According to dummies.com, there are a few specific examples of when NOT to use priceline
For weekend trips
When airfares are low
When your trip can't be booked on one airline or with two stops
When you may have to cancel or change your trip
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/knowing-when-not-to-use-priceline.html
(Useful if you are flying and getting your hotel through priceline)

EHow offers this advice for booking a hotel:
Step1
Decide where you will be staying if you are booking a hotel. It is important to become familiar with the area, such as uptown, downtown or airport, so you do not end up bidding on a neighborhood you do not wish to be in.
Step2
Read reviews about the hotels in the area you wish to stay in. This will give you a good idea of what others have experienced (see Resources below).
Step3
Go to priceline.com and decide if you want to reserve a room at the listed price or make an offer on a room. To make an offer, click "hotels" at the top of your screen and then "bid now." Fill in the city, state, date and number of rooms. Then name your area, star level and price. Enter your credit card information, initial and wait for an answer (see Resources below).
Step4
Look at the screen to know if your offer was accepted before you proceed. This may take a few minutes. This is very important, as it can prevent double-booking. Check your email as well to verify if your offer was accepted or rejected.
http://www.ehow.com/how_4509739_use-priceline.html

Me? I would personally never use it. I can't stand not knowing how much I am bidding for what may be a nasty hotel, or more out of the way than I want. After taking many trips, I've found the best deals are on Yahoo! Travel or by going to the website of the hotels I'm interested in. After you've found what might be the best price, call the actual hotel (not the 800 general number) and see if they can beat it. Usually not, but always worth a shot.


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