When you need this
Two short conversations bookend every hotel stay. At check-in, the clerk finds your booking, looks at your ID, takes a card, and gives you a key. At check-out, you give the key back, look at the bill, and ask to leave your bags if your flight is late. Both take two minutes if you have the right lines.
One surprise for many travelers: American hotels usually put a hold on your card at check-in, called a deposit or a hold "for incidentals." Incidentals are extras like the minibar or room service. The hold goes away after you leave, but it's normal to ask how much it is.
Phrases
the opening line at the desk
gives the name on the booking
the clerk asks for a passport or driver's license
money the hotel blocks on your card for extras
the plastic card that opens your door
asks if you can go up now
asks the hotel to keep your bags for a few hours
asks when you must leave the room
asks to stay in the room a little longer
the opening line when you leave
questions a charge on the bill
asks for the bill by email
Say it out loud
Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.
Practice · 3 min
Say the line that fits. Situation on the left, one natural line on the right.
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Say it today
Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.