You will now stand in front of the awesome functionary known as the room-clerk. Do not quail. Do not quake. Radiate confidence.
If there are no eavesdroppers, try the "I betcha" gag outlined for railroad tickets in the previous chapter.
Say "I betcha 20 bucks you can't give me a room and bath."
But if you think you'll be overheard by others, try this stunt.
Palm a $20 bill in your hand. Reach out to the clerk, shake his flipper and say, "Hi ya, glad to see you again. You've got that reservation for Jones, haven't you?"
For that 20, he will.
In normal times you can be choosey about your hotel, picking the one that suits your tastes and wallet. But now, thank high heaven if you get in a flop joint.
Generally speaking, the kind of yokels we spell with a capital "Y" prefer inns in the Times Square district. The tariffs are moderate and the location ideal for gawkers.