Thonglori, your thread might have gone off on a tangent somewhat, but the discussion is most interesting regardless.

Tat and others, it is no kindness to the common working stiff to go around maintaining that a few euros (or dollars) is nothing, ie. of having but little value. This attitude is disastrous should it seize the fancy of populations. When prices of goods and services increase irrespective of their value, the result is inflation. That nasty and highly contagious economic disease hits your working stiff hardest of all.

The hard part is determining value, as in fair market value. This is something that in free markets is worked out between buyer and seller, more or less as Thonglori is doing.

Sue, I wouldn't say a few euros is "nothing," but relative to the expense of a wedding in Italy, you must admit 30 euros difference is a very small matter. As for inflation, it's pretty much as certain as death and taxes.

Why should the thread be removed? If Fodor's removed threads everytime the original poster got the answer they wanted, there wouldn't be much left here. When posting on public boards, one must be willing to take the answers they don't want along with the ones they do want. If you don't want anyone to say something you don't want to hear, then don't post. Certainly, this post has not deteriorated as badly as some do. If Thonglori doesn't want to read anymore on the topic, she can certainly quit reading this thread.

I hate to say it, but in addition to serving as a valuable source of information, this board (and most others, regarless of topic) serves also as a valuable source of entertainment to many posters. Otherwise, we probably wouldn't read most of the posts, especially those with vague titles.

I am with Ira on this one. Unless you are traveling in high season it is not unusual to get discounts from the rack rate during slow times. As I usually travel in off peak or shoulder seasons I will fax/email for room availability and costs to several establishments that might have some room(s) I would have interest in at a particular location. Often these establishments will offer discounted rates. If the rates are higher than I wish to pay I will answer with thanks and the fact that their costs are above my budget and move on. Often, if it is within a month or two of travel, I will get a better offer. I do not expect discounts when hotels are busy and I do not expect 50% plus discounts but you
might be surprised what deals you can get if you travel off season and deal directly with hotels. Small establishments such as bed and breakfasts may be easier to fill in short order so may not be as amenable to discounts.

OK, so it was 4 marriages...but I got close to 5 and came to my senses. 5 makes for better copy and reaction (don't ya think?).

Thonglori, I thought I was being supportive by suggesting you rid yourself of guilt and take responsibility for your behavior and this post. Now you want to kill it? What gives? Why do new brides think that just because they demand something they should get it?

"I'm sorry you have such a negative attitude towards the world." You clearly don't know me, dear, because I haven't a negative bone in my body. I also believe everyone is entitled to an opinion. See, we have something in common.

And lastly, "3 nights" IS considered an "overnight fly through town," especially in Venice. When you get nearer to 8 nights, you might be surprised by how many Italians mention "uno sconto" long before you pick up your dictionary to figure out its meaning.

nanb - Your situation is entirely different. There's a time and a place for mannerly negotiation of price in many financial transactions. The point here is what is mannerly? Italians are well known for treating repeat customers generously. A Venice B&B is not a trinket or piece of furniture in some outdoor flea-market.

Dick - (now there's an interesting username)...The only thing 4 marriages should explain to you is that I firmly believe in the institution and that I'm not afraid of making a commitment to the one I love. You can't blame me for two gay husbands (who decided to "come out" after the nuptials) and for the one who died. I've already said in another therapy thread the first was a mistake because I was too young. None of this has anything to do with my thoughts regarding tacky behavior, lacking manners, or downright being cheap. You have my Mom and Dad to thank for that.

beachbum said it best. I think this is a good example of the ugly side of America's version of Capitalism, which doesn't bother to teach manners or respect.

Sue,
I don't think any of us are saying that a few euros is "nothing". But rather than sometimes we're so intent on saving that extra dollar or euro that we lose sight of the overall picture.

Money IS money,
dime, nickel still the money,
but should you stir-the-pot for sum that last then dinner in Europe.
First asked for discount,
then got half what asked for,
later ran and drove people crazy whether "should take it" (known already that will take) ...
Then MAD
"Delete thread" AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!

