HOTELS AND MOTELS
Definitions
A HOTEL is an establishment that provides paid lodging on a short-term basis. Facilities provided inside a hotel room may range from a modest-quality mattress in a small room to large suites with bigger, higher-quality beds, a dresser, a refrigerator and other kitchen facilities, upholstered chairs, a flat screen television, and en-suite bathrooms. Small, lower-priced hotels may offer only the most basic guest services and facilities. Larger, higher-priced hotels may provide additional guest facilities such as a swimming pool, business centre (with computers, printers, and other office equipment), childcare, conference and event facilities, tennis or basketball courts, gymnasium, restaurants, day spa, and social function services.
A MOTEL or motor lodge is a hotel designed for motorists and usually has a parking area for motor vehicles. Entering dictionaries after World War II, the word motel, coined as a portmanteau contraction of "motor hotel", originates from the Milestone Mo-Tel of San Luis Obispo, California (now called the Motel Inn of San Luis Obispo), which was built in 1925 and opened on December 12th of the same year. The term referred initially to a type of hotel consisting of a single building of connected rooms whose doors faced a parking lot and in some circumstances, a common area or a series of small cabins with common parking. Motels are often individually owned, though motel chains do exist.
AN INN is an establishment or building where travelers can seek lodging, and usually, food and drink. Inns are typically located in the country or along a highway.
A HOSTEL is a form of low-cost, short-term shared sociable lodging where guests can rent a bed, usually a bunk bed in a dormitory, with shared use of a lounge and sometimes a kitchen. Rooms can be mixed or single-sex and have private or shared bathrooms. Private rooms may also be available, but the property must offer dormitories to be considered a hostel. Hostels are popular forms of lodging for backpackers, cycle tourists, and gap year travelers. They are part of the sharing economy.] Benefits of hostels include lower costs and opportunities to meet people from all over the world, find travel partners, and share travel ideas.
162 Hotels and Motels HOTEL VOCABULARY Types of Beds and Rooms SINGLE BED/ TWIN BED (around 39 x 74 inches) — A twin bed is the smallest type of bed, where one person can sleep. It’s also sometimes called a single bed. Example: I sleep in a twin bed. Example 2: ______FULL-SIZE BED (around 54 x 74 inches) — Nowadays, a full-size bed is usually for one person, but two people could sleep in it (very close together). These are also called double beds. Example: I would like to switch to a full-size bed. Example 2: ______QUEEN-SIZE BED (around 60 x 80 inches) — A queen-size bed is bigger than a full bed, and usually shared by two adults. Example: My parents sleep in a queen-size bed. Example 2: ______KING-SIZE BED (around 76 x 80 inches) — A king-size bed is the largest size of standard beds, and can comfortably sleep two people. Example: The room is not big enough to fit a king-size bed. Example 2: ______Room Types SINGLE ROOM — A single room is for one person, and usually has a full-size bed (double bed). Example: We can book a double room for the same price as a single room. Example 2: ______DOUBLE ROOM — A double room usually has space for two guests, with a double bed (full-size) or queen-size bed. Example: Let’s rent a double room so we can each have our own bed. Example 2: ______TRIPLE ROOM — A triple room can sleep three guests, either in one double bed and a single bed, or a different combination of three. Example: We’re getting a triple room. Example 2: ______SUITE — A suite is bigger than your normal hotel room. In fancy hotels, suites could even have multiple rooms. Example: I stayed in a suite at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. Example 2: ______CONNECTING ROOMS — This means that two rooms are connected together by a door going from one room directly into the other. Large groups of people or families might ask to be put in connecting rooms. Example: I asked for connecting rooms so we can all be together. Example 2: ______ADJOINING ROOMS — Rooms that are next to each other but not connected by a door. Example: We weren’t able to get adjoining rooms. Example 2: ______
