How to check in at a hotel in English
Hi, I have a reservation under Kim.
“Hello, I have a booking. The name is Kim.”
When: The first thing you say at the front desk
The moment
It's nine at night and you walk into a small hotel in Midtown Manhattan. You need to check in with your reservation, ask about breakfast and Wi-Fi, and then fix a room where the AC won't turn on.
A2 · Unit 2 · Travel days
The lines
Claiming your booking
Start with the booking, then the name: 'I have a reservation under Kim.' Say 'under' plus the name on the booking. You can add 'Hi' first. It sounds friendly.
Hi, I have a reservation under Kim.
“Hello, I have a booking. The name is Kim.”
When to use it: The first thing you say at the front desk
What you’ll hear back: Great, can I see a photo ID and the card you booked with?
Problem first, then the fix
Say what is broken with 'isn't working'. Then ask for the fix right away: 'Could I switch rooms?' 'Could I' is polite and not angry.
The AC isn't working. Could I switch rooms?
“The air conditioning does not work. Can I move to a different room?”
When to use it: Calling or going back to the front desk after you find a problem in your room
What you’ll hear back: I'm so sorry about that. Let me see what I have available.
Words for this scene
| Word or phrase | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Is breakfast included? | iz BREK-fust in-KLOO-did | Do I get breakfast with my room at no extra cost? |
One more question, is breakfast included, and what time does it end? I have another question: is breakfast free with the room, and when does it stop? Tip: Many US hotels charge extra for breakfast; always ask first. | ||
| What's the Wi-Fi password? | wuts thuh WAI-fai PAS-werd | What is the secret word to get on the internet here? |
Sorry, what's the Wi-Fi password? It's not on the key card sleeve. Excuse me, what is the internet password? It is not on the little paper with my key. Tip: Americans say WAI-fai, never WEE-fee. | ||
| What time is checkout? | wut TAIM iz CHEK-owt | When do I have to leave the room on my last day? |
What time is checkout on Sunday? Could I get a late checkout? When do I have to leave on Sunday? Can I leave the room later? Tip: Checkout is usually 11 a.m.; late checkout is often free if you ask. | ||
Your objective
Check in under your name, ask about breakfast or the wifi, then report the broken air conditioning and ask to change rooms.
- your name
- breakfast or the wifi
- the broken air conditioning
Lines that get it done
- Hi, I have a reservation under Kim.
- Is breakfast included? · Do I get breakfast with my room at no extra cost?
- The AC isn't working. Could I switch rooms?
In the live scene the objective stays on screen, and the Replay afterwards says whether you got it done.
Check yourself
1. You arrive at the front desk. How do you say you have a booking with the name Garcia?
- Hi, I have a reservation under Garcia.
- Hi, I have a reservation on Garcia.
- Hi, I am a reservation for Garcia.
- Hi, I made a reserve in name of Garcia.
Show the answer
Hi, I have a reservation under Garcia.
A booking is 'under' a name, and you 'have' a reservation; 'reserve' is not the noun.
2. The AC in your room won't turn on. What do you say at the desk?
- The AC isn't working. Could I switch rooms?
- The AC doesn't work well. Could I change of room?
- The AC is not functioning. I want other room.
- The AC isn't working. Could I switch my rooms?
Show the answer
The AC isn't working. Could I switch rooms?
Machines 'aren't working', and the set phrase is 'switch rooms' with no 'of' or 'my'.
3. The clerk says, 'Checkout's at eleven, but I can give you a late checkout till one.' What does this mean?
- You can stay in the room until 1 p.m. instead of 11 a.m.
- You must leave the room by 11 a.m. or pay extra.
- You can check in at 1 p.m. instead of 11 a.m.
- Breakfast is served from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Show the answer
You can stay in the room until 1 p.m. instead of 11 a.m.
A 'late checkout' lets you leave the room later than the normal time.