Filling empty hotel rooms

Madam, – Reading of the hardship of Irish hoteliers (July 27th) I patriotically decided to treat my better half to a weekend…

Madam, – Reading of the hardship of Irish hoteliers (July 27th) I patriotically decided to treat my better half to a weekend treat in an Athlone hotel. Delighted at the price of €125 for a Saturday night I sensed true post-tiger era value until I saw the “per person sharing” tag tucked away almost out of sight.

Fooled by that uniquely Irish trick, I nonetheless proceeded to book until I once again saw the price nearly double. Saturdays, it seemed, could only be booked if one also booked a Sunday night! Price now quadrupled, I booked her a trip abroad instead.

Fool me twice, shame on you, hoteliers. – Yours, etc,

MATT O FAOLAIN,

Iona Villas,

Glasnevin, Dublin 9.