163 Hotels and Motels Room Features AMENITIES — Amenities is just another way of saying “features,” often used in the hotel business. Example: Did you see all the amenities this hotel offers? Example 2: ______AC — Air conditioning (usually shortened to “AC”) keeps rooms cool when the weather is hot. Example: I’m going to turn off the AC. It’s way too cold. Example 2: ______HEATING — When the weather is cold, heating will keep the rooms and hotel warm. Example: The rooms have heating. Example 2: ______INTERNET ACCESS— If a hotel has internet access, it means guests can use the internet somewhere inside. They might have Wi-Fi (wireless internet), which could be free, require a password to access or cost money to use. Example: This hotel offers free internet access. Example 2: ______WIRELESS PRINTING— This allows guests to print from their own computers to a printer somewhere else in the hotel (without being connected to the printer with a wire). Example: You can print your ticket from your phone because the hotel has wireless printing. Example 2: ______FAN — Some rooms might have ceiling fans or electric fans to move air around in a breeze and stay cool. Example: I always like to have the fan on to circulate the air. Example 2: ______BALCONY — A balcony is a platform outside that’s enclosed by some type of railing, connected to the hotel room. Balconies are on floors higher than the ground level (second floor and higher). Example: Susan is sunbathing on the balcony. Example 2: ______Inside a Hotel Room COMPLIMENTARY — This word means “free.” Often hotels will serve a complimentary breakfast (included in the cost of your room), or have complimentary shampoos and soaps in the bathroom. Example: Our stay includes a complimentary breakfast. Example 2: ______ROBES — Some hotels provide robes for guests to wear after they shower. They are also called bathrobes. Example: I like to wear a robe to dry after showering. Example 2: ______TOILETRIES — Toiletries are small personal items you might use in the bathroom, such as shampoo/conditioner (for washing hair), soap, toothbrush and toothpaste (for brushing teeth). Example: I forgot to bring toiletries. I will buy some in the lobby. Example 2: ______
164 Hotels and Motels EXECUTIVE DESK — Some rooms might come with a desk to sit and write or work. These are sometimes called executive desks (just a fancier name, often used in business suites). Example: I need a room with an executive desk because I plan on doing some work. Example 2: ______KITCHENETTE — This is a mini-kitchen where people can prepare basic food, usually with a microwave and sink. Most hotel rooms have a mini-fridge (small refrigerator) that has some beverages and snacks inside. If guests eat the snacks and beverages, they have to pay for them when they check out. Example: I like hotel rooms with kitchenette because they make me feel at home. Example 2: ______COFFEE MACHINE — Coffee machines in hotel rooms allow guests to make their own coffee in the morning. Guests might need more filters or coffee grounds when they run out. Example: I will use the coffee machine to prepare a coffee for the road. Example 2: ______ROOM SERVICE — This is a service that lets guests order food or drinks and have it delivered to their hotel room. Example: I love ordering room service because it makes me feel like royalty. Example 2: ______TURNDOWN SERVICE — This is a service that has housekeepers go into the room and remake the beds. They might put a mint or chocolate on the pillow to show the bed has been “turned down.” Example: I ask for turndown service because I like my room to feel like new when I arrive. Example 2: ______CURTAIN — a piece of material suspended at the top to form a covering or screen, typically one of a pair at a window. Example: Please close the curtains. I’m trying to get some shut-eye (sleep). Example 2: ______SAFE — This is a small box locked with a combination or key where guests can keep valuable items locked and secure. Example: I forgot my watch in the safe. I have to call the hotel immediately! Example 2: ______COT/ ROLLAWAY BED — This is a small bed that folds up and rolls on wheels, so it can be moved into rooms when an extra bed is needed. Example: Can you please bring us a cot? Example 2: ______PULL-OUT SOFA — This is a couch that can pull out into a sofa-bed. Example: Luckily, this room has a pull-out sofa. I slept on an armchair! Example 2: ______ARMCHAIR — This is a more comfortable chair with rests for both of your arms. Example: I like to meditate on an armchair before turning in (going to sleep). Example 2: ______LINENS — These are cloths such as sheets on the bed, pillow cases to cover the pillows, a blanket to keep warm or a comforter (the thick blanket on top of a bed). Sheets have a thread count, which tells their ‘ quality/smoothness. Example: I love the smell of fresh linens on hotel beds. Example 2: ______
