"3-star" is a subjective assessment. Your idea of 3-star and my idea of 3-star can be totally different while at the same time both of us are being genuine.

Priceline knows this. It makes its profit on the hotel rooms where it can get away with promising you a 3-star hotel, but actually delivering a 1-star for the price of a 3-star.

Many won't complain, or don't know how. Some will, but won't get anywhere with Priceline. Even fewer will dispute the charge. And Visa could care less whether the hallways smelled like pee. Visa has its fee already, paid to them by Priceline.

Who is a better Visa customer (as measured in total annual revenue): you, or Priceline?

VISA also measures for "bad customers." If you request too many refunds, they'll just cancel your card by claiming they just "can't meet your needs."

That's my prediction.

Something similar happened to me at a Red Sox game. I was invited to the 407 club, where they tacked on a 19% gratuity to my check. When I complained to the management that I wasn't happy with the service, and would they please remove the "tip" they refused.

VISA also refused to remove it from my charge.

I booked a room at a (known) hotel via Hotels.com. though I never received a confirmation e-mail.

When I called the hotel, itself, I learned that they had no reservation on file.

Calling Hotels.com's customer service line was quite frustrating. I experienced about 6 disconnects (after being on hold about 5 minutes each time), and ultimately was told that they didn't have the 'booking number' on file – even though I had printed it and was reading from that print out.

2+ hours later, they 'believe' the reservation has now been made. I'll find out tomorrow night.

There is something to be said for saving money using aggregation booking services, but, if it's important, it might be worthwhile to pay more (to be assured that you're getting what you expect).