At the Hotel

When people travel, they may stay at hotels, motels, inns, lodges or resorts. But no
matter where you are going to stay it is necessary to remember the following: the first thing
to do is to book a room in advance either by e-mail or telephone. Otherwise you may arrive
at the hotel and be told that there are no vacant rooms.
On arrival at the hotel you should go to the reception desk in the lobby and confirm
your reservation. The clerk will then give you a registration form to fill and sign (the form is
filled in block letters). In smaller hotels you simply sign the visitor’s book and give your
permanent address. The desk clerk will give you out the keys, then a porter or a bell-boy will
take your luggage and show you up to your room.
It may be an outside room facing a beautiful square or you may have a back-room if
you don’t want to be disturbed by the noise of traffic. It may be a single room if you travel
alone and a twin or a double room if you have a companion. Or it may be a suite if you can
afford it.
Rooms in most hotels have all modern conveniences: air-conditioning, a private bath-
room with all the necessary toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste),  towels, linen and a
hairdryer. If you are fond of watching TV, there is usually one with a satellite aerial offering
numerous channels to your liking. A telephone is a must in every room as well as a fridge
with so called “mini-bar”, containing beverages, snacks, alcohol drinks, juices and
chocolate. The charge for using them is added to your bill at check out. The hotels also
provide their guests with the Internet services, although they may come at an additional
price.
Usually hotels offer a lot of facilities such as 24-hour room service, a beauty parlor, a
barber’s shop, a swimming pool, a tennis court, a car rental service, a babysitting service and
so on. You will also find a restaurant and a bar on the premises where one is offered
exquisite cuisine. Remember: the more stars the hotel has, the more facilities are offered and
the more money is charged!
At good hotels they usually have a well-trained staff who will take care of you during
your stay. As a rule, you may ask for any service by telephone. You may also complain
about some problem you have in your room: if a bulb has fused, or the shower is broken, or
the pipe in the bathroom is clogged, or your toilet paper isn’t soft enough. 
If you keep money and jewellery in your room, it is your own responsibility and not
that of the hotel. So it is advisable to keep them in a safety box to make sure they are not
stolen.
The payment for the hotel is made according to the price-list.  Bills are usually paid at
weekly intervals, but you may also pay by the day, on arrival or on departure. Let the hotel
management know well in advance the day and time of your departure. The clerk will then
make your bill ready. You may pay in cash or use a credit card which is more convenient. In
case you need a taxi, it’ll be called. 
When leaving the hotel don’t forget to thank the personnel for the impeccable service
and hospitality!