At some time or another you may find yourself at an English speaking hotel. Whether at an economy hotel or a 5 star resort, you will encounter the same kinds of expressions, be asked the same kinds of questions, and respond to these questions in the same way. Look at these common expressions.
English Expressions
Expression | Response |
Do you have a reservation? | Yes, the name is Smothers, Jamie. |
How long will you be staying? | I’ll be checking out on Friday. |
Do you prefer a smoking or non -smoking room? | Non-smoking, please. |
How many guests are in your party? | Two, my wife and I. |
Will you be paying by cash or credit card? | Credit card, if you accept Visa. |
Did you have anything from the mini- bar? | Yes, I had one soda and an orange juice. |
Fill out this registration form please. | Do you need to see my driver’s license or passport? |
I would like to leave a wake up call for 7:30. | Certainly sir, what’s your name and room number? |
English Dialogue
Students should work together in pairs and read the following dialogue, one student reading one part, the other student reading the other. Note the expressions used in the dialogue and the progression of the conversation. The dialogue can be used as a model to have similar conversations.
Checking In
Clerk: Welcome to the Sheraton. May I help you?
Guest: I’d like to check in. I have a reservation.
Clerk: What’s your name, please?
Guest: Phillip Marlow.
Clerk: Yes Mr. Marlow. You requested a single room for three nights, is that correct?
Guest: Yes, could I have a room on the upper floors, away from the ice machine?
Clerk: No problem. Do you prefer a smoking or non-smoking floor?
Guest: Non-smoking please.
Clerk: Could you fill out the registration form, please. Thank you. And will you be paying by cash or creditcard?
Guest: Cash, if you accept American dollars.
Clerk: Of course, sir. If you require local currencies we can also exchange money for you.
Guest: That’s great, I do need some cash.
Clerk: Your room number is 1109. Here’s your key. Enjoy your stay at the Sheraton. If you require anything
further, feel free to call the front desk. Would you like assistance with your bags?
Guest: No thanks, I only have one. I can manage.
Room service
Room Service: Room service, may I help you?
Guest: Yes, this is Mr. Marlow in room 1109. Could you send up a tuna fish sandwich and a bag of potato
chips?
Room Service: Certainly sir, that will be about ten minutes.
Guest: Thank you.
Wake up call
Front desk: Front desk, may I help you?
Guest: This is Mr. Marlow in room 1109. I would like to leave a wake up call for 7:00 AM.
Front desk: Certainly sir.
Guest: Thanks.
[House Keeping
House keeping: House keeping, may I help you?
Guest: This is Mr. Marlow in room 1109. Could I get a couple of more towels and another blanket?
House keeping: Yes sir, we will get them to you right away.
Guest: Thank you.
After reading, close your book and tell your partner a summary of the dialogue. Then switch and have your partner tell his or her summary. Start like this: These dialogues are about a guest at a hotel. The guests are...This may seem silly, since you both already know what the dialogue is about, but the purpose is to practice using your English, not to give information or test your reading skills.
Conversation Activities
1. Pair work- discussion
When was the last time you stayed at a hotel? Tell your partner about it using some of the ideas fordiscussion
below. Your partner should ask questions to get more information.
- when were you there
- what hotel did you stay at
- where was the hotel
- what kind of hotel was it (economy, 5 star, etc)
- how long did you stay
- did you like the hotel- why or why not
2. Pair work- Role Play
The situation: At a hotel
Working with a partner, role play the situation, using the information below
The roles: guest, hotel employee
A. Making reservation | |
The clerk should get the following information: | The guest should ask about the following: |
● name | ● price |
● kind of room | ● services available |
● number of beds required | ● whether shuttle bus is available to/from airport |
● credit card number | |
● length of stay | |
● number of guests | |
● date of arrival | |
B. Checking-in, with reservation | |
The clerk should: | The guest should: |
● have guest complete the registration form | ● ask about check out time |
● ask if guest needs assistance with luggage | ● request non-smoking floor |
● get credit card or cash | ● request room with view of pool |
● give key to guest | |
C. Room service- ordering meals | |
The clerk should: | The guest should: |
● ask name and room number | ● place the order |
● ask what the order is | |
● ask when to deliver | |
● say thank you | |
D. Wake up call | |
The guest should: | The clerk should: |
● call to leave a wake up call | ● say hello |
● give name and room number | ● ask the time of the wake up call |
E. Check out | |
The guest should: | The clerk should: |
● inform the clerk you want to check out | ● inform guest of additional charges for room service- mini-bar, etc. |
● give the clerk the key | ● get final payment |
● get the key from the guest | |
● ask guest if he needs any help with his luggage | |
