Learn Italian: A Guide To Learning The Basics of A New Language (2015)
Chapter 5. Booking a Hotel Room
Finding accommodations that will fit your needs, preferences, and, of course, budget, is one of the essential aspects of travelling in a foreign country. Whatever your preferences are, you have to be able to express what you want to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. In this section, you will learn key phrases to find the room, amenities, and services you need when booking hotel accommodations in Italy.
During busy seasons (alta stagione), it’s advisable to make advance reservations. Summer time which lasts from May to August is typically the peak season. Otherwise, if you have time to look around, you might just be able to get yourself a terrific deal in one of the hotels or inns in town.
Unless you’re planning to stay in a luxury hotel, never assume that every room will have a private bath. You have to ask to be sure you will end up in a room with its own toilet and bath.
You will find these words useful in expressing your needs:
Vorrei __________ |
I would like _________ |
Ho bisogno di __________ |
I need _____________ |
Mi serve __________ |
I need _____________ |
Hote and Room features you may ask for:
una camera |
a room |
una singola |
a single room |
una doppia |
a double oom |
__ con letto matrimoniale |
__with a double bed |
__ sul mare |
__on the sea |
__ sul giardino |
__on the garden |
con ___ |
with __ |
__ bagno privato |
__ private bathroom |
__ la vasca da bagno |
__ bathtub |
__ l’aria condizionata |
__ air conditioning |
__ terrazza |
__ terrace |
__ il frigorifero |
__ refrigerator |
__ la televisione |
__ television |
__ con angolo cottura |
__ with kitchenette |
__ il telefono |
__ telephone |
__ l'acqua calda |
__ hot water |
__ogni confort |
__ every comfort |
__bagno condiviso |
__ shared bathroom |
la pensione complete |
full board |
la mezza pensione |
half-board |
servizio sveglia |
wake-up call |
la chiave |
key |
l’ascensore |
elevator |
il riscaldamento |
heat |
il telecomando |
remote control |
il fax |
fax |
la cassaforte |
safe deposit box |
il DVD |
DVD |
il CD |
CD |
You can use the following checklist to see if all necessities are in your room:
la sveglia |
alarm clock |
il portacenere |
ash tray |
la coperta |
blanket |
Le lenzuola |
sheets |
l’asciugacapelli/il fon |
blowdryer |
il guardaroba |
closet |
il lettino |
cot |
la gruccia/la stampella |
hanger |
il ghiaccio |
ice |
i fiammiferi |
matches |
l’acqua minerale |
mineral water |
il cuscino |
pillow |
lo shampoo |
shampoo |
la doccia |
shower |
il sapone |
soap |
la carta da lettere |
stationery |
si fazzoletti di carta |
tissue |
la toilette |
toilet |
la carta igienica |
toilet paper |
l’asciugamano |
towel |
il trasformatore |
transformer |
If you need extra towels, soap, pillows, and other stuff on the list, you will simply add “in più” to request for additional item.
Example:
If you want an extra piece of soap, simply say:
Vorrei un sapone in più, per favore.
Here are facilities that you might find in a hotel or nearby establishments:
il bar |
bar |
l’hotel |
hotel |
l’albergo |
hotel |
la pensione |
inn |
il parcheggio |
parking lot |
la piscina |
swimming pool |
centro benessere |
health club |
l’ascensore |
elevator |
la cassa |
cashier |
il portiere |
doorman |
la domestica |
maid |
il barbiere |
barber |
il sarto |
tailor |
la tintoria |
dry cleaner |
la lavanderia |
laundry service |
il servizio in camera |
room service |
la palestra |
gym |
la sauna |
sauna |
il negozio di regali |
gift shop |
il parrucchiere |
hair dresser |
la farmacia |
pharmacy |
You will find the following key phrases useful in finding the room you want:
Vorrei fare una prenotazione. |
I’d like to make a reservation. |
Avete delle camere? |
Do you have any rooms? |
C'è un parcheggio? |
Is there a car park? |
C'è un ascensore? |
Is there an elevator? |
C'è un ristorante nell'hotel? |
Is there a restaurant? |
C'è connessione ad internet? |
Is there Internet connection? |
Vorrei una stanza con doccia. |
I would like a room with a shower. |
Qual è il prezzo? |
What is the price? |
Restereme per sette notti. |
We’ll be staying for seven nights. |
É inclusa la colazione? |
Is breakfast included? |
Colazione compresa? |
Is breakfast included? |
La prendo. |
I’ll take the room. |
Questa camera è troppo piccola. |
This room is too small. |
Questa camera è troppo buia. |
This room is too dark |
Questa camera è troppo noisy. |
This room is too noisy. |
The receptionist or hotel staff might ask questions or offer requested information:
Sì, per quante persone? |
Yes, for how many people? |
Mi spiace, siamo pieni. |
I’m sorry, we are full. |
Upon check out, the hotel staff may give you an invoice (fattura) or bill (conto). After receiving your payment, you may be given a receipt (ricevuta).