Lesson 11: Checking into a Hotel
Practical Travel English & Guest Services
English A2 – Pre-Intermediate | Unit 3: Travel and Future Plans
Video Transcript
🎙️
“Hey everyone, welcome back to the channel! Are you planning a trip soon?
Let’s make sure you can check into your hotel smoothly and confidently. Today, we’re diving into essential English for your next hotel stay. We’ll cover key vocabulary, from ‘reception’ to ‘key card,’ and learn how to ask polite questions like ‘May I have the Wi-Fi password?’ or ‘Could I get some extra towels?’
What if your room isn’t quite right? No problem! We’ll practice how to politely report issues, like a broken AC or a noisy neighbor. By the end of this lesson, you’ll feel totally prepared to handle your hotel check-in like a pro.
Ready to boost your travel English? Let’s get started!
🎯 Lesson Goals
- Learn key vocabulary for hotel facilities and procedures.
- Practice checking in using polite questions (May I? Could I?).
- Role-play handling common room issues.
- Develop confidence in polite guest–staff interactions.
Vocabulary
- reservation – a booking made in advance
- reception – the front desk of a hotel
- single room – room for one person
- double room – room for two people
- twin room – two separate beds
- suite – a larger room with a sitting area
- ID – identification card or passport
- key card – electronic card to open the room
At the Front Desk
The Room Types
- Single / Double Room: For 1 or 2 people.
- Twin Room: Two separate beds.
- Suite: A larger room with a sitting area.
Facilities (Amenities)
- Complimentary Breakfast: Free breakfast.
- Gym / Fitness Center: Place to exercise.
- Room Service: Food delivered to your room.
Useful Phrases
- I have a reservation under the name…
- Could I check in, please?
- Do you need my ID?
- Is breakfast included?
- Could I have the key card, please?
🎧 Shadowing Exercise: The Arrival
Listen to the formal register. The receptionist is very polite; the guest uses “I’d like to” instead of “I want.”
Receptionist: Good afternoon! Welcome to the Grand Hotel. How can I help you?
Guest: Hi, I’d like to check in. I have a reservation under the name Smith.
Receptionist: One moment… Yes, Mr. Smith. A double room for three nights?
Guest: That’s correct. Does the room have Wi-Fi?
Receptionist: Yes, it’s free. Here is your key card. You are in room 402.
Guest: Great. What time is check-out on Friday?
Receptionist: Check-out is at 11:00 AM. Enjoy your stay!
🧩 Task 1: Solving Problems at the Hotel
Common Guest Complaints
Use these phrases to report problems politely:
- “Excuse me, the air conditioning isn’t working.”
- “I’m sorry, but there are no towels in my room.”
- “The Wi-Fi signal is very weak.”
- “There’s a strange smell in the bathroom.”
- “My room is very noisy at night.”
🔎 Sample Questions & Answers
- Guest: Excuse me, the AC isn’t working.
Receptionist: I’m very sorry. I’ll send maintenance right away. - Guest: There are no towels in my room.
Receptionist: I’ll bring fresh towels immediately. - Guest: My room is very noisy at night.
Receptionist: Would you like to change rooms?
🎭 Role-Play: Guest & Receptionist
Student A: You are a guest with a problem (choose one).
Student B: You are the receptionist. Offer a polite solution.
- Problem: No hot water
- Problem: Noisy neighbor
- Problem: Broken TV
- Problem: Dirty sheets
Example:
Guest: Excuse me, the TV isn’t working.
Receptionist: I’ll send someone to fix it right away.
Task 2: Create Your Own Dialogue
Write a short check-in conversation (4–6 lines) using today’s vocabulary and polite phrases. Include at least one question about facilities.
Example:
Guest: I have a reservation under the name García.
Receptionist: May I see your ID, please?
Guest: Of course. Is breakfast included?
Receptionist: Yes, it is. Here is your key card.
📊 Quick Tip: In American hotels, it is common to ask:
“Is breakfast included?” to check if you have to pay extra.
In some countries, you may also need to ask about city taxes or tourist fees.
Always use polite phrases like Could I…? or May I…? when speaking to hotel staff.