165 Hotels and Motels IRON AND IRONING BOARD — When clothes are wrinkled, guests can get rid of the wrinkles by using an iron with an ironing board. Example: I’m going to use the iron and ironing board to iron my suit. Example 2: ______PRIVATE JACUZZI— This is a hot tub somewhere inside or attached to the room. “Private” is the opposite of “public,” and means that this jacuzzi is just for the people in that room. Example: Look! Our room has a private jacuzzi! Example 2: ______Hotel Features BROCHURES — These are small pieces of paper that advertise local attractions, such as water parks and museums. Example: Let’s take some brochures so we know this city a little better. Example 2: ______AIRPORT SHUTTLE — Some hotels have “shuttles,” or large vans that give guests free rides to and from the nearest airport. Example: The airport shuttle will pick us up at 7. Example 2: ______CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST — This is a light breakfast, usually included with the cost of the room, and served in a common area like a dining room. Example: Let’s have a continental breakfast before heading out in the morning. Example 2: ______HIGH CHAIR — Family-friendly hotels will have this for toddlers (very young children) to sit at tables. Booster seats are set on top of chairs/benches so younger children can sit higher up and reach their plate easier. Example: Can you bring us a high chair for our 5-year-old? Example 2: ______ICE MACHINE — This is a machine where guests can get ice to use as they need. They’re usually in the hallways on each floor. Example: Can you bring some ice? There’s an ice machine down the hall. Example 2: ______VENDING MACHINE — These are machines where guests can purchase candy, snacks or beverages with coins. Example: I can’t wait to eat. I’m going to grab a snack from the vending machine. Example 2: ______FITNESS/ WORKOUT ROOM — This might also be called a gym, and is a place for guests to exercise. There might be treadmills or free weights in the room. Example: I’m going to do some exercise before tonight’s event. I’ll be in the fitness room. Example 2: ______LAUNDRY — a room in a house, hotel, or institution where clothes and linens can be washed and ironed. Example: Instead of packing many clothes, I pack a few clothes and use the hotel laundry. Example 2: ______DRY CLEANING — This service cleans clothes that can’t be washed. They’re marked as dry clean only. Example: I stained my suit. I will have to use the hotel dry cleaning. Example 2: ______
166 Hotels and Motels BUSINESS CENTER — This is a place where guests might be able to use computers, make telephone calls, send faxes or make photocopies. Example: I’m going to use the business center for a few hours. I have to send some emails. Example 2: ______PET-FRIENDLY — This means that pets are allowed in the hotel. If pets are not allowed, most hotels will still allow service animals (used to help blind people). Example: We have to stay in a pet-friendly hotel because I brought my dog with me. Example 2: ______Getting Around the Hotel MAIN ENTRANCE— These are the principal (main) doors to enter the hotel. Example: I’ll meet you at the main entrance of the hotel. Example 2: ______RECEPTION/ FRONT DESK — This is where guests are greeted, which comes from the verb “to receive.” Example: We’re at the reception. Example 2: ______HALL(WAY) — This is a long passageway with doors on either side, which open into rooms. Also called a corridor. Example: There’s a vending machine at the end of the hallway. Example 2: ______Hotel Staff MANAGER — a person in charge of many people who work in hotels. Guests don’t usually interact with the manager unless there is a severe problem. Example: I can’t believe the way she (the receptionist) yelled at me. I need to speak with the manager. Example 2: ______RECEPTIONIST — This person is found at the front desk/reception. They answer the phones and greet the guests. Example: Receptionists are usually exceptionally nice. Example 2: ______HOUSEKEEPING/HOUSEKEEPERS — These are the people who clean the hotel and its rooms. Example: Housekeepers is usally very friendly but they rarely ever speak English. Example 2: ______
Making Reservations TO BOOK A ROOM — This is the same thing as reserving a room. Example: Let’s book a room in advance. Example 2: ______TO MAKE A RESERVATION — Guests will ask to make a reservation (book a room) when they’d like to stay in the hotel. Example: I’d like to make a reservation for two people in a double room. Example 2: ______VACANCY — This means space is available. Hotels might have a “No Vacancy” sign when they’re full, and a “Vacancy” sign when rooms are still available. Example: There seems to be no vacancy in any of the hotels. Example 2: ______
