Loss: $27.03

This room is in a one-star property in the Monterey-Seaside bidding zone, at the northern end of the spectacular Pacific Coast Highway. The room cost at the time of my bid was $88.98; The winning bid was $75, to which another $41.01 in taxes and fees were added. So it actually cost an additional $27.03 to stay here using Priceline. Here's why: Priceline only guarantees you a room for two people and one bed.

Need more? In my experience, the vast majority of properties will either give you a room with two beds or provide a rollaway at no additional charge. But this is not obligatory for the management, and the clerk here initially told me there were no two-bed rooms for my party of four. Next, I was told a room had become available for an additional $25. I could have booked a room for two beds on their Web site for much less, so Priceline actually cost me money here. Lesson: Call ahead and be certain two beds are available, and realize there is a small risk that your non-refundable bid will land with a property where you pay for an extra bed. This hotel did offer a free continental breakfast.