bartering for hostel/hotel and shopping

Posted by: drliu

bartering for hostel/hotel and shopping - 03/09/03 11:47 PM

hello, i am visiting madrid, toledo and local cities from march 20-30th. I was wondering if it is custom or permissable (or considered rude) to ask for a " discount" at hostels and when shopping. Are there certain places that do this and that do not? given the time of season, is it possible to get a cheaper rate then the published price. It will be two of us in a double bed - probably looking for a private bath. it seems most prices are about 40 euros - is that correct, is it possible to ask for less? thanks
Posted by: pim

Re: bartering for hostel/hotel and shopping - 03/10/03 09:13 AM

Drliu,

It is only customary to 'regatear' (=bargain) at the 'mercadillos' (=street markets, flea markets); the big, main one in Madrid is called "'El Rastro'".