167 Hotels and Motels Arrival/Check-in CHECK-IN/ CHECK-OUT — When guests arrive at the hotel, they check in to get their room key. On their last morning, they check out to pay their bill. Example: Wake up, Alan! We have to check out by 12pm! Example 2: ______KEY CARD— Most hotels use key cards (that look like credit cards) instead of an actual key to get into the room. Sometimes the magnetic strip on the card gets unactivated, and it won’t open the door correctly. Example: Could I have another key card? I accidentally left mine in my room. Example 2: ______DEPOSIT — This is money that is paid before guests actually stay in the hotel. It’s often used to reserve (hold/save) their place, and there are policies (rules) about what happens to the money if they cancel their reservation. Example: Do I get my deposit back if I cancel my reservation? Example 2: ______MORNING CALL/ WAKE-UP CALL — At many hotels, guests can ask that hotel staff call them at a certain time to wake them up, instead of relying on an alarm clock. Example: I got back to the hotel at 3am. If I hadn’t gotten a wake up call, I wouldn’t have been able to wake up in time for my flight. Example 2: ______NOISY — You might get complaints from guests that a room near theirs is being too loud, or noisy. Example: Our neighbors across the hotel came to tell us we were being too noisy. Example 2: ______LATE CHARGE — If guests check out later than the check-out time, they could have to pay a late charge. Example: Let’s leave by check-out time in order to avoid getting a late charge. Example 2: ______
168 Hotels and Motels Useful Verbs TO AFFORD (permitir el lujo): to be able to pay the price. Example: I can’t afford to stay in a 5-star hotel. Example 2: ______TO ARRIVE (llegar): reach a destination. Example: We will arrive at the hotel at 11pm. Example 2: ______TO BE ASLEEP (estar dormido): sleeping; inactive. Example: We have to check out in 30 minutes but Bill’s still asleep. Example 2: ______TO BE AWAKE(estar despierto): vigilant; alert; not sleeping. Example: I’ve been awake since 7. Example 2: ______TO CARRY (cargar): move someone or something from one place to another. Example: Could someone help me carry my things to my room? Example 2: ______TO COMPLAIN (quejarse): express discontent, grief, pain or dissatisfaction. Example: I’m going to complain to the manager about how dirty the room is. Example 2: ______TO SLEEP IN (dormir tarde): to stay in bed longer than one should. Example: Don’t wake me up for breakfast tomorrow. I’m going to sleep in. Example 2: ______TO STAY (permanecer): remain or lodge in one place temporarily. Example: We stayed at the Marriot. Example 2: ______TO LEAVE A TIP (dar propina): give a small sum for services performed. Example: It’s important to leave a tip for the housekeeper. Example 2: ______TO BE WORN OUT (cansar/agotar): tire; deplete of energy, strength, or patience; make tired. Example: I’m worn out from the long night of driving. Example 2: ______
169 Hotels and Motels Useful Words
AMENITY (comodidad): a desirable or useful feature or facility of a building or place. Example: My favorite amenity of this hotel is the hot tub. Example 2: ______AVAILABLE(disponible): usable, accessible. Example: I called the hotels but there weren’t any rooms available. Example 2: ______LUGGAGE/ BAGGAGE/ BAGS (maletas): a traveler's bags and belongings Example: The bellboy helped me to take my luggage to my room. Example 2: ______BELLBOY (el botones): baggage carrier in a hotel or club. Example: I don’t usually need help from a bellboy. Example 2: ______CHEAP (barato): inexpensive; not costly. Example: The hotel was cheap but so was the service. Example 2: ______FLOOR (piso): a story of a multi level building. Example: My room is on the top floor. Example 2: ______GAP/ SABBATICAL YEAR (año sabático): a year-long break before or after college/university during which students engage in various educational and developmental activities, such as travel or some type of regular work. Example: I’m taking a gap year after college to travel the world and grow culturally. Example 2: ______GROUND/ MAIN FLOOR (planta baja): street level floor; main floor. Example: My room is on the main floor. Example 2: ______
INTERCOM (intercomunicador): an electrical device allowing one-way or two-way communication. Example: You can call the receptionist on the intercom. Example 2: ______LANDSCAPE (paisaje): a view of natural scenery. Example: This hotel has a beautiful landscape. Example 2: ______LOUNGE (sala): a comfortable place for sitting, waiting, drinking, etc. as in a cocktail lounge. Example: The hotel has a beautiful lounge where we can have some drinks while we plan our day. Example 2: ______PEEPHOLE (rendija): a small opening in a wall or door for spying. Example: I always look through the peephole before opening the door of my hotel room. Example 2: ______
