At the hotel

At the Hotel: Spanish Lesson Overview

This lesson focuses on practical Spanish communication used in hotel settings. You will learn how to handle common situations such as checking in, requesting extra services, and reporting issues during a hotel stay. The content is ideal for learners at the A2 level who have basic knowledge of Spanish and want to expand their vocabulary and grasp of essential grammar structures relevant to travel.

Key Grammar Points

• Direct Object Pronouns: lo, la, los, las — used to replace nouns and avoid repetition (e.g., "se lo doy" means "I give it to him/her").
• Indirect Object Pronouns: me, te, le, nos, os, les — used to indicate to whom or for whom an action is done.
• Past Perfect Tense (Pretérito Perfecto): Frequently used to talk about recent actions, such as "he hecho el check-in" (I have checked in).

Common Vocabulary and Phrases

Below are some useful words and expressions, essential for hotel-related conversations:

• La reserva — the reservation
• La llave — the key
• El desayuno — breakfast
• Solicitar — to request (e.g., "solicitar una toalla extra")
• Servicio de despertador — wake-up call service
• El ascensor — elevator
• Registro/check-in — the check-in process
• Habitación — room

Situational Dialogues

The lesson includes practical dialogues for three scenarios:

• Checking in at reception: Asking for identification, receiving the room key, and inquiring about breakfast times.
• Requesting extra services: Ordering additional towels, softer pillows, or arranging a wake-up call and restaurant reservations.
• Reporting problems: Informing the staff about issues like air conditioning or hot water malfunctions and solutions offered.

Useful Cultural and Language Notes

In Spanish, formal and polite communication is important, especially in service-related contexts like hotels. The use of pronouns such as "le" for indirect objects helps maintain politeness and clarity.

Spanish uses definite articles before abstract concepts like meals (el desayuno), which is different from English.

Unlike English, Spanish places direct and indirect object pronouns before the conjugated verb or attached to an infinitive, such as "se lo doy" (I give it to him/her).

Comparing Some Useful Spanish Phrases with English

• "Tengo una reserva a nombre de García." – "I have a reservation under the name García." Literal word order and structure are similar to English.
• "Se la llevaremos a la habitación." – This means "We will bring it to the room." The pronouns "se la" replace a direct and indirect object; English usually requires explicit nouns.
• "¿Puede darme su DNI o pasaporte?" – "Can you give me your ID or passport?" The polite use of "puede" reflects formality common in Spanish customer service.