SEEN FROM ELSEWHERE – The influx of migrants has boosted the business of Liu Dongfei, a Madrid hotel professional, who offers accommodation so basic that it is illegal.
Par Fernando Peinado (El País)
From his seat, a young receptionist looks at the customer who has just arrived for a reservation at €120 per night. After checking the customer’s personal data and the amount paid, the employee says with a flash of sincerity: “That’s a lot of money for a hostel”. Behind the small entrance hall, the establishment has five bedrooms, each with inflatable mattresses placed on bunk beds. Despite this basic equipment, business is going well.
The reception is punctuated by the lively discussions of customers who enter and leave, generally foreign men of humble appearance. They paid 15, 20 or 25 € per night. The trick is to book in advance, before the Booking algorithm don’t cause prices to explode. The receptionist gets up and walks towards the room area, explaining that he needs to check a detail.
Bad news
The hostel is located on the ground floor of a residential building…
