Hotel English - Using Travel English at Hotels

Summary

This Oxford Online English lesson teaches how to navigate common hotel situations in English, whether traveling for work or pleasure. It covers making reservations online, by phone, or in person, checking in and out, requesting services like wake-up calls or airport shuttles, and handling problems such as room issues or billing disputes. The video introduces useful phrases, polite language, and vocabulary for different room types, hotel facilities, and expressing complaints formally yet effectively. Through practical dialogues, learners gain confidence in communicating with hotel staff and resolving issues, ensuring a smooth and professional experience during their stay.

Takeaways

• 😀 Making a hotel reservation can be done online, by phone, or in person, and clear communication is key.
• 😀 When reserving a room, specify dates, number of nights, and the type of room needed (single, double, twin, triple, family, or suite).
• 😀 Receptionists may inform you if a room type is unavailable and can offer alternatives or explain fully booked situations.
• 😀 Checking in requires providing your name, confirming your reservation, and receiving your room keys.
• 😀 Guests can ask politely about hotel facilities and services using phrases like 'I wanted to ask' or 'Do you offer…?'.
• 😀 Common hotel services include wake-up calls, airport shuttles, room service, gym, swimming pool, sauna, and WiFi access.
• 😀 Problems during a stay should be reported politely using phrases like 'There’s an issue with…' or 'Something’s wrong with…'.
• 😀 Complaints can be expressed formally without rudeness using phrases like 'This is unacceptable' or 'The least I should expect is…'.
• 😀 Staff can resolve issues through actions such as room changes, upgrades, or additional service support.
• 😀 Checking out involves reviewing the bill, clarifying any additional charges, and settling payment either by credit card or cash.

Q & A

What is the first step when you need to arrange a hotel room abroad?

The first step is usually to make a reservation, which can be done online, by phone, or in person.

What are some common types of hotel rooms mentioned in the lesson?

Common types include single rooms, double rooms, twin rooms, triple rooms, family rooms, and suites.

How can you politely request a specific service at a hotel?

You can use phrases like 'I would like a wake-up call tomorrow, if possible' or 'I wanted to ask: do you offer a shuttle service?' to sound polite and respectful.

What should you do if the hotel is fully booked on your desired dates?

You might be offered an alternative room type, such as a family room instead of a triple room, and you may need to decide whether to accept it or try other dates.

What are some useful phrases for checking into a hotel?

Useful phrases include: 'Hello, I have a reservation; the name’s [Your Name],' and 'How many keys would you like?'

How should you handle a situation where your reservation is not found at check-in?

You can present a confirmation, clarify the booking method, and politely point out any spelling issues to resolve the problem.

What is a concierge, and how can they assist hotel guests?

A concierge helps guests with services such as restaurant recommendations, booking theatre tickets, and arranging sightseeing tours or other local activities.

How can guests express problems with their hotel room politely yet firmly?

They can use phrases like 'There’s an issue with…' or 'Something’s wrong with…' to clearly communicate the problem without being rude.

What formal phrases can be used to express dissatisfaction at a hotel?

Phrases such as 'I have to say this is unacceptable' and 'The least I should be able to expect is…' express strong dissatisfaction while remaining polite.

What are common extras that might appear on a hotel bill?

Extras can include minibar items, phone calls, room service, or movie rentals.

How can you ask for the WiFi password in a hotel politely?

You can say something like: 'Oh, actually, one last thing: what’s the WiFi password for the hotel?' to ask politely and naturally.

What is the benefit of adding 'if possible' to a request at a hotel?

Adding 'if possible' makes your request sound more respectful and polite, softening the request without changing its meaning.