Useful Phrases for Hotel Services and Requests

Traveling often means staying in hotels, and one of the most important skills you can develop as a traveler is the ability to communicate your needs clearly. Whether you are asking for extra towels, checking the Wi-Fi password, or arranging a late checkout, knowing the right English phrases will make your stay smoother and more enjoyable. This guide will cover useful English phrases for hotel services and requests, categorized by different situations.

1. General Requests at the Front Desk

The front desk is usually the first place to go when you need help in a hotel. Here are some polite ways to make requests:

• “Could you please help me with …?”

• “I would like to request …”

• “Is it possible to …?”

• “Can I have … delivered to my room?”

Examples:

• “Could you please help me book a taxi for tomorrow morning?”

• “I would like to request a wake-up call at 6:30 AM.”

• “Is it possible to have an extra pillow sent to my room?”

• “Can I have my room cleaned later today?”

These phrases are polite and professional, making it easier for hotel staff to understand your needs.

2. Housekeeping Requests

Housekeeping staff are responsible for cleaning and restocking your room. If you need something specific, you can say:

• “Could I have some extra towels, please?”

• “Can you bring me more shampoo and soap?”

• “I would appreciate it if you could change the sheets.”

• “Could you clean my room while I’m out?”

• “May I borrow an iron and ironing board?”

Examples in conversation:

• Guest: “Hello, I need some extra hangers. Could you bring them to Room 512?”

• Housekeeping: “Of course, we’ll deliver them shortly.”

3. Room Service Phrases

Many hotels offer food and drinks directly to your room. To order room service, you can say:

• “I would like to order room service, please.”

• “Could you send me the menu?”

• “I’d like to order a cheeseburger and a soda.”

• “How long will the food take to arrive?”

• “Can I have breakfast delivered to my room at 8 AM?”

Polite follow-up:

• “Thank you very much. Please charge it to my room.”

4. Laundry and Dry Cleaning

Hotels often provide laundry or dry-cleaning services. Useful phrases include:

• “Do you have same-day laundry service?”

• “I would like to have these clothes washed and pressed.”

• “Can you dry clean this suit by tomorrow?”

• “What time will the laundry be returned?”

Example request:

• “Could you arrange to have my shirts ironed by this evening?”

5. Transportation Requests

Hotels usually assist with transportation, including taxis, shuttles, and private cars.

• “Could you call a taxi for me?”

• “I need a ride to the airport at 5 AM tomorrow.”

• “Is there a hotel shuttle service to the city center?”

• “How much is the fare to the train station?”

• “Could you recommend a reliable car rental service?”

Example conversation:

• Guest: “Can you arrange an airport transfer for two people at 4 PM?”

• Receptionist: “Yes, I’ll confirm the booking right away.”

6. Special Services and Amenities

Hotels often provide special services like gym access, spa reservations, or guided tours.

• “Is the swimming pool open now?”

• “Could you book a massage appointment for me?”

• “I would like to reserve a table at the hotel restaurant.”

• “Can I borrow an adapter for my laptop charger?”

• “Do you provide babysitting services?”

7. Problems and Complaints

Sometimes things go wrong during a stay. It’s important to express problems politely but clearly.

• “Excuse me, but the air conditioner in my room isn’t working.”

• “I’m sorry, but there seems to be a mistake with my bill.”

• “Could you please fix the TV? It isn’t turning on.”

• “The Wi-Fi in my room is very slow. Can you check it?”

• “I would like to request a different room. The one I’m in is too noisy.”

Example polite complaint:

• “Good evening. I’m afraid my shower is leaking. Could someone come to repair it?”

8. Check-Out and Billing Requests

When you’re preparing to leave the hotel, you may need to confirm billing or request additional services.

• “I would like to check out, please.”

• “Can I have a late check-out at 2 PM?”

• “Could you prepare my bill?”

• “Can I leave my luggage here until my flight?”

• “Could you email me a copy of the receipt?”

Example conversation:

• Guest: “Can I check out but keep my luggage here until 6 PM?”

• Front Desk: “Yes, of course. We’ll store it safely for you.”

9. Useful Polite Words and Expressions

Politeness goes a long way in hotel communication. Always include:

• “Please”

• “Thank you very much”

• “I appreciate your help”

• “That would be great”

• “Sorry to bother you”

Example polite phrase:

• “I would really appreciate it if you could arrange a taxi for me.”

