As a nation, we’re not born hagglers. To other cultures it’s second nature, but we Brits find the whole process a bit awkward — which is our way of saying that it’s excruciatingly embarrassing and Just Not Done.

Maybe now’s the time to learn, though. Hotels are desperate, we’re told: their rooms are empty because we’re all sitting at home in the dark, eating potatoes. Ergo, they must be up for doing a deal, mustn’t they?

Like most of my compatriots, I’d normally rather pay over the odds than go through the shame of asking for a discount. But times are hard, we all have to dig deep, so I steeled myself and hit the phone to find out: Will hoteliers haggle — and is it worth the embarrassment?

THE POSHIES
Starting at the top, I called the Ritz, where a charming woman explained they had deluxe rooms available for £420.

How not to book a holiday cottage

Matt Rudd explains the cottage booking rules after he suffered a disastrous holiday in Devon

How to holiday for free

From couchsurfing and wild camping to house swaps and monasteries, no begging required

• Tuscany for free on a working holiday

Related Internet Links

Related Links

• The best last minute travel deals and bargains

“That sounds nice,” I said, “but, you see, it’s a little more than, er . . . ”

“No problem, sir, I understand. Is it for a special occasion?”

“Um, just a treat, really . . . ”

“Well, that’s a special occasion. We’d be happy to let you have it for the price of the next grade down. Which is £330.”

Wow. Ninety pounds off before I’d even been able to bring myself to ask for it. They hadn’t made me feel like a lowly cheapskate either.

With a swagger in my telephonic step, I called Hazlitt’s, a personal favourite in Soho. The receptionist briskly quoted £179. “Any chance of a reduction?” I asked chirpily.

Five seconds of icy silence were followed by: “We’re very busy, sir. That is our rate. Would you like to book?” She didn’t add “You lowly cheapskate”, but she didn’t have to — her tone did it for her. I went bright crimson and hung up.

Those two set the pattern. Some dropped prices at the drop of a hat, others treated me like a leper for even asking.

Times recommends

• New York hotels on sale in January
• Skomer Island, Wales: Britain's best job?
• Red Sea: the complete guide