English at the hotel: 15 phrases from check-in to check-out
At a hotel you speak English three times: when you arrive, when something is wrong and when you leave. The middle one is the hardest, so it gets the most phrases here.
What happens at reception
Check-in takes two minutes and follows a script: your name, your passport, a card for the deposit, then information about breakfast, Wi-Fi and check-out time. Most of it you only need to understand. What you need to say is short: who you are, and any question you have.
15 phrases for the hotel
| Phrase | When to use it |
|---|---|
| “Hi, I have a reservation under the name Silva.” | Arriving at reception |
| “I booked through Booking.com.” | If they can't find you |
| “Is it possible to check in early?” | Arriving before check-in time |
| “Can I leave my luggage here?” | Before check-in or after check-out |
| “What time is breakfast?” | Basic information |
| “What's the Wi-Fi password?” | Basic information |
| “Could I have a quiet room, away from the street?” | Asking for a better room |
| “The air conditioning isn't working.” | Reporting a problem |
| “There's no hot water in my room.” | Reporting a problem |
| “Could someone come and have a look?” | Asking for help |
| “Could I have some extra towels / another pillow?” | Housekeeping requests |
| “I've locked myself out.” | Key card left inside |
| “Could you call a taxi for me at 7?” | Asking reception for a service |
| “I'd like to check out. Room 312.” | Leaving |
| “I think there's a mistake on the bill.” | Checking the bill |
A sample dialogue at check-in
Receptionist: Good evening, welcome. Checking in?
You: Yes, I have a reservation under the name Silva.
Receptionist: Let me see… Yes, three nights, a double room. Could I see your passport?
You: Here you are.
Receptionist: Thank you. We'll need a card for the deposit.
You: Sure. How much is the deposit?
Receptionist: Fifty euros, refunded at check-out. Breakfast is from seven to ten on the first floor.
You: Great. And what time is check-out?
Receptionist: Eleven. Here's your key card – room 312, the lifts are on the left.
You: Thanks. One more thing – could I have a quiet room, if possible?
Receptionist: 312 faces the courtyard, so it should be very quiet.
When something is wrong
Use the same simple shape every time: what is wrong + a polite request. “The shower isn't working. Could someone come and have a look?” You don't need to explain why it's broken or apologise for asking. If nothing happens after a while, call again: “I called about the shower half an hour ago. Is someone coming?”
Common mistakes
- “I have a reserve.” The noun is reservation or booking: “I have a reservation.”
- “The air conditioner doesn't function.” Correct but stiff. People say “isn't working” or “doesn't work”.
- “Can you clean my room?” when you mean “Can I have new towels?” Ask for the exact thing you need – it gets done faster.
How to practise
- Say the check-in dialogue out loud with your own name and dates.
- Make up three problems (no Wi-Fi, a noisy room, a wrong bill) and report each in one sentence plus a request.
- Practise once with someone who answers unexpectedly – “we're fully booked”, “the technician comes tomorrow” – and react.
Related scenes: English at the airport and phone calls in English.
Practising it with Ling
Ling AI is an iPhone and iPad app for spoken English. Lessons are live 3–4 minute voice scenes with Sophia, an AI speaking partner, chosen for your goal and level – a hotel check-in is a typical one. Tap Hint when you're stuck, switch to your language if it gets too hard, and finish with your one main mistake and a better way to say it.
About 5 minutes of voice every day are free. iPhone and iPad with iOS 17 or later; no Android version yet.