10. Quick Reference List of Common Requests

Here is a quick set of short, useful phrases:

• “Can I have a wake-up call at 7 AM?”

• “Could you bring me some extra blankets?”

• “Is breakfast included in my stay?”

• “Can you recommend a good local restaurant?”

• “Could you print this document for me?”

• “Can I borrow an umbrella?”

• “Do you have a safety deposit box?”

• “Could you change some money for me?”

• “Can you help me send a fax/email?”

• “Is there a doctor available on call?”

Final Tips

1. Be clear and polite – Always use phrases like “Could you please…” or “I would like to request…”

2. Repeat your room number – Hotel staff need to know which room to deliver items to.

3. Check cultural norms – In some countries, tipping hotel staff is expected, while in others it is optional.

4. Write it down if needed – If English is not your strong point, write your request on paper to show the staff.

Conclusion

Knowing the right English phrases for hotel services and requests can make your travel experience more comfortable and stress-free. Whether you are asking for extra amenities, booking transportation, or resolving an issue, polite and clear communication helps ensure that your needs are met quickly. Practice these phrases before your trip, and you’ll feel more confident and independent when staying at hotels around the world.

FAQ:Useful Phrases for Hotel Services and Requests

What are polite ways to make a request at a hotel?

Polite, clear language helps staff respond quickly. Helpful starters include: “Could you please…,” “Would it be possible to…,” “I’d like to request…,” and “May I have….” Example sentences: “Could you please send two extra towels to Room 714?” “Would it be possible to arrange a wake-up call at 6:30 AM?” Keep your tone friendly, add “please” and “thank you,” and include your room number at the end to avoid back-and-forth.

How do I ask for housekeeping items like towels, toiletries, or hangers?

Use short, specific requests: “Could I have two bath towels and one hand towel, please?” “May I have shampoo, conditioner, and a toothbrush kit delivered to Room 305?” “Could you bring 5 extra hangers?” If you prefer a drop-off time, add it: “Any time after 3 PM is fine.” If you don’t need a full cleaning, say: “No cleaning needed—just fresh towels, please.”

How can I request room cleaning or use Do Not Disturb effectively?

To schedule cleaning: “Could you clean my room between 11 AM and 1 PM?” To skip it: “No service today, please, but could you leave fresh water at the door?” For privacy, hang the Do Not Disturb sign and call the front desk if you still need supplies: “I have DND on—may I pick up towels at the desk?” For sensitive times: “Please avoid cleaning during my work call from 2–3 PM.”

What phrases should I use to order room service and check timing?

Begin with: “I’d like to order room service, please.” Ask for the menu if needed: “Could you send a digital menu to my email/WhatsApp?” Place precise orders: “One chicken salad without onions and a bottle of still water.” Confirm timing and charges: “How long will delivery take?” “Please charge it to Room 512.” For breakfast scheduling: “Could I have the American breakfast at 7:45 AM with coffee and fruit?”

How do I ask about Wi-Fi, the password, or internet problems?

Try: “What’s the Wi-Fi network name and password?” For issues: “The Wi-Fi in Room 921 is very slow—could you reset the router or suggest a stronger network?” If you need help with work calls: “Is there a wired connection or a quiet area with stronger internet for a video meeting at 10 AM?” To escalate: “May I speak with IT or a technician? My VPN cannot connect.”

What should I say for laundry and dry-cleaning services?

Ask about options and deadlines: “Do you offer same-day laundry or express service?” “What time is the cutoff for next-day return?” When handing items: “I’d like these shirts washed and pressed, and this jacket dry cleaned.” Confirm details: “Could you remove this small stain if possible?” “Please use low heat for the cotton sweaters.” Always check pricing: “May I see the laundry price list before proceeding?”

How do I request a wake-up call, late checkout, or early check-in?

Wake-up calls: “Could I get a wake-up call at 6:10 AM and again at 6:20 AM, just in case?” Late checkout: “Would a 1 PM late checkout be possible? If there’s a fee, please let me know.” Early check-in: “I’m arriving around 9 AM. If my room isn’t ready, could you store my luggage and text me when it is?” Offer flexibility: “I can switch to a similar room if it’s available now.”

