I have used Priceline 30+ times for hotels and more than this for rental cars -- always on the "name your own price" section. I have never yet had a bad experience.

Those who are complaining have obviously not read their terms of service. Priceline is VERY clear that all reservations are paid at the time of booking and are completely non refundable. If there is a chance that the room or car will not be used, don't use Priceline!

This weekend I am staying at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Tampa for $49 ... last weekend I stayed at the Hilton Altamonte Springs for $49 and the weekend before that I stayed at the DoubleTree in Wilmington, De., for $49. Notice a trend ... all three are 3.5 - 4 star hotels - and all were bid at and accepted at $49.

For rental cars, I usually check one of the individual car companies first and then bid 40% lower. 90% of the time, the bid is accepted.

Never in the dozens of times I've used them have I been treated differently than I would have been as a "full fare" customer.

Read the rules, folks. Know what you are bidding on, what dates you're bidding on, and what area you're bidding on.

It's called personal responsibility!