Perhaps on the theory that a little revenue to book against fixed costs is better than zero revenue, the luxury Rancho Berando hotel of San Diego has revamped its price schedule to include sharply discounted rooms with sharply degraded amenities. The more spartan the accommodations, the less you pay. The standard rate is $219 a night. Reports Reuters:

For their one-and-only family getaway this year, the Billingtons checked in to an upscale San Diego resort on Sunday with many of the usual vacation accessories -- bathing suits, board games and golf clubs. But they also brought flashlights, sleeping bags and an inflatable mattress because the pool-side room they booked for just $19 comes with a tent where the beds normally would be. They even had to pack their own toilet paper. The most basic version: a room for $19 with no bed, toilet paper, towels, air-conditioning or "honor bar," and only a single light bulb in the bathroom for safety. The next level up adds in a bed -- sans sheets -- for $39 a night. For a bed plus toiletries and toilet paper, the rate is $59.