What phrases help with transportation: taxis, rides, or airport transfers?

Clear requests work best: “Could you arrange an airport transfer for two people at 4 PM?” “Is there a hotel shuttle to the city center, and how often does it run?” Verify costs and timing: “How much is the approximate fare to the train station, and how long will it take at this time?” Safety tip: “Please book a licensed taxi and share the plate number with me.”

How do I book amenities like the gym, pool, spa, or restaurant?

Ask about hours and rules first: “What are the gym hours, and is a reservation required?” “Is the pool heated and open for laps in the morning?” For spa and dining: “Could you book a 60-minute massage at 5 PM?” “Please reserve a table for two at 7:30 PM by the window.” Dietary notes: “Do you have vegetarian or gluten-free options?” Always confirm: “May I have a confirmation by text?”

How can I report problems (A/C, noise, billing) politely but firmly?

Use a calm structure: 1) describe the issue, 2) impact, 3) desired action. Example: “The air conditioner in Room 412 isn’t cooling, and I have an early meeting. Could maintenance check it now or move me to a similar room?” Noise: “There’s loud music from next door after midnight. Could security assist and ensure quiet hours are observed?” Billing: “I believe there’s a minibar charge I didn’t make—could we review the bill together?”

What can I say if I need a different room or an upgrade?

State your reason and be flexible: “My room faces the street and is quite noisy. Would it be possible to switch to a higher floor or a courtyard view?” For upgrades: “If there are any complimentary or paid upgrade options tonight, I’d be interested. Could you let me know the price difference?” Add context when helpful: “I’m staying six nights and need reliable sleep for work calls.”

How do I store luggage, request a scale, or handle parcels?

Luggage: “Could you store my bags until 6 PM after I check out?” “May I borrow a luggage scale?” Parcels: “I’m expecting a package—could you receive it and let me know when it arrives?” Clarify fees and IDs: “Are there storage or handling fees, and do I need to show ID to collect?” For valuables: “Do you have a safe at reception for a small laptop?”

What phrases should I use for payments, deposits, and receipts?

At checkout: “Could you please prepare my bill and itemize any extras?” Charging: “Please charge the dinner to my room.” Deposits: “Is a security deposit required, and can it be held on a credit card?” Receipts: “Could you email a detailed receipt to my address on file?” Currency and rates: “What exchange rate do you use for foreign cards, and can I pay in local currency?”

How do I ask for local recommendations and safety tips?

Get tailored advice: “Could you recommend a family-friendly restaurant within walking distance?” “What’s the safest route to the night market?” “Are there any areas I should avoid late at night?” Timing matters: “Is it safe to walk back after 10 PM, or should I take a taxi?” For tours: “Do you have a trusted guide for a half-day city tour tomorrow?”

What can I say if there’s a language barrier or I’m not understood?

Keep sentences short and slow: “Extra towels, please. Two. Room 603.” Ask for confirmation: “Could you repeat that slowly?” Offer alternatives: “May I write it down?” “Can we use a translation app?” Request another contact: “Is there someone who speaks Japanese/Spanish I could speak with?” End with gratitude: “Thank you for your patience—I appreciate your help.”

Can you give me quick sample dialogues I can reuse?

Wake-up & taxi: “Hello, this is Room 815. Could I have a wake-up call at 5:45 AM and a taxi at 6:15 AM to the airport? Please confirm by text.”

Laundry: “Hi, I’d like same-day laundry for these items. Could you wash and press the shirts and dry-clean the jacket? May I have the total cost estimate?”

Noise issue: “Good evening, Room 422. There’s loud noise next door after 11 PM. Could security help, or can I move to a quieter room?”

Billing: “Hi, I see a minibar charge I didn’t make. Could we review the bill together and correct it? I’d appreciate an updated receipt by email.”

What final tips help me sound natural and get faster help?

Be specific (what + how many + when + room number), keep requests polite, and confirm next steps: “So, you’ll send two pillows to Room 327 within 15 minutes—thank you!” If the first contact can’t assist, escalate kindly: “May I speak with a supervisor or duty manager?” Ending with appreciation motivates great service: “Thanks so much for your help—I really appreciate it.”

Travel English Guide for Beginners