Whole commotion for $30 bucks !
And don't tell me it was worth it >
The power of money !!!

Snob, you are a girl ???:)))))

You know how you sometimes pick up a magazine and start reading from the back. Well, for some reason I started reading this thread from the bottom to the top. Weird. I had no idea where this was going. It was like watching that movie "Momento." Anyway:

NYCFS - You are so entertaining. I love your style. Particularly when you get your dander up.

Patrick - you always provide very well crafted replies. Even when the question doesn't always deserve one.

tat - I share your wonderment.

Thonglori - Congratulations!
JoeG

Thonglori-- the part that confuses me about your request is that you ask a hotel to come down 20 Euros on a 240 Euros room??? Since, by your own admission this is a special ocassion, why are you pinching 20 Euros on a 240 Euros bill? Seems to me if you can't afford 240 Euros, how can you afford 220? You are flying all the way to Venice for a honeymoon and then pinching 20 Euros? :-> ? Honestly, if you are going to make requests such as the one you did, you should be able to handle the tackiness that could (and did) bounced right back.

I thonk I simply wouldn't pay 240 Euros for a b&b! That's the point!weren't b&bs considered the more economic way of staying in a city? You may find a decent hotel for that price!

I don't think there is anything at all wrong in asking for any discount anywhere, in any way that does not involve a threat of violence.

Apart from that I hope you will completely ignore the toxic judgmental posts. I myself don't find them at all entertaining.

Actually the toxic judgmentalness kind of starts with the hotel's note to you: it was a bit out of line and admonitory.
More professional would be for them to say yes or no without the sermonette.
Or to say of course we understand your request for a lower rate but it is our policy . . .

Best wishes on your wedding/marriage.

Maybe I'm missing something, and this certainly is an enteraining thread, but there's lots of small, romantic hotels under 200 euro in Venice. Why not just choose one of them?

For all those who posted that the 10 or 20 Euros (or dollars) is "nothing", "doesn't matter", is "insignificant", or something similar, I have a great idea for you! How about opening your wallets/purses right now and sending those "small differences" to Thonglori? I mean hey, it's only money, right?

I probably would have asked for their "best rate" and then either accepted it or not.

But, after receiving their curt reply I would not have stayed there anyway. If they have that attitude in a letter I would hate to deal with them in person and on my honeymoon no less.

It seems like they have not developed their PR and it doesnt seem important to them, beware is all I can say. I have stayed in B&B's where they have nasty, negative attitudes and it seems like this one does too.

"toxic judgementalness"? nasty negative attitude? I sure didn't get that from their return note.

You asked, they responded. What's toxic about that?

Sigh. MileKing, you are missing the point. <i>Nobody</i> said the amount of money was <i>nothing</i>. What several posters have pointed out is that the amount of money seems rather insignificant compared to what was already being spent. One might reasonably assume that this 30 euros is a fraction of a percent of the total being spent on this wedding, what with airfare, hotels, and who knows what other arrangements.

Personally, I wouldn't have any problem requesting a discount from a hotel under certain circumstances. But I do find it strange to use the expression &quot;a little high for my budget&quot; in the same context as spending approximately US$300 per night for a B&amp;B. Perhaps I am naive, but I think that when you are spending that much on your lodgings, the word &quot;budget&quot; shouldn't be in your vocabulary.

sorry to add to the thread carrying a life of its own...thonglori, you might want to consider in the futre vying for a better room. while i have never asked for discounts, i will often ask for consideration in a room assignment and usually have received rooms far nicer than the standard i am paying for. i am very polite and ask after securing the reservation so the establishment knows i am most likely stayng there, regardless of an upgraded room or not. a 20 euro difference for a very special room can really make for a special experience. btw: i think a honeymoon is a very big deal. congrats...

OK People-ThongLori NEVER said she was getting married in Italy. She said she was honeymooning there. Period.

Also, NYCFoodSnob-just wondering-are you a wedding planner or have a job where you have to deal with new brides, etc? I ask this b/c you seem inordinately PISSED!

Oh my...

She said, &quot;we are marrying in Italy&quot; read it again.