170 Hotels and Motels RESORT (complejo turístico): vacation spot with special attractions. Example: I stayed at a beautiful resort in Palm Springs that even had a lake. Example 2: ______VIEW (vista): area of landscape or seascape that can be seen. Example: The hotel has a perfect view of the ocean. Example 2: ______WARY (cuidados): feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems. Example: I am wary of strangers when staying in a motel. Example 2: ______WEARY (cansado): worn out in strength, freshness, or patience. Example: I was so weary that I paid the high price so long as I could finally rest. Example 2: ______
171 Hotel Vocab 1
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Across Down 4. a small bed that folds up and rolls on wheels 1. a piece of material suspended at the top to form a 5. a more comfortable chair with rests for both arms covering 6. small personal items for use in the bathroom 2. worn after a shower and short for bathrobe 9. air conditioning 3. small locked box with a combination or key to 12. free keep items secure 13. moves air around 7. outside platform enclosed by railing 14. keeps a room warm 8. features 15. a mini-kitchen 10. small piece of paper that advertises local attractions 11. cloths on a bed Hotel vocab 2
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Across Down 4. accessible 1. to remain temporarily 6. available space 2. too loud 8. baggage carrier 3. a long passageway with doors on either side that 9. to move from one place to another open into rooms 10. a person in charge of many people 5. where guests are greeted 13. to express dissatisfaction 7. to be able to pay the price 15. money paid before a hotel stay 11. the person found at the front desk 16. small opening for spying 12. the people who clean hotels and their rooms 17. a room where clothes and linens can be washed 14. to reach a destination and ironed Hotels and Motels WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT?
1. The word motel was coined in 1925 when the owner of the Milestone Motor Hotel in San Luis Obispo, California was painting the name of the place on a sign. He noticed that he had miscalculated the number of letters and that he had not left enough space to paint Milestone Motor Hotel so he changed it to Milestone Motel. People accepted the word and it stuck.
2. In the 1600's coffeehouses were popular in England. Men met, much as they do today, to discuss politics, family affairs, and current events. Small brass-bound boxes were placed at the entrance of the coffeehouses with the message: "To Insure Promptness" written on them. Customers were expected to drop a gratuity into the box before being attended. The initials of that phrase is said to be the origin of the English word TIP. Tradition has also changed. Today, it is customary to tip at the end of the service as a reward and not at the beginning as a bribe.
3. The Great St. Bernard Inn, was the first inn to be identified by a particular name. It was established about A.D. 962 and was located in the Swiss Alps for the convenience of travelers and pilgrims on their way to Rome. The Great St. Bernard Inn supplied approximately 70 to 80 beds to weary transients. It was also the first hotel to offer specialized services to travelers. It had dogs that could track down those who had lost their way in the mountains. Can you guess the name of these famous Swiss dogs.
4. The number 13 still plays an important role in the superstitions of modern times. For this reason, in the past, there were no 13th floors in high-rise hotels, condominiums, and apartment or office buildings. Ships, too, had no cabins numbered 13. Why 13? It was the first unknown and, therefore, mysterious number. Man could count easily to ten on his fingers. Ten fingers plus two hands gave him the numbers 11 and 12. And after that? Mystery! This is no longer true. Many of today’s structures include floor number 13. By the way, the abnormal fear of number 13 is called: “triskaidekaphobia.”
5. We seldom consider it as a service of the hotels we stay in, but protection of the guest is perhaps the most important part of hotel service. Based on English common law, hotels were required to accept, without discrimination of any kind, any well-behaved would-be guest, and provide him (and his beast) with shelter and board. They were also required to provide him with protection against robbery, physical harm, or fire. These obligations still exist under American law today and are generally observed by all countries wishing to attract tourists. A place for "his beast" is no longer required but cars should be provided with parking spaces. Liability for any lack of reasonable protection has been greatly limited.
