Vocabulary for hotels and check-in

Core words

Start with the most useful words for this topic. Read the meaning, notice the example, and reuse the phrase in your own sentence.

reception

Meaning: the front desk area where guests check in and ask for help

Example: Please go to reception if you need a taxi.

Tip: You can also hear reception desk in everyday speech.

reservation

Meaning: a booking made before you arrive

Example: I have a reservation for two nights under Maria Silva.

Tip: Use make a reservation when you book a room.

single room

Meaning: a room for one person

Example: I need a single room for one night, please.

Tip: A single room usually has one bed.

double room

Meaning: a room for two people or a room with a double bed

Example: We booked a double room with a city view.

Tip: Some hotels use twin room for two separate beds.

key card

Meaning: a plastic card used to open the hotel room door

Example: The key card is not working. Could you reset it?

Tip: Guests often say room card in casual conversation.

luggage

Meaning: bags and suitcases for travel

Example: Can I leave my luggage here before check-in?

Tip: Luggage is uncountable, so say some luggage, not a luggage.

elevator

Meaning: the machine that takes people up and down in a building

Example: The elevator is next to the restaurant.

Tip: In British English, many people say lift.

breakfast included

Meaning: breakfast is part of the room price

Example: Is breakfast included in the reservation?

Tip: This phrase is very useful when checking what the hotel offers.

Useful phrasal verbs

These verb combinations appear often in natural conversations, so they are worth memorizing as full expressions.

check in

Meaning: to arrive at the hotel and officially receive your room

Example: We can check in after 3 p.m.

Tip: The opposite action is check out.

check out

Meaning: to leave the hotel and pay or return the key

Example: We need to check out before noon.

Tip: Hotels often say late check-out when you can leave later.

fill out

Meaning: to complete a form with your information

Example: Could you fill out this guest form, please?

Tip: You can fill out a form, a card, or a document.

pick up

Meaning: to collect something

Example: You can pick up clean towels at reception.

Tip: Travelers often use pick up for luggage, tickets, and keys.

Questions you can ask

Practise these ready-made questions so you can react faster in real conversations.

What time is breakfast served?

When to use it: Use this when you want to know the breakfast schedule.

Could I have the Wi-Fi password, please?

When to use it: Use this at reception or when you arrive in your room.

Can you store my luggage after check-out?

When to use it: Use this when your flight or bus leaves later in the day.

Could someone help me with the air conditioner?

When to use it: Use this when something in the room is not working.

Is early check-in possible today?

When to use it: Use this when you arrive before the normal check-in time.

Could you call a taxi for me, please?

When to use it: Use this when you need transport from the hotel.

Quick practice

Use these short exercises to check the lesson before you move on.

Practice

Complete the sentence: I have a ______ for three nights under Daniel Costa.

Reservation is the normal noun for a booking that already exists.

Practice

What phrasal verb means to arrive and receive your room at the hotel?

Check in is the standard travel phrasal verb used at hotels and airports.

Practice

Choose the better question: What time breakfast? / What time is breakfast served?

The second version is the complete and natural question.

Practice

Correct the sentence: Can I leave my luggages here?

Luggage is normally uncountable in English.