You: I'd like to reserve a room for one night.

Clerk: All bookings must be for a minimum of two nights.

You: Ok.

fin

Why would you and the clerk be arguing about whether or not you would actually be in the room the second night? It's not like they are going to come and check to see if you are really in the room or charge you a penalty fee if you don't sleep in the room.

Imagine this conversation:

You: I'd like to book a room at your hotel.

Clerk: Sure.

You: But I'm not actually going to come stay in the room, I just want to pay for it and never use it.

Clerk: That's against the rules.

You: But why, once I rent it I can do whatever I want!

Clerk: Yeah, but now that you told me I can't give it to you.

You: Ok, nevermind I'll stay in the room.

Clerk: Do you promise?

You: Yes.

Clerk: I'm not sure I believe you, I'm just going to ban you from ever booking a room here just in case you might pay for a room but not actually sleep in it.

You: What if I call back using a fake name?

Clerk: I'll recognize your voice.

You: I'll just call when you aren't working.

Clerk: I'm putting your name in the computer!

You: What if I already used a fake name?

Clerk: But you didn't know that we had a policy that you couldn't pay for rooms you won't use.

You: I was suspicious, that's why I asked!

Clerk: Fine, what's your real name?

You: Click