6. Hotel President Wilson (a 5-star hotel in Geneva, Switzerland) is home to the world’s most expensive suite; $80.000 per night. The suite includes the world’s largest flatscreen TV and, of course, the most incredible view of Lake Geneva. (1)
7. Japan is home to the oldest hotels in the world. Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, as it’s called, is a traditional Japanese inn that has been owned by 52 generations of the same family. That’s 52! The first guests here were samurais who enjoyed the hot springs around 1.000 years ago. (1)
8. According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), in 1940, the average hotel room rate was just $3.21. By 2013, that average daily rate had reached $110.89. Sure, that sounds like a pretty big increase, but let's go a little bit further: $3.21 in 1940 converted to today's currency rate (factoring in inflation) is roughly equal to $53.56. So over 73 years, that hotel rate only went up just over 50 percent. Of course, that seems like a low number, but you have to keep in mind that it's just an average. (2)
9. Hotel room amenities include a mini fridge, a microwave oven, and a coffee maker, a television, internet access, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, toiletries (soap, shampoo/ conditioner, shower caps, toothpaste), towels, and room service. Hotel amenities include a continental breakfast, vending machines, fitness room, swimming pool, tennis or basketball court, golf course, and parking. (3)
172 Hotels and Motels
Idiomatic Expressions
TO TRAVEL LIGHT: to not pack many clothes; to take only what is needed. Example: We don’t have much space in the car so travel light. Example 2: ______
TO HIT THE ROAD: to depart Example: Is everyone ready? Let’s hit the road! Example 2: ______
TO CALL IT A DAY: to go back home or to the hotel Example: I’m spent. Let’s call it a day. Example 2: ______
TO GET A MOVE ON: to move quickly Example: Get a move on, Bill! We have to be at the event by 7! Example 2: ______
TO HAVE A FULL PLATE: to have a full schedule; to have no free time Example: I’d love to see you today but I have a full plate. How’s tomorrow? Example 2: ______
BIRGHT AND EARLY: very early in the morning Example: We’re going to start our day with some exercise bright and early. Example 2: ______
IF WORSE COMES TO WORSE: used to introduce the action to take when no other action is successful Example: If worse comes to worse, we can sleep in the car. Example 2: ______
AT BREAK OF DAY or AT DAYBREAK: the time in the morning when daylight first appears; dawn Example: We’ll reach our destination by daybreak. Example 2: ______
TO GET A GOOD NIGHT'S REST or SLEEP: to sleep well at night Example: We have to get up early tomorrow so let’s make sure to get a good night’s rest. Example 2: ______
TO MAKE A NIGHT OF IT: to stay out late into the night having fun Example: It’s our last day on vacation so let’s make a night of it! Example 2: ______
TO PUT UP FOR THE NIGHT: to stay somewhere for the night Example: Let’s look for somewhere to put up for the night. Example 2: ______
173 Hotels and Motels Laugh Out Loud (LOL)
1) John runs a booming 5-star hotel business in his town. One day, a bald headed guy comes to his hotel and asks for Room 690 specifically.
"But sir, that room is already occupied. We could give you another room."
"I'll pay you ten times more. I need that room."
John, obviously lured by the money, gives him the room. But the bald headed guy puts forward another peculiar request.
"I also need a rope and a hammer. I'll pay you as much as I paid for the room for that."
John hands him with the rope and hammer. The bald headed guy goes into the room and doesn't come out until the next morning. He pays as much as he promised and walks away. A curious John checks his room and to his surprise, it was left the same way he gave him.
Few months later, the bald headed guy comes back and asks for the same unusual request but this time promising to pay more. John was very curious this time and stays outside his room the entire night hoping he could figure out what he was upto. To his surprise, he hears absolute silence and nothing else.
The next morning, when the bald headed guy made his payment, John asks him what he's upto.
"I can't tell you that. It's a secret I'll carry with me to my grave."
An year later, the bald headed guy comes back. Takes a rope and hammer and goes into Room 690. John tries his best to hear something, but nothing. He couldn't take it anymore. He asks the bald headed guy next morning.
"I told you. It's a secret I'm not willing to share."
"Please! I need to know what you've been doing. The curiosity is eating me alive!"
After a lot of pleading and begging, the bald headed guy finally decides to reveal the secret.
"But you'll have to promise that you'll take this to your grave."
"Yes! I will! Please tell me the secret!"
"You have to make a very genuine and truthful promise. Will you do that?"
"Yes! I promise!"
"Ok. Here you go."
Well, John turned out to be pretty good at keeping promises.
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2) An American checks into a London hotel having had a bad day. He asks the receptionist where the elevator is.
174 Hotels and Motels He is told the “lift” is around the corner from reception.
The American says “It’s called AN ELEVATOR! WE INVENTED IT!”
