Are you sure you don't have availability?!

I work front desk at a hotel in Italy, so you already know this involves Ferragosto (August 15th) aka the week where the entire country (and half of Europe) decides to go on vacation at the exact same time.

We’ve been sold out for months. So I get this call.

Guest: “Hi, do you have availability for 5 nights in the week of Ferragosto?”

Me: “I’m sorry, I don’t see any availability for those dates.”

Guest: dramatic sigh “Ughhhh… are you sure?”

Me: “…Yes.”

Guest: “Well, I was looking at totallylegitroomsnotascam.biz and I found a room for €250 total. Should I book it?”

…€250. Total. In August. During Ferragosto. In Italy.

At this point I’m honestly impressed. Not even offended. Just impressed.

Me: “Hmmmm… I’d suggest using your own judgment. I am the hotel, and I’m telling you I don’t have anything available.”

Long silence.

Like… what answer were you hoping for?
“Oh yes, we’re completely sold out, but there is a secret stash of rooms we only release to people who find suspiciously cheap deals on sketchy websites.”

I don’t know if they booked their magical €50-per-night-in-August deal, but if they did… I wish them luck, a backup plan, and maybe a tent 💀