Priceline & St. Louis??

[AXO Alum]

I am going to a conference in St. Louis in July and need some info if you have it:

1) Anyone use Priceline for hotels? Did you have a good or bad experience?

2) Anyone know where to (or NOT to) stay in St. Louis? The conference is at the America's Center. I want to be safe, but would be willing to drive a few minutes (10 or so) in order to save money.

Thanks for any advice/info you can give!