The receptionist replies “Yes sir, but we invented the language and so it’s a lift.”
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3) A man and his wife go on holiday and find a hotel for the night When they find one, the manager says they're welcome to stay there but it costs £100 each for the night.
That's a bit outside their budget so they politely turn it down and ask if there's anywhere cheaper in the area.
The manager says "Yes, in fact there is a hotel just up the road and it's only £25 each, but I'll warn you now, there have been many reports of the building being haunted".
The couple don't think anything of it and make their way to the cheaper hotel and when they get there they pay the £25 each and ask the manager about the reported hauntings.
The manager says "Ah that's a load of rubbish! I've been here 300 years and never seen anything!"
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4) Wife (in the hotel room on the hotel’s intercom talking with the receptionist): Hello? Please send maintenance personnel! My husbands about to jump off the window!
Receptionist: Ma’am, why do you need the maintenance personnel? We can send our security staff instead.
Wife: I need maintenance staff because he can’t open the window!
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5) Newspaper reporter: "How is the tourist trade this year?" Hotel manager: "Terrible! Business is so bad that we have instructed our employees to steal back our towels and ashtrays from the guests."
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175 Hotels and Motels Let’s Discuss It
1. Have you ever stayed at a hotel? What was the occasion?
2. What is the difference between a hotel and a motel?
3. What are some pleasant aspects of hotel living? Some unpleasant aspects?
4. Can you sleep well the first night in a hotel or strange bed? What are some things that might bother you?
5. Would you like to live permanently in a hotel? What is the longest period that you would want to stay?
6. Should you tip in a hotel? How often? How much?
7. Do you believe the custom of tipping is dignified for the person receiving the tip?
8. If you were dissatisfied with the hotel service, would you complain to the manager?
9. If you were very pleased with the hotel service, would you compliment the management?
10. What can a hotel offer you that you cannot get at home?
11. Is it really necessary for the bellboy to show you to your room the first time? Why?
12. What would happen if you overstayed your check-out date?
13. How important are restaurants and bars in hotels?
14. Do hotels maintain the same rates all year round?
15. Would you say that hotel services are the same all over the world?
16. Why should you always make a reservation?
17. Do you prefer a large, luxurious hotel or a small family type hotel?
18. What is the difference between maid service and valet service?
19. Have you ever taken (stolen) something from a hotel as a souvenir?
20. What are the advantages and disadvantages of room service?
21. Would you pay $25.00 dollars extra just to have a room with a view of the city, mountains, dessert, or ocean?
22. Do you keep your hotel room door locked at all times? Even when you are occupying the room?
23. Do you always look through the peephole to check who is knocking or do you simply open the door?
24. If the air conditioner in your room was not functioning or kept you awake all night by making too much noise, would you pay the full price for your room?
176 Hotels and Motels 25. If the only room available were on the thirteenth floor, would you take it?
True or False?
1. When you consider all the services available, hotels are not very expensive.
2. A hotel is a home away from home.
3. Hotel and restaurant services began at the same time in history.
4. Chain hotels offer more comfort and better service than independently owned hotels.
5. The more you tip, the better the service.
6. The bellboy shows you to your room to make sure the room is still there.
7. Resort hotels are more expensive than business hotels.
8. It's easier to obtain credit in a hotel than in a bank.
9. Hotel shops are good places to do your shopping.
10. Hotel employees enjoy the holidays more than the guests.
11. If you don't want to, you don't have to fill out a registration card.
12. Theft of towels, light bulbs, lamps, pillows, sheets, knives and forks, cups and saucers, is a major expense of running a hotel.
13. After staying at a hotel a few days, you appreciate your home more.
14. Most hotel employees are courteous and pleasing to the guests.
15. Motel means motor hotel.
177 Hotels and Motels Essay Topics
1. Why I would/would not like to live in a hotel for a long period of time.
2. An interesting experience I have had while staying at a hotel.
3. The services that I would expect to find if I stayed in a five star hotel.
4. Why I prefer a small/large hotel for my vacations.
5. Why I would/wouldn't consider hotel management as a possible career.
178 Hotels and Motels Sources Cited
1. “The big hotel Q&A: 15 facts about hotels.” The Copenhagen Traveler. Posted 18 May 2020.
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