Ask the receptionist whether there are any cheap rooms available

Tentatively, he returned to the reception desk, which was staffed by a pretty brunette.

"Excuse me, but can you tell me whether there are any rooms available?" he asked her, trying not to be overheard.

The brunette clicked a few keys on her keyboard and frowned apologetically. "I'm sorry sir, but all rooms for tonight are booked. Would you like me to check at nearby hotels?"

John nodded.

The clicking continued for a while. Finally she said, "There is one across town available for $795 per night. Would you like me to book it for you?"

He didn't have nearly that much. "Nothing cheaper?" he asked plaintively.

"No sir, I'm sorry. This is the busy season, so the hotels are usually booked up well in advance."

He nodded in understanding and withdrew to reconsider his options.

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