Room service! Booking a hotel in English

Can you book a hotel room in English? Know how to order room service? Learn how to make the most of your holiday with our handy guide to hotel English.

Check-in desk

This is the area in the hotel where guests arrive and register. This is also where you pay the bill and check out (leave the hotel).

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Reservation

If you have not made a reservation or booking, you can ask Do you have any rooms available for tonight? to find out if there is any accommodation available.

Single or double room?

At most hotels you can choose between different types of rooms, such as a double room (for two people), single room (for one person) or a suite (a collection of adjoining rooms). The receptionist will ask your preference by saying What kind of room would you prefer?

Facilities

These are features provided for the comfort and convenience of guests, like a gym, swimming pool, or beauty salon.

Services

These are similar to facilities, but are provided by people. If you want to have your clothes washed, you can ask for the laundry service, and if you would like your children looked after while you are out, you can use the babysitting service.

Restaurant or room service?

Most hotels also have catering facilities where food and drink are provided, such as a restaurant (serving meals), bar (serving mainly drinks) or room service (where meals are delivered to your room).

Room features

These are provided inside each hotel room for the guest's convenience. For example if you want easy access to snacks and drinks, then you can use the mini-bar, or make international calls with a International direct dial telephone.

Business Center

Many hotels also cater to business travelers by providing a Business Center with photocopying, fax, email and other business services.

Airport transfer

This service means that the hotel provides transport to and from the airport. The hotel might also offer a shuttle service to take guests to major shopping areas and tourist attractions.

Accommodation

There are many different types of accommodation (places to stay). Younger travelers on a budget can stay in a youth hostel, while B and B's (Bed and Breakfasts) provide accommodation and meals in a family home. If you are looking for luxury accommodation with many facilities, then you might choose to stay in a resort or 5 star hotel.