When travelling for business or vacation, you will probably be staying at a hotel, an Air BnB accommodation, or a cozy (comfortable) hostel. No matter where you are staying, you will need to have some hotel English phrases on hand (quickly to use) so that you can communicate with the desk staff. We’ve collected some great phrases for you to use during your next stay!

I would like to check in/check out.

(ˈaɪ wəd ˈlaɪk ˈtuː ˈtʃɛk ˈɪn / ˈtʃɛk ˈaʊt.)

When you arrive at a hotel, after you’ve greeted (said hello to) the desk staff, you will want to tell them why you are there and what you would like to do.

Normally we like to first get situated into our hotel room. If this is the case, you can use the phrase, “I would like to check in, please.” When you’re leaving, use the phrase “I would like to check out, please.”

Your check in/check out will go much smoother (easier), and you’ll be able to start your vacation (or head back to the airport) in a jiffy (very quickly).

What time is breakfast served?

(ˈwɑt ˈtaɪm ˈɪz ˈbrɛkfəst ˈsɝvd?)

Most hotels offer breakfast served in their dining room during certain hours of the morning. You may have to ask first if the cost for breakfast is included in the price you have paid for your room.

If the receptionist doesn’t mention (say, tell you) when breakfast is being offered, or if you have forgotten what they told you, you may want to use this common hotel English phrase when you call or ask at the front desk.

Does this hotel have a pool?

(ˈdʌz ˈðɪs hoˈtɛl ˈhæv ə ˈpuːl?)

Ready to start your relaxation time by the pool? Make sure your hotel offers one by asking this question. The hotel staff will be able to direct you to the closest poolside lounge chair and you can work on your tan!

Though swimming pools (both indoor and outdoor) are much more common in hotels in the United States, it never hurts (there is no reason not) to ask when you are travelling. You may be pleasantly (happily) surprised!

Do not disturb

(ˈduː ˈnɑt dɪˈstɝb)

Hoping to get some extra snoozing time while you’re away? Or maybe you are working in your room and do not need the cleaning staff to come in?

Make sure to hang the placard with this hotel English phrase on your door so the cleaning staff knows you’re still in your room and do not wish to be disturbed (bothered, interrupted).

If you aren’t ready or do not wish to have your room cleaned, they will know to come back later when the sign is gone.

Room service, please.

(ˈruːm ˈsɝvəs ˈpliːz)

Are you in the middle of a great movie in your hotel room and don’t want to leave to go out to dinner? Or are you working on a project and want to continue your train of thought (line of thinking, groove)?

Just call down to the front desk and ask for room service (when you order something to be delivered directly to your room), and you’ll be able to place your dinner or drink order with the room service staff.

With room service, you won’t miss the best part of your movie, business meeting, or whatever is occupying you (keeping you busy) in your room.

Charge it to room XYZ, please.

(ˈtʃɑrdʒ ˈɪt ˈtuː ˈruːm ˈɛks ˈwaɪ ˈziː ˈpliːz)

It’s very easy to charge things (put them on a bill and pay later) like drinks, dinner, and other hotel amenities (offers, services) to your room. Just ask the wait staff at the bar or restaurant if they can charge what you have bought to your room number, and you can pay your whole bill when you check out. It’s as easy as that!

Could I get some extra towels, please?

(kəd ˈaɪ ˈɡɛt ˈsʌm ˈɛkstrə ˈtaʊəlz ˈpliːz?)

Are the towels at this hotel extra fluffy and cozy? Or do you need a second towel to put around your hair when you are finished in the shower? You can always ask the front desk for some extra towels for you to wrap up in (cover yourself, put around yourself). This way you’ll be comfortable when you step out of your bath or shower.

These hotel English phrases work for many situations:

  • Could I have an extra blanket, please?
  • Could we have a second water glass/ bottle of shampoo?
  • Could I have a hair dryer delivered to room number XYZ?

Whether you have a trip planned soon or not, it’s always good to have a few English phrases ready to go. They can be especially useful if you’re traveling abroad, either to an English speaking country, or even to a non-English speaking country. Use these hotel English phrases when at an accommodation (hotel, hostel, place to sleep) so that you can start relaxing faster!

Check out a few of these sites, too: Teacher Joe Hotel Phrases, great hotel vocabulary, and some more phrases!

We hope you get to enjoy a long, well-deserved vacation this year! We’d love to hear where you’re going, and if you’ve used any of these hotel English phrases before, in the comments below!

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Erin Duffin lives in Hamburg, is an English teacher,  yoga instructor, and admits that she doesn’t get enough vacation time! Does anyone??

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