with express deals, you don’t know your hotel until you’re booked, that’s always worked out for myself and friends that have used it before, because we trusted Priceline, however, after reading the reviews, I’m actually afraid to check in and don’t plan to actually subject my family to this potentially horrible experience!! This isn’t an exaggeration!
It’s a Wyndham! It should be awesome! I should not have to worry about bed bugs, dirty sheets, including feces in the bed, dirty towels, mold, room keys that repeated don’t work – much less strangers walking in on us, extra unexplained charges to my credit card and for God’s sake drug paraphernalia left in a room I’m checking in to, much less with my grandson!!!
I understand that part of their ability to offer these discounts is the agreement of no refunds or cancellation after you book, however, I did contact customer service in an attempt to convey my valid concerns. It made no difference.
I sincerely feel deceived! I also doubt I will ever use Priceline again!!
Thanks for sharing your story, Mel — and yikes! I took a moment to look up the hotel you mentioned and they only get a 6.5 guest rating on Priceline (out of 10). Based on that alone, I’d definitely avoid them!
Have you read my tips on how to ensure you get a great Priceline express deal hotel? It is another article on the blog. I share that even though I value the star-rating, I prioritize the guest rating and never book a hotel with less than an 8 out of 10 guest rating. I am NOT flexible on that requirement, either! 8, 9, or 10/10 ratings only! 🙂
You can read that post here: https://ochristine.com/blog/how-to-get-a-great-hotel-on-priceline-express-deals
Such valuable information! I admit I am one of those that get nervous about booking flights or hotels without knowing all the details. But you are right that I go more by customer reviews vs the name. These hotels looked amazing and the amount you saved on each was significant!
Exactly!Customer rating and location are my top deciding factors. Are they where I need to be and did other people, overall, find their stay to be pleasant. Because I’ve been to some embarrassing properties from reputable hotels and cannot just go based on their name!